Nasty snakes?

[boosh96]

What kinds of colubrids are known for having a nasty temper? I was thinking about getting a snake that's known for aggression, not necessarily to train for hots, but for the fun of having a snake that's a handful.

[SpOoKy]

My bull snakes have quite a temper. They do calm right down once handling though.

[infernalis]

Black Racer hands down, they bite, musk and almost never calm down.

[stephanbakir]

Red tailed green rat snake, Taiwan beauty snake.

[boosh96]

What kinds of Asian rat snakes are known for being aggressive? I was thinking about a King rat, or maybe a Porph. What I want, really, is the fun and challenge of having a psychotic snake and trying to tame it.

[lady_bug87]

My bull snakes have quite a temper. They do calm right down once handling though.


my bullsnake is such a kitten

[stephanbakir]

Red tailed green rats, and Taiwan beauty snakes... find a breeder and ask them for an unsellable psycho... they should just give them to you.

[alessia55]

Hmm... I've held quite a few Taiwan and Vietnamese beauties that were totally tame and enjoyed handling... maybe I've just encountered the rare nice ones?? :confused:

[boosh96]

What are King ratsnakes like in terms of temperament? What about bamboo ratsnakes?

[stephanbakir]

king rats are generally handfuls.

[boosh96]

How big do King rats typically get? Could you point me out to a good care sheet?

[KORBIN5895]

My recommendation for something fun, challenging, and psychotic is to find a woman. You'll always have a handful. Like my uncle always said " There are two types of women in this world. The pretty ones and the sane ones. Always pick the sane ones."........... Just sayin'

[Snakefood]

except you have to feed the woman more than once a week;)

[KORBIN5895]

Yep. That's where the fun comes in ;)

[boosh96]

Again, where could I find a good care sheet for a King rat snake?

[lady_bug87]

I would just google and read a bunch

[CDN_Blood]

Am I the only one concerned when I see a thread like this? lol <scratches head>

[lady_bug87]

No Todd you aren't, I'm not a fan of these either.

[Gungirl]

Am I the only one concerned when I see a thread like this? lol <scratches head>

I have been concerned with most of the OP's threads......

[boosh96]

Just because I'm asking questions doesn't mean I'm going to jump into stuff like this without thinking. I'm asking questions to assist in figuring out what to do and what not to do. After all, am I correct to assume that this forum is for asking questions? And in particular, questions about snakes?

[Will0W783]

I'm concerned as well.

[Jay]

This is a bit absurd. Every snake has the potential of being a "Nasty" snake.
50% of the blood pythons, viper boas, bull snakes and pine snakes I have seen have been "Nasty" and the other half are very tolerable to humans. The way a snake reacts is mostly in the hands of the owner.

[Gungirl]

Just because I'm asking questions doesn't mean I'm going to jump into stuff like this without thinking. I'm asking questions to assist in figuring out what to do and what not to do. After all, am I correct to assume that this forum is for asking questions? And in particular, questions about snakes?

Yes you are correct. We will do our best to answer all questions that are being asked. However we all get concerned for our hobby and the safety of people and animals. Seeing as you are 15 and so curious about hots is a huge concern. I am glad that you are doing research and asking questions but that doesn't change the fact that it still worries us. We do not want to offend you or anything like that.

[lady_bug87]

I think we're all in agreement with that Jarich for instance my bullsnake is very docile, my BP is testy and my GTP can go either way

I think the OP should do a LOT more reading both on and off this forum before they buy ANY snake

[boosh96]

Alright-you see, what I thought was that you were, for some reason, concerned about me getting an aggressive NON-hot snake. Again, I want to get such a snake not to train myself for hots, but for the challenge of keeping an aggressive snake. The key, however, is that I have to take care of the snake no matter whether it returns the love or not!

[Squirtle]

We all know that you've been making threads about wanting starter snakes that act in similar way of venomous snakes because you're interested in having a couple of hots.. my question is why do you want a venomous snake? Venomous snakes aren't cool to have at all if that's why you want them - probably to show off to your friends. They should be treated with CARE and respect because they can be mean.. and also make you end up in a casket. I'm 16 very close to your age and for one i would NEVER want to own a venomous snake just of because of dangers involved in it. I'm probably also more experienced than you since you own a Ball Python and i own an Albino Burmese Python, and anyone can tell you right now that burms can be a handful.. and i still don't even think I'm experienced enough to own a hot. I got my Albino Burmese Python so that I can try my best to educate people around me the best as I can about them not being mean creatures at all, so far i've gotten many people comfortable with snakes who thought negatively about them.. my mom for instance, she absolutely used to HATE snakes and rats, but i've gotten her used to them by teaching how to interact with them. She basically didn't want anything to do with my snake and now, most weeks when i come from school I see that my snake has a lump in his belly and I ask my mom what's it all about, and she says that she went to the pet store and got it food.. never thought i'd get my mom to be that comfortable with my snake!

[boosh96]

And that's what I plan on doing-getting in as much research as I can before I make the decision to get any snake.

[Gungirl]

If all you want is an aggressive or defensive snake your best bet is to figure out what kind of snake you like. Then contact breeders to find one that fits what you want. All snakes can be nice or not.

[Squirtle]

And that's what I plan on doing-getting in as much research as I can before I make the decision to get any snake.

I don't think that you should get a venomous snake at your age though is what I'm saying.. forget about that and think about it later in life.

[boosh96]

The reason I'm interested in hots is absolutely NOT to show them off to my friends and stuff! I've been interested in hots because of the uniqueness of hots and the challenge of keeping such animals. Basically, it's because I respect and admire hots for the unique and amazing animals that they are. And that's why my dream isn't necessarily to keep hots, but at least to work with them.

[CK SandBoas]

but for the fun of having a snake that's a handful.


I think this last part of your question is what has people concerned, myself as well. maybe if you wrote out a more detailed inquiry,giving more examples of what you are looking to get out of by owning a species that may be a lot more challenging in it's temperament, instead of just saying "it's for the fun of having it", than people may be more inclined to be more receptive to your question.

Please try and understand, each and everyone of us on this forum is concerned about how much this hobby has been portrayed in a negative light of late, especially by the media, and we just want to know the reasons you are looking to get into more challenging species is the right one, and not one that could lead to more hardships in keeping reptiles.

[lady_bug87]

Yes you are correct. We will do our best to answer all questions that are being asked. However we all get concerned for our hobby and the safety of people and animals. Seeing as you are 15 and so curious about hots is a huge concern. I am glad that you are doing research and asking questions but that doesn't change the fact that it still worries us. We do not want to offend you or anything like that.

^^ This

There are people on this forum that keep more aggressive/defensive snakes and hots and the amount of knowledge is incredible. I doubt you are anywhere near experienced enough for a hot, or even enough to think about one. I'm glad you're taking your time in planning and asking questions but make sure whatever snake you get is either too much for you to handle OR an impulse buy which will end in you getting rid of an animal that by obtaining you agreed to care for and be responsible for.

[youngster]

Maybe if you don't want to keep them, you just want to work with them you could volunteer at a zoo with a reptile house? If you can't work with them that way at least you could be up close with them.

[boosh96]

I meant to say that I want an aggressive snake because I like the idea of the challenge of keeping a snake that's a handful. Of course, I also think it would be a fun and educational experience.

[lady_bug87]

and what happens when its too much of a handful? when everytime you reach in to clean you get tagged or have to deal with a stressed out animal? or when if they need help shedding you have to take them in your hands and assist while its trying to gnaw your finger off... what then?

my question is what happens when it isnt fun anymore

[lady_bug87]

many of us have 'handfuls' and the examples I gave may be extreme but its always a possibility.

[KORBIN5895]

@ op. May I ask you what you currently have for pets, and have had in the past!

Personally I realty enjoy my mellow snakes. I have an atb that is very predictable. I take him out and he tries to get away. I retain him. We do this for a couple of minutes then he gets ticked and I spend the rest of the time he is out avoiding his teeth. Personally I really don't enjoy it after the first strike. Too much of a hassle. So after a couple of weeks of doing that daily I realized hmmm he is a pain in the butt. This is the reason my wife doesn't want him in the house. I am current trying to find him a new home and only idiots seem to be interested in him. So where does that leave me? I will tell you. I have a very disgruntled wife. Now my hands are full with a snakke and my wife. It's not a pretty place to be. Get a mellow snake and enjoy it. Ask Wayne he has a large collection of mellow snakes. Maybe a few aren't but most of the are and he has a blast!

[lady_bug87]

^^ Hey I am not an idiot and I am interested.... :P but I'm not sure on the shipping there is a red phase hatchling at my supplier that I may pick up

[infernalis]

Geeze, maybe we should be concerned about me, I simply adore feisty snakes.

My all time favourite snake I ever had was a mean bitch I named "Dorothy" after my old lady, that snake would leap into the air just to get a bite of flesh.

I'm sorry and I don't mean to come off wrong, but to me, snakes are not cuddly little pets, I don't handle my snakes, I observe them.

To each his own, but docile "cuddly" snakes bore the daylights out of me.

If I want to watch TV with an animal on my lap, I will pick up one of the dogs, or my cat.

[lady_bug87]

there is a difference between you who is not only an extremely knowledgeable but incredibly responsible and respectful pet owner and reptile keeper

and a 15yr old who want a snake thats a 'handful' because its fun and he wants poisonous snakes for all we know he wants them so he can say to his peers.." hey come see my bada** snake" then he or someone else gets bit and there's more bad press which esp in the states is really not needed

[red ink]

Geeze, maybe we should be concerned about me, I simply adore feisty snakes.

My all time favourite snake I ever had was a mean bitch I named "Dorothy" after my old lady, that snake would leap into the air just to get a bite of flesh.

I'm sorry and I don't mean to come off wrong, but to me, snakes are not cuddly little pets, I don't handle my snakes, I observe them.

To each his own, but docile "cuddly" snakes bore the daylights out of me.

If I want to watch TV with an animal on my lap, I will pick up one of the dogs, or my cat.

Not just you mate... I don't "tame" down snakes either. If they get used to me great if they don't... it don't bother me either but I've never "tamed" one down.

[Jay]

^^^Venomous, not "poisonous"

[lady_bug87]

I dont tame mine down and I'm not saying he shouldnt do it, what I am saying is that he should do it for the right reasons not because he THINKS it will be fun

[alessia55]

boosh96, what is your current exprience level with snakes? What do you currently own, and what have you owned in the past, and for how long?

[ashleynicole]

Black Racer hands down, they bite, musk and almost never calm down.
I agree, I have tried to keep one wild caught and they are fiesty! They don't calm down after feedings either, or while handling. I only kept him for a couple weeks though so I don't know about long term, but I figured he would be happier out in the woods in my back yard :)

[boosh96]

and a 15yr old who want a snake thats a 'handful' because its fun and he wants poisonous snakes for all we know he wants them so he can say to his peers.." hey come see my bada** snake" then he or someone else gets bit and there's more bad press which esp in the states is really not needed

You're welcome to think whatever you want to, but I've been interested in hots because I admire and respect venomous reptiles for being what they are. Again, that's why my dream has been at least to work with hots, not just to keep them. Does that make sense, or can you still convince yourself that I want a hot just to show off to my friends?

Also, I'm not going to assume a nasty snake is just "fun" and dive into it without thinking. An aggressive snake is something different from a placid snake, and that's why I need to think over whether to get an aggressive snake or not. Maybe "fun" was a wrong word choice.

[Terranaut]

My $.02 If you want one rescue one. Everyone knows of someone who has a "psyco" snake as mentioned before. Get one of them. If you can apreciate it for it's nature instead of hating it for the same reason then that snake is way better off with you. I'm sure you can find one that will make you happy. Good luck.

[Jenn_06]

I had a yellow rat snake and that boy was evil

[red ink]

I have a little spotted python here that definitely suffers from small python syndrome lol

[KORBIN5895]

Hey op! What do you have for pets and what have you had?

[alessia55]

oops, looks like my question was overlooked.

"boosh96, what is your current exprience level with snakes? What do you currently own, and what have you owned in the past, and for how long?"

[boosh96]

Right now, I have a ball python and a boa constrictor. I used to have a psychotic kingsnake a few years back, and I dearly loved that snake, but stuff happened to her that I'd rather not discuss.

[Jay]

How old is your boa, and what kind?

[CDN_Blood]

and what happens when its too much of a handful? when everytime you reach in to clean you get tagged or have to deal with a stressed out animal? or when if they need help shedding you have to take them in your hands and assist while its trying to gnaw your finger off... what then?

my question is what happens when it isnt fun anymore

That's the part that concerns me too, but hey, whaddo I know :cool:

[lady_bug87]

That's the part that concerns me too, but hey, whaddo I know :cool:


yea well apparently according to the OP we're both wrong

[KORBIN5895]

That's the part that concerns me too, but hey, whaddo I know :cool:

Not a thing Todd ;) You know the saying you can't teach an old dog new tricks. Lol.

@op
Check it out. I get a funny feeling when a fifteen year old talks about a psychotic snakes " a few years ago". Its ok not to want to talk about it and honestly I don't want to know but
.... a few years ago would make you like twelve and at twelve you probably shouldn't have had a psycho snake. Just seems like a bad idea to me. Heck I got a ribbon snake when I was twelve and tried housing it with my box turtle ( lasted about 30 seconds cause it went out a hole in the hood). Now I learned real quick. Had to cause I lost that snake that night. Got out of his temporary enclosure I set up ( a size 13 shoe box).

I am sure you have matured alot since the king snake but who pays to feed the snakes now? Who pays for the supplies for your pets? How long have you had your current snakes? Are you still interested in your current snakes? Are you honestly giving them the best care? I ask these questions because that is what every one of us should ask ourselves when we are looking at new pets. I know what happens when you don't really think it through. I currently have an atb that I got impulsively that I really like but is becoming a headache because my wife hates it and I won't just let anyone have it. I will be losing money on it but I would rather make sure it has a good home. Something I honestly wasn't as concerned about at your age.

Good luck and I hope you keep giving this lots of thought.

[boosh96]

I'm still interested in my current snakes, I take care of them very well, and I love them to death. Seriously, I would probably give up all of my stuff just for my snakes if I had to. However, my parents are absolutely insistent on paying for the snakes' food, no matter what I say. I honestly want to be the one paying for my own animals, but if my parents won't let me, I'm not sure if I should go against that.

[boosh96]

How old is your boa, and what kind?

She's a Colombian BCI, and she is going to be 5 months old on December 15th. :D The breeder kept records of when each of his snakes were born!

[KD35WIN.AS.ONE]

I wouldn't be to concerned with this.. By the time this kid reaches the age to have ownership over a venomous snake he will more than likely lost interest in it, and or realized what hes getting into.

[boosh96]

I guess I don't necessarily want a vicious snake, but I do want a snake that'll keep me on my toes. What kind of snakes are good for that?

[KORBIN5895]

Out of curiosity do you have a job bosh96?

[boosh96]

Unfortunately, I don't have a job yet. However, I'll try getting a job at my local pet store soon.

[Jacob1750]

Deffinately go with a Black Racer. I had one for about 4 years and he struck and musked me every time I went to handle him.

[boosh96]

How is the temperament of King ratsnakes? I used the wrong words, I guess-I don't really want a vicious snake, just one that'll keep me on my toes.

[Will0W783]

If you want a snake that will keep you on your toes, you can't go wrong with a scrub python. They get big, they are fast, they are smart, and they wont' hesitate to lay the hurt on you if you arent' paying attention.

Or a red-tailed green rat snake...they are very agile and arboreal. I have heard king rat snakes are very smelly. Their other name is "Stinking Goddess snake".

[millertime89]

I would avoid a scrub, they can get REALLY big. I would personally go for a red tailed green rat snake. I've also read white lipped pythons can be relatively cage defensive but are usually relatively docile outside.

[Will0W783]

Oooh, white-lipped bites HURT! I believe that they have the most teeth of any booid species (can't remember where I read that but it was one of my herp books)....I had a pair that got ahold of me a few times.

[millertime89]

yeah, I've read they can be jerks, but they look fantastic IMO, amethystine, olive, timor as well. I'm a big fan of the SE Asian/Australian pythons in general.

[boosh96]

I'm debating whether to get a beauty snake, a red-tailed green rat snake, a bamboo rat snake, or even a King rat snake. Which of these is the best option?

[alessia55]

oops, looks like my question was overlooked.

"boosh96, what is your current exprience level with snakes? What do you currently own, and what have you owned in the past, and for how long?"

Also, with regards to beauty snake, a red-tailed green rat snake, a bamboo rat snake, or a king rat snake, research about all of them, find out as much as you can, and I'm sure you'll figure it out.

[boosh96]

So how big do King rats typically get? And how often do they tend to musk, and how bad does it smell?

[alessia55]

Are you purposely ignoring my question? :confused:

[boosh96]

I already answered your question. Look on page 4.

[alessia55]

I already answered your question. Look on page 4.

You have one 5mos old boa, I see that. That's all?

[red ink]

Wait... why are we trying to discourage somebody from keeping snakes again?

[lady_bug87]

no we're trying to make sure he does it for the right reasons so that another animal wont suffer because a keeper didnt know what they were getting themselves into.

I mean sometimes even the best keepers re-home animals for one reason or another.. but again for appropriate reasons not because it isnt fun anymore

[millertime89]

Wait... why are we trying to discourage somebody from keeping snakes again?
no, mostly just hots or other snakes that a new keeper probably shouldn't be keeping, especially a 15 year old.

[red ink]

He gave his reason though why he's interested in hots and snakes that are a handfull....

I've always been of the belief that if you want to learn about snake behaviour, the quickest teacher is the snake that keeps you on your toes.

OP if you can get your hands on Boiga irregularis (don't know of their availability there) they can be fun too.


The reason I'm interested in hots is absolutely NOT to show them off to my friends and stuff! I've been interested in hots because of the uniqueness of hots and the challenge of keeping such animals. Basically, it's because I respect and admire hots for the unique and amazing animals that they are. And that's why my dream isn't necessarily to keep hots, but at least to work with them.

[infernalis]

no, mostly just hots or other snakes that a new keeper probably shouldn't be keeping, especially a 15 year old.

Although I do my best to respect everyones thoughts, I find this comment disturbing.

We have a young man on this forum who is only 13, and if I were to judge him by his posts alone, I would say he's more mature than most 30 year olds I know of.

15 year olds come in many flavours, some are not so bright, some are average, and some are downright amazingly mature and intelligent.

One point I feel very strongly about (This thread is a classic example) if everyone immediatly goes on the defensive when questions get asked, the new member will simply stop logging on and start doing as they wish anyways, only without the guidance of experienced people to back them up.

presentation is everything..

[ZARADOZIA]

Although I do my best to respect everyones thoughts, I find this comment disturbing.

We have a young man on this forum who is only 13, and if I were to judge him by his posts alone, I would say he's more mature than most 30 year olds I know of.

15 year olds come in many flavours, some are not so bright, some are average, and some are downright amazingly mature and intelligent.

One point I feel very strongly about (This thread is a classic example) if everyone immediatly goes on the defensive when questions get asked, the new member will simply stop logging on and start doing as they wish anyways, only without the guidance of experienced people to back them up.

presentation is everything..


Miller did say "New Keeper" and meant 15 year old new keeper, I am sure, not mentored keeper. We all know age is non-existent.

[infernalis]

Right on... But if you pay close attention, the plan is..

1. obtain a "nasty tempered snake"
2. Learn all about proper handling, proper upkeep and such
3. Learn hots from another (mentor)
4 "Graduate" to hot when it is felt that enough experience has been gained.

That seems like a logical plan to me.

[boosh96]

I honestly don't really want a nasty snake, again just one that'll keep me on my toes. That's why I'm toying with the idea of different Asian ratsnakes.

[youngster]

If you want for a larger challenging animal go for a Taiwan beauty, if you want smaller I would say red tailed green rat. Both would be nice pets and display animals.
If you feel comfortable and confident with an aggressive snake I don't see why we are discouraging him. Maybe someone has asked but are you fluent with hooking? If you aren't you should become comfortable with a hook and then get an aggressive snake.

We have a young man on this forum who is only 13, and if I were to judge him by his posts alone, I would say he's more mature than most 30 year olds I know of.

PS Wayne if that was aimed at me thank you :)

[lady_bug87]

Eli you are the exception to every rule, I forget how young you are until I see a picture of you.

[KORBIN5895]

If you want something to keep you on you toes just handle rodents before handling your current snakes. I forgot to wash my hands between feeding the snakes at the pet store last week and got tagged by the albino rat snake and the corn snake. Hard to keep them in their tanks with mouse on your hand.

[boosh96]

I honestly have no idea how to use hooks and stuff like that.

[youngster]

Well, if you want an aggressive snake you'd better get on that. Unless of course you want to be bit or stress your snake out a lot every time you have to clean, etc.

[alessia55]

I honestly have no idea how to use hooks and stuff like that.

Buy a hook, gloves, etc. as soon as you can. Start working with your current snake to get used to using the hook with ease. I'd recommend being very comfortable with a hook and gloves before you move into the faster-moving, aggressive/defensive snakes. ;)

[Terranaut]

I third this. I do this sometimes with our snakes at times when we don't really need to so that when the time comes I can use it effectively and safely on my snakes. Being able to pick up your snake in 5 sec or less is good to know how to do. Less stress for the snake when there is no pause for the snake to think about it. Someone here with a "nasty" snake should feed you some pointers or behavioral expectations. Anyone??

[infernalis]

My black racer has not been touched by human hands since he was a baby. So I could offer little advice on handling.

[red ink]

As I don't tame down snakes....

My number 1 tip is watch for the toungue flick.... excessive toungue flicking means a very very uneasy snake.

Don't get complacecent, meaning just because you "can" pick up a defensive snake does'nt mean you should at that time. Walk away, come back later or the next day even, one day longer of not cleaning the enclosure won't hurt it.

It takes one tag from a hot just because you decide to "push" the issue for a lifetime of pain...

[boosh96]

Does anyone here have experience with Bamboo ratsnakes (O. porphyraceus spp.)?

[boosh96]

Nevermind. How are Texas rat snakes in terms of temperament? I've been looking at them lately, and they seem like a good snake for me-they don't get huge, I like the colors, they're reasonably priced, and they seem like they keep their owners on their toes. Does anyone here have experience with these snakes? What about bull snakes?

[youngster]

Bull snakes can go either way from what I've learned on here, they can be vicious or puppy dog tame.
I thought Texas rats were generally docile?
Ultimately I would go to an expo and interact with the more aggressive ones to see what's right for you.

[boosh96]

I've actually heard Texas rats are supposed to be pretty aggressive. Maybe they go both ways, like bull snakes, or maybe you could be thinking of black rat snakes?

[KORBIN5895]

Get an atb.

[kernel]

Go to an expo and look at the bull and gopher snakes. Pick out one with the most agressive temperament and you will have the snake your looking for.

[millertime89]

Mose on here has some texas rats and when I was over there they were all puppy dog tame.

[lady_bug87]

same with my bullsnake.. shes such a suck loves to curl up against my neck

[alessia55]

I'm pretty sure there's a spectrum of nice--->mean snakes of every species. It's best you talk to breeders and people who have snakes that are willing to give you what they consider their most defensive snake, and start there. Again, you should get pretty comfortable with using a hook and gloves too; it wouldn't hurt to start practicing with your current boa :)

[andybe18]

I haven't read the whole thread but - Radiated Rat snakes - mean, moody and fast as hell.

Tai Beauties? Would never describe them as mean or nasty - my two are as tame as any corn I've ever had.

[Sasha2]

I have a cornsnake that is just as nasty as they come, LOL..But know thats not what you mean..Maybe you could adopt a snake that someone else is having trouble taming.It would be a good challenge and you'd know right from the get go your getting a nasty snake.

[andybe18]

or if you want an unpredictable snake - rough scaled sand boa - they lay their looking dead and then next second they have spun round and tagged you. Reminds me of some of the snakes you see on viperkeepers vids on youtube in terms of their sudden unpredictability - especially the females.

[minitruckinAL]

get a blood python lol that will keep you on your toes

[AaronRiot]

I have a few points to make here Boosh, and a few to reiterate,

First and foremost, the members who have responded to your thread have given you A WEALTH of good information.

From the many other helpful members:

Buy a hook, and learn the tool on your docile snakes and take your time getting comfortable with it.

Watch behaviours as they can be telltale signs of what is to come in the next few seconds.

Snake temperament is as much an individual trait as it can be a species generality.

**Think about adopting an animal that someone else who may no longer have the time, patience, and care you intend to give an animal of this nature.

And the list goes on. Have a second read through!

Some of the opinions you have eluded to are responsible and the right order to be thinking in. If working with venomous reptiles is your dream (for whatever reason) I say go for it, but do it the right way, and always remember your choices affect you, your family and friends, and the entire reptile community.

In the grand scheme of things, you are going to have quite a few more years just working with snakes in general before starting to gain an understanding of the nature of the beast. Behaviour. What long-term care is like. Your boa is going to get very large, and you have yet to learn what that will be like. Without knowing the story behind your king, I'm guessing you haven't handled things like mites, internal parasites, force-feeds, mouth rot, regurgitation's, prolapses, probing, tubing, an escape, etc etc etc. A "difficult" non-venomous will not prepare you for that.

If you choose to pick up a challenging animal after you have taken the proper steps of learning how to use a hook on your calmer animals, awesome. I hope you adopt, and even more so I hope you stick with the animal for it's natural lifespan.

Stick around the forum. And read! A lot of the questions you've asked just need a little research!

I for one look forward to reading about your progress and experiences with your animals over the years as you slowly progress your way up to a respected, knowledgeable, and responsible keeper of whichever animals you choose to collect. Perhaps in a decade it will be you advising others that are wearing the shoes you have on now.

! As for your specific original question, if you're interested in learning methods to hook and handle a venomous snake by working with a similar non-venomous first pick a species that parallels the the ones you eventually hope to work with and learn the species and how they behave.

Perhaps do your research and come back and write a thread telling the community about all the interesting and important to remember facts you've learned about that particular species. Repetition compounds understanding.

Elapids - perhaps one of the aforementioned Rat snakes...

Arboreal Vipers - perhaps an arboreal boa/python...

Terrestrial vipers - start researching on your own and you tell me... ;)


Hope that at least makes you think a little more, it's good for the brain!

[exwizard]

One idea would be a baby Macklot's Python. Yeah mine are dog tame but they weren't that way when I first got them. They were the biteyest snakes I ever had. Just a suggestion.