Cant take it anymore.. I really want this cobra!!

[rocketjawa]

I have ALWAYS thought the Albino Monocled Cobra (I just found out its name today... I fell in love with it from a box its picture is on for heat pads) was the prettiest snake I had ever seen...

I think it is going to be my goal to keep as a "first" hot... I have lots of experience with Green Tree Pythons.. a very fast and aggressive species, so I am not 'green' to snake keeping..

ANy advise you could give?/ I am not going to rush into it.. I want to read everything I can first.....

The bottom line is, I am a responsable pet / snake owner who really would like this 'first hot', and I am asking the good people of this forum to please help me prepare myself so I can best keep this snake in an environment that is both safe for the animal and myself.

Thank you,
Tyler

[Big_V]

First suggestion is to look at the legality of the species. Look into the legal aspect of keeping such an animal, especially the liability if it gets out and hurts someone. You have to remember that these animals can potentially kill you and cause huge amounts of pain to you or loved ones that are bitten. If you still think your ready for one Id really get involved in talks with other people who keep the species and try to get some hands on experience with the snake before you bring it home. In my opinion its better to learn from watching someone else than just learning on the fly.
I know how you feel wanting to keep this species, its one beautiful animal. I too wanted to get either a monocaled cobra or a gaboon but the risks weighed to high for me to keep them. Good luck on your decisions to come.

[Vanan]

I don't think people can tell you if you're ready or not. It's you who should know if you're ready. Equipment and venomisation protocol aside, it's more a mind thing. Are you ready to look death in it's face? Are you ready to risk your life and the lives of your loved ones? Are you ready to take on an animal which you can't easily dispose of? You'd need to find the right home (venomous-ready) for it. Are you ready to be broke for a long time if there's a need to be hospitalized and antivenin be used? Many questions you should ask yourself first.

I'll leave it to the pros to ask you the more technical stuff. Good luck and all the best!

[rocketjawa]

Well.. I know enough not to be "scared" of them.. but at the same time, i know to "respect" them..

Thats why I am asking here. I am definately not one of those "I want it so Ill buy it now, then get sick of it in a month and give it away" type of pet owners...

So if I DO do it, I want to do it correctly and safely.

[monicle]

I would first give you advice on keeping something with a lot less venom first. I personally have a beautiful albino..But could not imagine starting off this way..We satrted off with copperheads.. You also would not be playing with this snake on any sort on basis. You need tons of rats to man.. They are eating machines. We have our in a custom built tank with locks on it..Padlocks..If you need any info e-mail me..

[Matt]

I know that when someone is set on somethings its hard to talk them out of it, so Im not going to preach to you, i will only offer my opinion being someone that has experience with vipers and elapids....

a monocle cobra IS NOT even remotely a good choice for a first hot. keeping GTPs does nothing to prepare you for a monocle. Again, just my opinion, but you would be making a huge huge mistake....this is not something you want to rush into, be patient, learn first and get something easier first.

[rocketjawa]

Matt - Yes.. I realize that.. My worry is I dont want to buy something I just dont want.. ya know???

I dont want to get a less ven. snake, then after a few years when I decide Im ready for the cobra, just end up with a snake I never really wanted to begin with?? Is that making sence???

[Vanan]

It is commendable by some to get what you like not just a good beginer snake recommended by most. The best saying is, the best beginner hot is always someone else's. Do you have any friends who own hots whom you can watch and learn from? Also, equipment wise you'd need hooks, tubes, secure caging (and I don't mean a strong screen lid), secure room.

I'm sure you'll find this info without a problem as there are quite a few good and friendly hot keepers around.

I do have to say that I'm glad to see that you're asking/learning about owning one, before actually getting one. Not many are as smart as to do so.

[rocketjawa]

Thank you..
My cousin is a biologist and works with all kinds of hots... Being in Ca. its hard to find them as 'pets'..

I am going to ask him if I can come spend some time at the lab he works in and see what they are like, etc...

[BOAS_N_PYTHONS]

ROCKETJAWA:

Wow your starting a heated debate.
I myself have no experience with "hots" and see I will never own any no matter what. My passion is like my alias and even people would say they would not get into what I like, but I understand your drive to own this cobra.

If anything it is eating at you, in your dreams, always in your thoughts and that is all fine. You even state to Matt that you do not want to grow slowly into this hobby with something less dangerous and something not even wanted. But people here are trying to show you a different view away from the one you see because you are not looking at it from 2 sides. This hobby "hot" is for the most experienced keepers who deal in all the circumstances that can possibly happen.........its no secret snakes bite and some do real damage, but when its "hots" that damage can be fatal as well. I am sure you realise this but the craving to own a cobra without prior experience in less dangerous "hots" is clouding your future in the hobby.

My opinion is do alot of research, email all the pros in this hobby of "hots", if you know direct people with "hots" that you can see and learn from them, and like Vanan stated get a used less dangerous "hot" from those sources, and when you have some experience with a few options out there then the dream of this cobra will be reality.

I mean why do you want/need this cobra so fast....what is available today will be there tomorrow - something I try and live by most of the time.

But for all I know I am just wasting my time adding my 2 cents, and even though you had Green Tree Pythons..........that is not even close to owning a cobra, I rather get tagged 100 times by my GTPs than a close call with a cobra.

Ouch Corey pretty much said what the end result will be if you misjudge that cobra once.

Cya...

Tony

[rocketjawa]

Thats just it.. I am not RUSHING into it.. I dont want it Tomorrow..... That is why I am asking here, going to spend time at my cousins lab, etc...

Trust me, I have learned the values of patience. I am planning out a cage design, going to buy some books today... etc...

You have to start learning SOMEWHERE.. and I figured it would do me the best good to just come right out, state my experience, and say my goal.

ie: My name is Tyler, I want a cobra, I have no HOT experience but I have GTP experience.. How can I get from where I AM to where I want to BE.

I also didnt mean to infer to Matt that I wasnt willing to have a "starter" snake.. I just dont want an animal that I really dont want...... not for MY sake, but for the animals sake...

I found Coreys comment to be not only rude but uncalled for, since the whole thread was perfectly civil until it.

I have read plenty of "I want my first hot to be a gaboon" threads here and I KNOW how the hot community feels about people rushing into it "unarmed"

[Kimo]

I'm gonna have to agree here...Coreys remark was TOTALLY uncalled for. All i can gather from this thread is that an individual wants to learn...and is more than willing to put in the sweat to achieve a goal, wich is commendable. And I can see where he's coming from in regards to owning another "Hot" before he gets into this cobra...he seems more concerned about this "Easier Hots" life and care...and stated as much as a responce. Lets suppose he goes out and buys a Copper, then after say a few years moves onto this Cobra...what the hell do you do with a snake that he was never intrested in, let alone a "Hot" one? How hard will it be to find a home for this snake? personally the way i see it, is this individual is weighing all the info here, and trying to make the best choice for his snake, and himself....so where exactly does someone get the right to slander him and his goals?

take a lesson here from RocketJawa....weigh all the info first before you open your mouth.

If it wasn't for the few people here that genuinely want to help people ie. Boas_N_Pythons, BoidKeeper, Stockwell, Cranwill, and the rest of you (whom im sure you know who you are) I'd leave this site due to the individuals whom think they're better than everyone else.

Lets Get Back To Helping This Guy Now!

Josh

P.s. RocketJawa all i gotta say is good on ya! and research research research, but you already know that :p

[TheRedDragon]

Agreed. Starting with a Monocle Cobra is not recommended. Most hot keepers would agree. ONE mistake, and you could be paying with either your life or a painful, nasty injury that you'd have to live with. Start with something less agressive, and when you've gained more experience (as in YEARS of hands-on experience with hots), then you could consider getting that cobra. Good for you for taking the time to do the research that is required before obtaining a hot. Keep in mind too; if you can handle one of your regular agressive snakes and not get tagged at ALL, then you're off to a decent start.

[rocketjawa]

Kimo-
Thank you SO much for the kind words... You can trust me when I say that THIS is one "will be" hot keeper that will do it the way it should be.. and you explained my "starter snake" reasoning perfectly... Its not like getting a corn snake to prepare you for a Python.. Its easy to find a corn a home.. But not a large, agressive rattler, etc...

Red - If GTPs were vemonous, I would be dead 10 times now :) But GTPs are notoriously snippy, and all my bites were caused by risks I Would NOT take with a Cobra.. Ie:... I moved the water dish my GTP was hanging by at night when her heat sensors were full blast.. etc...

I have had dangerous animals before that I had to be cautious with.. one being a 4 foot African Lungfish (one of the few fish that can actually bite off a finger!) that I had to feed carefully and watch well EVERY time I cleaned the tank... etc... He never bit me :)

[Kimo]

i think you mentioned your cousin does this sort of stuff for a living right? well see if you can get in with him as a volounteer, help clean the place or somthing in exchange for knowledge...or take my approach, show up at his place with a 24 and get him nice and toasty. and bring up his job in a conversation...he should do the rest! lol

But just for the record...i know sweet nothing about "Hots"
just trying to give a helping hand for whatever it's worth.

Josh

**edited because i realized it was his cousin, not his uncle **

[cantil]

I have to concur with my compatriots on the forum on this, don't start with a monacled. Now I'm not going to say start with a copper (although this is frequently the best choice) because their really is no point in getting animals that don't interest you but if elapids what you want to get into 1) definately work with them at your uncles facility under supervision and 2) maybe start with aspidelaps to familiarize yourself with elapid movement and behaviour.

With regards to gtp's and lungfish, to restate a point made frequently on this forum, nothing but HOT snakes prepare you for HOT snakes. Neither a lungfish nor a gtp will chase you around a room if they're pissed, etc. And behaviours like reaching in to change water bowls etc are things which can't simply be turned off but have to be trained out of so not doing anything without the right tool is second nature.

On a side note, a bite from a gtp can cause severe and permanent damage to your hand so you really should avoid them at all costs not least because it may also do damage to the gtp by breaking off teeth etc.

Just my two cents cheers :)

[Vanan]

It's funny how the non-hot keepers are ready to jump down someone's throat when the actual hot keepers remain calm. Shows enough who should own hots and who shouldn't.

BTW, Corey, ease up. Try sleeping more to get over the jetlag.

I'm still waiting for an actual hot keeper to help this guy out and not just talk him out of it.

rocketjawa, have you looked into the legalities of owning a venomous animal in your state? Might wanna look into that first.

[cantil]

Vanan, and this is just a personal opinion, I think the first thing you should do with anyone looking at hots is try to talk them out of it. This will cause them to carefully consider and reevaluate their motivations and dedication to the undertaking. But, and again just my two cents, I do think larger cobras are inappropriate starter hots which is why I recommend the aspidelaps. Their great little cobras with loads of personality, relatively low toxicity, and are a good intro to elapid behaviour.
I believe, again just an opinion, that a fast, agile, flighty, lethal snake which can exceed five feet is just not a common sense starter hot.

[cantil]

Vanan, and this is just a personal opinion, I think the first thing you should do with anyone looking at hots is try to talk them out of it. This will cause them to carefully consider and reevaluate their motivations and dedication to the undertaking. But, and again just my two cents, I do think larger cobras are inappropriate starter hots which is why I recommend the aspidelaps. Their great little cobras with loads of personality, relatively low toxicity, and are a good intro to elapid behaviour.
I believe, again just an opinion, that a fast, agile, flighty, lethal snake which can exceed five feet is just not a common sense starter hot.

Just trying to be cautiously helpful, questions about specific care of a monacled would no doubt receive a different set of answers from the hot keepers on this forum. I think sometimes the generic "should I keep, I'm starting out" phrasing leads to some of the answers which may not be as helpful/appropriate as they could be.

[Vanan]

No offense to you cantil, a least you did mention working with Aspidelaps.

[leoncurrie]

I really can't voice my opinion on whether or not you should get a cobra because I have never worked with this species. I will say this though.... experience is your best learning tool. Maybe getting some experience with less dangerous "Hots" would be an avenue you might want to consider.

On a second note... Based on how you are doing things, ie asking questions, doing research, ect... I think you certainly have a good enough head on your shoulders... and that is a great start.


edited:spelling

[rocketjawa]

I just looked up some photos of the Aspidelaps species.. They are very good looking snakes, although they, to me, lack the large 'wings' of the cobra that are really what make them so, almost, hypnotic.

Im not against a starter HOT, I just want to find one that I will be really into, and not just think of as "cobra training material"..

[rocketjawa]

What about one of these:
The dusky Pigmy Rattlesnake..

I like it and it seems like it might make a good starter HOT...


http://ntri.tamuk.edu/herpetarium/viperidae/s.m.barbouri/smbarbouri.htm

[Gregg M]

Hello there.... I would like to point out a couple of things before I give any advice here..... The reason why it is hard to find "PET" cobras in CA is, #1 venomous snakes are not and never will be pets and #2 it is against the law in any and every county or town in CA to keep any exotic venomous species..... I hope you when you say Ca you mean California and not Canada......LOL If you live in Canada, Ignor that part....... But there are some areas in Canada where it is also against the law to keep venomous species...... So in other words, Know you local laws.....

Now on to the advice part...... The best thing to do is to work with someone that keeps the kind of snake you want to keep..... This person should be a very experianced and a safty minded person...... This person should know all aspects of hot keeping and not teach you any bad habits or short cuts.....

Work with this person until you are 100% sure you are up for maintaining and safely handling the species you wish to keep..... You should also put into consideration what the person teaching you thinks of your abilities...... If he/she feels you are not ready to handle the responsibility and risks that come along with maintaining a hot collection you should listen.....

Some people say "you need to work with this type of animal for atleast this many years, and then you can get a cobra"...... I say that is BS....... Everyones state of mind and ability to learn is different therefore nobody is the same and neither is the "time table".....

I know you think you know what you are in for but you actually do not have a clue...... No one really does at first...... You will not know until you have handled and helped to maintain someone elses collection....... Aggressive non venomous snake DO NOT prep you for a hot snake..... All it takes is one mistake to ruin your existance...... You or someone you love can be seriously injured or killed....... Hospital bills can run upwards of $50,000...... Also inexperianced keepers and people who keep them illegaly are a part of the reason why venomous snake keeping could soon be on its way out..... Accidents do happen and they have happend to the best...... Just try to keep these things in mind before you go ahead and buy a cobra......

Another thing to think about is the cost of keeping, feeding, caging, handling equipment, your own AV stock, medicating and vet bills....... It adds up big time..... Thousands more than what your actual snake will cost.......

Good luck and I hope your venture into venomous snakes is a great and enjoyable one......

Gregg M

[David Kwok]

If you want some experience with hots you can get a venomoid first and when you get use to "reading" a cobra you can get the real thing. Just b/c the venom sacs are removed doesn't mean you go out of your way to get tagged though :)

Happy Hunting!

Dave

[Azxtmereptiles]

We have several "hots" now and have played with the Monocles too. These snakes are very aggressive and it takes alot of dealing with a less aggressive "hot" than to go right into a Monocle.Try first to set up your cage get all you nessasities and buy yourself a "hot" a snake you like second most .make sure the cage you build holds all the needs a Cobra must have ..very similiar to other Desert "hots" make sure the cage is going to have no flaws ,make sure it is easy to work with the snake when you must,such as feeding time or cleaning time the snake must then be handled to remove it from the cage make sure you have this cage set up right so when you do decide you have learned enough that you feel you can handle them and are set up perfect .becouse there is no mistake to be made with the venom of a Monocle.With buying your second best you will be teaching yourself exactly how to work with these guys,hands on is they only true teacher ,along with proper knowledge..

[Mustangrde1]

What Gregg said si 100% correct. I am sorry I wasnt able to reply sooner but Hurricane preperations has had me busy.

Let me first talk about that.

Rocket. In preperation for this hurricane i just had to bag my entire collection thats 78 total hots not by any means a fun experiance and very deadly. If you are in an area of the world prone to disasters this is something you may have to do so please keep that in mind.

I do keep numerous species of cobras and will give you this advice even though its been said already it really is true. FIND SOMEONE with the species you wish to own and work with them for awhile and learn some of the in's and outs.

I keep GTP's as well and they are not even in the legue of a Naja. Naja's are very smart animals and have the ability to learn and adapt. They have speed that is impressive and despite people saying they can only strike one direction it is completely false.

You might and probably have heard numerous things about these species"Naja" and beleiving them can kill you. Training under a person with experiance is the best solution.

I commend you on not wanting to start off with a snake you do not like or want. However buy a cobra to have a cobra is very dangerous and foolish without any hands on" so to speak " knowledge.

The caging you may use for GTP's or other non-venomous are imo not suitable without modifications and safety protocal.

If your area is legal to own them, by all means get the experiance and knowledge and fullfill your dream. Keep in mind however even some of the worlds best keepers and scientist have died from one mistake.

This is one of my kids and was picked out after looking through litterally thousands of them so take your time in finding one as well. and good luck

[reptiguy420]

just remember the 1st time you stop respecting this animal......your gonna pay for it dearly...good luck

[BoidKeeper]

Any more flaming from anyone and the thread will be closed. If you can't offer something constructive don't bother posting. State you mind but keep the cheap shots to yourself.
Cheers,
Trevor

[Alien_Regalis]

I dont know if anyone has brought it up yet but in California, where Rocketjawa is located, ALL hots are illegal. This includes cat eyed snakes, boomslangs, mangroves and I believe vines also. All venomous dealers are aware of californias ban and will not ship to that state. I believe you can keep native venomous though...up to two?

[Big_V]

Rocketjawa-
I think a good idea would be to read an article from the first venomous issue Reptiles Magazine put out. The August 2002 issue is completely dedicated to hots and their care. The article, "Safety Tips for Venomphiles" would be a very valuable thing to read in your quest for getting into hot snakes. It touches on the In's and Out's of hot keeping, and im sure it will prove valuable to your final decision.
Ive read this article countless times by now because Ive always had the itch to get into hot snakes but after reading it many times Ive realised the huge responsibility you will have and the financial one at that too. Caging and the snake arent the only things you will be spending alot of money on. Safety is the number one issue, and cant be stressed enough because you only get one shot at life.

[ChurleR]

Dusky Pygmies are cute and small, but not to be underestimated. Sometimes they can be picky eaters and their venom is drop for drop more potent than an Eastern Diamondback's, they just have alot less to inject. Just work with your cousin and decide which snake you want as a starter hot, even though personality varies from individual to individual. Just stay safe.

[rocketjawa]

Hello again..
Thank all of you for the advise...

Corey.. if you have a problem with me, how about bringing it up in a PM.. unless you are being a ***** and adding useless posts just so the thread gets closed.

For the more mature members - I appreciate and respect all of your oppinions and even though the naja is my dream snake.. I am going to take ALL of your advise and start with a more beginer species once I find one more to my liking...

And for the best part.. CALIFORNIA....
Yes,, Hots are illegal.. so are almost everything... but let me explain something that you would only understand if you have lived here for your entire life like I have...

California is a state which is literally based on lowest comon denominators of sence and practicality.

the government here makes rules based literally taking into accout the person with the lowest IQ they can find... and protects them.

For instance, our 5 gallon buckets have warnings on them saying "Dont stick your head in here, you may drown".. and guess what?? theya re also in SPANISH.

Our public schools are a disgrace because California has so many non english speaking children, that instead of pushing them to learn English ( that would be taking away their culture.. blah blah.... teacher fired for racism) they teach at the SLOWEST level possible so the least capable child learns, but NO other children learn a thing.. thats why California schools rank in some of the lowest in the country.. even though California is the 6th largest economy in the world....

My point in this is: I do NOT want to live by rules by the govt. to protect me from myself. I am a responsable person with a good job, that pays my taxes.. hence, if i feel that i want a hot, i will drive to Nevada or Arizona to get one.

Like I said, unless you live here, you may not understand.. This is the state that was pro Ebonics, and where a woman can sue for burning her lips on coffee that a minute before she complained was too cold.

Sorry if that seemed like a rant.. It just bugs me A LOT.
Piranah and Snakehead fish are illegal also, but right across the Nevada border they are in any pet store for 2 bucks each.. Does the Ca. weather suddenly make them such a threat to society that once over an imaginary border they are man killers? no. It is rules put in place by people who do not understand, yet feel they have the right to speak for everyone.

I know a lot of you are very anit "keeping HOTS in non HOT areas".. but a hot is deadly whereever it is..And I would rather be a responsible owner smuggling one into Ca., than know that some irresponsable owner in AZ can just go get one through the internet.

[emilsmee]

i apologize if i add to the negativity but there is no such thing as a responsible smuggler. if someone finds out you have these animals and tells the authorities, they can take them from you and destroy them. and you can't blame them because those laws are a warning. if you don't heed them, it's your fault, not theirs that your snake is dead and gone.
hots are illegal for a reason. they're made to compensate for the fact that yeah you're probubly responsible enough to keep them, but even the most responsible and careful people can make mistakes, they just don't want that mistake to be made with a hot snake. you're acting like you've never made a mistake in saying that the laws are bunk.
what are you going to do if that snake gets out without you knowing? (some species are MUCH smarter than any non-hot you could ever own) if it gets loose, you're responsible for whatever it does. do you want that on your head?

i just personally don't see the point to owning an animal that dangerous. you can get non-venomous snakes in every colour and shape imaginable. why put not only yourself, but your whole family and neighbourhood in that kind of danger, especially without giving them the choice to be living near that. why can't people just admire things from afar, and not own it just because they can... i can buy a tiger for $500, but i don't because i know how to use common sense and i have a decent amount of respect for those around me...

[rocketjawa]

I understand what you are saying emilsmee..

But a hot getting loose in california is no worse than a hot getting out in Arizona, etc....
And i dont think I gave the impression of "never having made a mistake in my life"....

California laws are just rediculous... Here si a question for everyone NOT in california on this board.. What is the fine in your state for being caught with a sack of Marijuana??

In a lot of states, you get ARRESTED... Here, unless it is copious amounts.. Its barely even a small fine.. and in some cases, they just let you KEEp it.

[rocketjawa]

Well. I have given this some more thought...

I looked into the venomous species you can keep in California due to locality..

Of the 33 native california species, only 6 are venomous.. and ALL 6 are really nasty rattlesnakes with deadly bites, save the sidewinder which just rotts your skin and probably kills you but not always..

And I dont want to be the "Bad guy" on the forum who is pro smuggling in hots... After I wrote that and thought on it, I was like.. Thats not too cool...

So in the end, My wanting of the cobra became a wanting of a lesser hot to plain old just not getting a hot at all.... Ill stick with my GTPs :)

Thanks everyone (almost everyone) for all the info, suport, and words of encouragement and warning. But since I dont see myself moving from California any time soon, I think my hot collecting days have ended before they began!.

I still look forward to reading about them and reading this forum, as well!!

[emilsmee]

awesome, i'm very glad to hear that. i myself was offered a pair of het albino copperheads. i even paid for them, but after a lot of soulsearching and such, i realized i did only want it for bragging rights or to look like the cool chick who has hots. i decided that was the altogether bad if not worst reason to get them. i let the guy keep the money and told myself that losing the money was better than losing a limb to a snake bite.
i was told if you keep aggressive normal snakes like GTP's, dwarf retics, ATB, ETB....put a sticker on the absolute worst tempered one and mark on the aquarium everytime you get bit or get close to getting bit. label this sticker: "this is how many time's i could've died". keep this around for a couple years. lol. you'd be suprised how scary the results are but they're true and a very effective learning tool.

[Alien_Regalis]

I dont see how you can equate weed to illegally keeping hots. In my opinion its very irresponsible. If you have kids and youre caught with hots, youre in danger of losing them. If your state outlaws them that is that. I for one will not condone for any reason, the breaking of any law concerning reptiles.

[Alien_Regalis]

Originally posted by rocketjawa
Well. I have given this some more thought...

I looked into the venomous species you can keep in California due to locality..

Of the 33 native california species, only 6 are venomous.. and ALL 6 are really nasty rattlesnakes with deadly bites, save the sidewinder which just rotts your skin and probably kills you but not always..

And I dont want to be the "Bad guy" on the forum who is pro smuggling in hots... After I wrote that and thought on it, I was like.. Thats not too cool...

So in the end, My wanting of the cobra became a wanting of a lesser hot to plain old just not getting a hot at all.... Ill stick with my GTPs :)

Thanks everyone (almost everyone) for all the info, suport, and words of encouragement and warning. But since I dont see myself moving from California any time soon, I think my hot collecting days have ended before they began!.

I still look forward to reading about them and reading this forum, as well!!

I didnt read through the last of your posts before posting my own response. I applaud you on your smart decision. :)

[Mustangrde1]

I might add right now that The California Department of Fish and Game is very seriously watching the importation of any and all venomus reptiles do to a recent problem. I have numerous very good friends in CA that are Wardens and the powers they have and laws are ones you do not ever want to test. If you want hots move to a state that allows them legally.

Not to be rude but after reading your post on smuggling and even though you recanted it. IMO you are by no way mature enough for a hot. As was pointed out earlier it is very much mentallity and maturity when keeping them.

If you did smuggle one and get bit your actions would further to destroy a part of the hobby myself and many hold dear. Many of us have put in years of research and our own personal expense in working and learning with these animals. Each bite even by a licensed,skilledand qualified handler harms us let alone someone who would do it illegally just for their own pleasure of " having".

[rocketjawa]

I know I am "mature" and "responsable" enough for a hot.. I just think my excitement over the one I wanted clouded my judgement a bit at the time....

Like I said, Im happy with my GTPs....

[BOAS_N_PYTHONS]

ROCKETJAWA:

Good to hear, there is always time to start your love and passion for a cobra. After all said here its good to hear that you saw past the smoke.

Cya...

Tony

[ladyluck]

I think you should get it and send it to that Corey Woods guy in an unmarked box.

[Matt]

Originally posted by ladyluck
I think you should get it and send it to that Corey Woods guy in an unmarked box.

its over, lets drop it please, thanks

[dave68]

Rocketjawa it's nice to see the human thought proccess at work and i personally respect your decision. I have the same yearning for eyelash vipers but being dad to two young boys has put any plans on keeping them on hold for at least another ten years! LOL! As for the GTP's keep at it and good luck with them.

Dave

[rocketjawa]

Yeah.. GTPs are amazing, beautiful snakes.. with PLEANT of different morphs to keep a snake owner happy for a lifetime..

Instead of focusing on Venomous keeping, maybe Ill swith to focusing on breeding my GTPs...

:)

[rocketjawa]

Hey Moderator Matt..

What snake is that in your avatar???

[psilocybe]

Jawa,

This may have been said already, but in response to your recanted thought of smuggling an exotic hot into California, the issue is not solely about you or your responsibility, or even the likelyhood of the snake escaping and biting a third party.

You are correct, a snake is no more likely to escape in cali then in arizona. BUT, you have to think about other members of the venomous community. IF you get caught with a hot, or it escapes, and you make the news (You will), the only thing that accomplishes is negative press for the entire venomous community. Not just in cali, but the entire country. This is not a hobby most people approve of. Many people are downright against it. And people who break the laws by mailing hots through U.P.S., keeping hots illegally, and yes, smuggling venomous (falls under keeping illegally) are doing NOTHING positive for the reputation of the venomous community. We already have jackasses in states without regulations (like here in NM, why don't you move here :) ) who get a cobra to be cool and end up getting tagged. I don't know how much longer NM will be a "free" state. There is a guy a little upstate from me who has been bitten numerous times by repeatedly (does this idiot ever learn) handfeeding his C. ruber (red diamond rattler). Each time, there is a newspaper rightup in my paper, even though he is several hundered miles from me.

I'm not ragging on you, but there is no comparison between marijuana and a venomous snake. Marijuana will not kill a person (especially a third party). Possession of marijuana will not take away the rights and privileges of anyone else but you. Venomous snakes can do all of that. If you really want to keep hots, stick to your native venomous (and by the way, you cannot legally obtain a cobra in AZ, they too only allow native venomous) or move to a state that allows you to keep them. Breaking the law will only ruin it for everyone.

Again, I'm not ragging on you, just friendly advice.

Abhishek Prasad

[rocketjawa]

Thats why I decided not to do it...

And the Marijuana thing was just an exaple of California law absurdity on some things and not others... There was no hot / pot comparison I was trying to make.

[psilocybe]

We already have jackasses in states without regulations (like here in NM, why don't you move here )

Just to clarify, I was NOT calling you a jackass in this sentence...just clearing that up before it becomes an issue :)

[psilocybe]

Thats why I decided not to do it...

And the Marijuana thing was just an exaple of California law absurdity on some things and not others... There was no hot / pot comparison I was trying to make.


Glad to hear you made the right choice. Hey, if your not happy with Cali you can always move to New Mexico, we have some great weather, great reptiles, and some killer women. Of course cali is pretty set in the female department as well, but if you prefer your woman WITHOUT the silicon, come here :)

No offense to any women in Cali, just joking around.

[rocketjawa]

Well, I work in the film indusrty, so unless NM starts getting a lot of movies being made there, Im sort of stuck ;)

That, and I like silicone... hehe

[herpaworld]

hi rocketjawa,

my name is mario.. i keep since years different kind of snakes. i always want a cobra as well. now i have a lot of them...

i am a german who goes here in the philippines just to sattle up a reptile breeding farm..

today i take care of king cobras, philippinen cobras and others....

your dream to get a Naja kaoutia i really understand... but the others are right, gat your equipment, sattle up a hot room try to learn from somebody how (in general) to take care of hot's.

a cobra is not a very fast mouving agressive biter! vipers are much more faster and (in my experience) more difficult to handle snake.... cobras warnig befor they bite! vipers and copperhead's not! but you have to know witch kind of risk you will carry....

no mistake's! and no cool looking cobraterrarium inside your livingroom! hotroom is nessesary! get the informations what hospital close to you has antivenome.... organise emergency procedures... check out the laws in your region... become a member in a venom keeper organisation... visit somebody who has cobras and talk to all this guy's in personal! check out you still like one and get her....

you will be have a lot of fun so you follow the rules and make it safe for the cobra, for you and for all the other pepoles around you....

i wish the best,


cheers
mario

[herpaworld]

hi rocketjawa,

my name is mario.. i keep since years different kind of snakes. i always want a cobra as well. now i have a lot of them...

i am a german who goes here in the philippines just to sattle up a reptile breeding farm..



today i take care of king cobras, philippinen cobras and others....

your dream to get a Naja kaoutia i really understand... but the others are right, get your equipment, sattle up a hot room try to learn from somebody how (in general) to take care of hot's.

a cobra is not a very fast moving agressive biter! vipers are much more faster and (in my experience) more difficult to handle snakes.... cobras warning before they bite! vipers and copperhead's not! but you have to know what kind of risk you will carry....

no mistake's!

and no cool looking cobraterrarium inside your livingroom! hotroom is nessesary! get the informations what hospital close to you has antivenome.... organise emergency procedures... check out the laws in your region... become a member in a venom keeper organisation... visit somebody who has cobras and talk to all this guy's in personal! check out you still like one and get her....

you will be have a lot of fun so you follow the rules and make it safe for the cobra, for you and for all the other pepoles around you....

i wish the best,


cheers
mario

[Matt]

Originally posted by rocketjawa
Hey Moderator Matt..

What snake is that in your avatar???

its a variable bush viper (Atheris squamigera), beautiful small vipers from Africa

[ladyluck]

The hidden hand of fate and banana peels

By Ike Awgu -- For the Ottawa Sun


Don't take life too seriously or you won't get out alive. Well, actually, chances are you won't get out alive no matter what you do. Life is 100% fatal. In fact, that's likely the reason humans have always searched to find some kind of meaning in our lives and some credible explanation for our existence.

Well ladies and gentlemen, as shocking as it may sound, the answer to humankind's timeless question of why we're all here came to me this summer. And it arrived in the form of a banana peel sitting on my step and a boring movie about Shakespeare. It's difficult to explain how a banana peel and a bad movie can answer the question of why we all exist, but I'll do my best to explain it all in a astonishing 600 words or less.

Enter Evelyn Houser. Evelyn was in a serious car crash, but miraculously escaped unhurt. Crawling out of the wreckage of her car, Evelyn phoned the police. As she stood near a guardrail, waiting for rescue, she was fatally injured by a firefighter on the way to the accident who lost control of his car. So, after surviving a terrible accident, Evelyn made the phone call that resulted in her own death. Weird.

Or how about Larry Moor? Moor was a snake handler from Vancouver who, upset about the general fear and paranoia people exhibited when around his snakes, decided to form an organization dedicated to showing people the beauty and safety of snake ownership. Almost predictably, Moor died after being bitten by his "safe" Egyptian cobra. And although he ran screaming into the street for help, the venom killed him in seconds.

Michael Cave. Cave was a bingo caller who liked to make jokes as he called out the numbers. He collapsed and died minutes into his routine at the Gala Bingo Club. The last number Cave called before his death; "Number eight? Pearly Gates."

But this sort of irony or the numerous random happenings that permeate our lives aren't always morbid. They're as wonderful as meeting your future wife for the first time on a bus you weren't going to take, or winning the lottery after picking up a fallen ticket. Sometimes our lives seem driven by an invisible hand. A hand which, if you follow history, is a big fan of irony. Such a big fan, that entire nations have fallen victim to its odd, and maybe even perverse, divine sense of humour.

During the Cold War, America decides to train a bunch of rebels in Afghanistan to fight the invading Soviet army. Years later, on a sunny and quiet morning, Sept. 11, 2001, those same rebels using the same training and expertise that America provided, to murder nearly 3,000 American civilians. How perversely ironic.

Events such as these run in near perpetuity throughout our long history as a species. Like luck saving a battalion surrounded by German forces during World War II, the "random chance" that's behind so many of our modern scientific discoveries, even the daily miracles and disasters that happen in each of our lives. Like numbers in an equation, they all add up to something.

What are the chances of being killed by a firefighter you call to assist you? At what point does divine irony become divine intervention? Well, perhaps when one morning with no idea what to write about in an article you owe to the Ottawa Sun, you slip on a banana peel while leaving your house, and wonder and wonder how the hell it got there. Shakespeare said it best, "the world is a stage, and we the players."

The question is, who's watching? Someone I hope, because if all the seats in front of this stage are empty, then someone's missing a damn good show.


Just for fun!