Responses to Aaron S "Hot School" post

[Lankyrob]

I would like to publicly thank Aaron for posting this - it is AMAZING.

I have always thought that at some point i would make the transition into hots, even had a mentor set up for when it was time. But reading this made me realise that with my health issues there is no way that i can prvide the CONSTANT concentration levels required without putting myself or others at risk.

Probably one of the most enlightening posts i have read on this forum.

[infernalis]

Thank you for starting this Rob.

[SnakeyJay]

After reading it, you actually realise what a lengthy, and intense process it is.. thanks for the insight aaron. :)

[Will0W783]

It's a wonderful post- thanks Aaron!

I think that some of the most beautiful, amazing reptiles are the venomous ones- their colors and behaviors are like nothing else on the planet. However, they are deadly serious and scary if in the wrong hands. My mentor told me that you have to stop and really think- "Any venomous reptile in the house is a risk to myself, family, friends and anyone that visits. Every person in my house from that point on will have their life in my hands. Am I ready for that responsibility? Is it worth that risk?"

I know some states require that you get a certain number of hours of training and permits to keep hots...I can't say I disagree with that, even though my state is not one of them. I have seen so many times at reptile shows- anyone could walk in and for less money than a nice boa, buy a cobra or viper that will kill them in one bite. It's great that they are available for the qualified keepers, but it's scary just how easily obtained they are. Keepers really should take their time training, working up slowly with aggressive non-venomous of similar body structure and capabilities, and spend time with a good mentor before bringing home a deadly venomous reptile.

[shaunyboy]

although i have no intention of working with hots,aarons thread gave great insight into the actual work involved to do it correctly

imo it makes you sit up and take notice of the dedication it requires

it was one of the best and most informative threads i've ever read

cheers shaun

[millertime89]

I would love to work with hots, but I could never put my friends and family's lives in danger in my house by owning one.

[Gungirl]

I am happy that I have great information at my hands like this. I would never own hots seeing as I want a large family, I don't think enough people that want or have hots put enough thought into it.

Thanks for putting that as a sticky Wayne and thanks Aaron for sharing that great info with us.

[stephanbakir]

I am happy that I have great information at my hands like this. I would never own hots seeing as I want a large family, I don't think enough people that want or have hots put enough thought into it. .
I know I didn't, if I had I wouldn't have been bitten the second time.

after I got tagged I quickly found a mentor and within about 4 months he change the way I handle the majority of my snakes. Make sure you find the right mentor though, some of them are... not as good as others.

[Nismo89]

I agree that it was a great read. Although as others have said hots are spectacular looking and I'd like to own one one day but I couldn't risk everyone else's life and being sick a lot of the time I couldn't take the chance of having to have someone else care for it while I'm at the hospital.