hot snakes

[americanrebel79]

Does any one know anyone or where i can get some nice hot snakes in the college station area of texas i have found a few and they were way expensive and unhealthy looking? ?

[lady_bug87]

you'll probably have to be more specific in terms of what 'kind' of snake you're looking for

[youngster]

kingsnake.com - the information portal for reptile and amphibian hobbyists. (http://market.kingsnake.com/)

[americanrebel79]

Im more interested in Pygmy rattles there my favorite

[americanrebel79]

I really like pygmy rattlesnakes and others but thoes are my favorite

[StudentoReptile]

Okay someone has to ask it....

Have you had any experience keeping venomous snakes?

[americanrebel79]

Yes i do my old friend showed me and taught me how to handle them he is one of thoes crazy people how does that rattlesnake round up i love them but im not getting in a pit with thousands of them lol

[youngster]

Yeah doing a roundup makes you a pro.... :hmm:

Take a good read through this, hots are not something to take lightly.
Hot school (http://www.snakegetters.com/hk/handling1.html)

[Shmoges]

I think pygmies are the scariest to grab after there pinned.

[RandyRhoads]

Yeah doing a roundup makes you a pro.... :hmm:



Is that not experience?

[youngster]

Is that not experience?

Not enough to keep hots, no.

[RandyRhoads]

You can have all the fancy technical training you can ever get and still not be as experienced at handling as some hillbilly with a tree branch that has been dealing with them his whole life. There's knowledge, then there's experience. You don't have to be knowledgeable to be experienced.

[shaunyboy]

You can have all the fancy technical training you can ever get and still not be as experienced at handling as some hillbilly with a tree branch that has been dealing with them his whole life. There's knowledge, then there's experience. You don't have to be knowledgeable to be experienced.

^^^^^
now you got me picturing someone out " the deliverance " in his dungaree's,playing with a stick and a rattler,the equivelent of a hillbilly x box mate :laugh::laugh::laugh:

but i hear what your saying,you can be a hands on expert,if generations of your family have lived in hot territorys and had to deal with them on a daily basis

i think Eli's just concerned someone may get hurt without proper techniques mate;)

cheers shaun

[StudentoReptile]

I'm with Shaun. No one is saying you have to have a PH.D in "snake handling" and have a piece of paper that says you have X amount of experience.

Genuine hands-on experience is good, especially if you have the opportunity to work with a mentor.

This has been floating around the web for a while, but it is still worth a read for anyone seriously considering branching out into hots: the K-12 of Hot Keeping
(http://studentofthereptile.wordpress.com/k-12-of-venomous-keeping/)
-----

From what I hear, whatever experience you get at a rattlesnake round-up is hardly applicable to keeping a venomous snake alive and healthy and yourself safe in a captive environment. Rattlesnakes are collected by the truckbed load, thrown into pens with no water or shelter to escape the heat. By the time anyone has to do anything with them, the snakes are exhausted and emaciated and hardly a threat anyway...but just for good measure, they might get thrown in a nearby grubby freezer to cool any potential "bad attitudes." Most of us know what freezing does to a snake. It is inhumane. Then, some of the snakes have their mouths sewn shut, just so ignorant tourists can have their photos taken with them. At some point, most of the snakes are skinned alive before the event is over.

So yeah...sorry to get on a soapbox there, but virtually nothing about a round-up has the rattlesnakes' health and well-being in mind. I'm really sure whatever experience you got from your "crazy friend" will be any help to you. Seriously, if you have any respect for these animals at all, distance yourself from that world as much as possible.

[MoreliAddict]

All the hillbillys generally do is hook them off the ground and into a bag with the help of another. In my opinion that doesn't prepare you for manipulating all different types of venomous snakes (mambas, najas, ect) in and out of cages without stress or harm to you or the snake. Also, rattlesnakes are somewhat complacent and hook fairly well.

However I don't have a problem with people who have little experience and pick up a hot, that's their choice. A friend of mine who only had experience with a ball python once bought a beautiful green pit viper. It was wicked and fun to look at, but my friend ended up bringing it back to the breeder himself because it was just too mean, scary, and fast to work with. :rolleyes:

[americanrebel79]

Ok so we kinda got off topic i was asking anyone if they know any one in the south texas area that sells hots?

[StudentoReptile]

Ok so we kinda got off topic i was asking anyone if they know any one in the south texas area that sells hots?

I can understand how you think this is off-topic, but can you see how any of us may be hesitant give you the information you are requesting when we are aware of the "experience" you have?

Keeping venomous snakes is not something to be taken lightly, and there is no room for error. Mistakes are costly, plain and simple. In the least, a lapse in judgment could result in a trip to the ER and maybe a newfound respect for the animal that sent you there. You could lose a digit, and suffer some nerve damage. Worse case scenario: you're dead (unlikely from a pygmy rattler, but there's always a first for everything).

Aside from the usual scare tactics above, have you considered the other ramifications of owning a hot? Do you currently live with your parents? If not, maybe a roommate? Are any of these people okay with you owning a venomous (i.e. dangerous) snake?

Got an escape-proof enclosure already lined-up? If not, shopping around for a hot snake is not your priority.

What is your protocol in case you get bitten? Is your health insurance aware you keep venomous snakes? If not, what do you think will happen if you get bit?
--------
These are questions you need to be asking yourself before you even THINK about acquiring the snake. So again, with all the bad publicity and irresponsible keepers out there already, why would anyone on this forum point you in the direction of someone selling hots, knowing what they know of your so-called experience?

[KD35WIN.AS.ONE]

You can have all the fancy technical training you can ever get and still not be as experienced at handling as some hillbilly with a tree branch that has been dealing with them his whole life. There's knowledge, then there's experience. You don't have to be knowledgeable to be experienced.

.....Did you by any chance go back and read this over after you posted it...? I find your logic in your last sentence to be...well.. ignorant.

[KD35WIN.AS.ONE]

Ok so we kinda got off topic i was asking anyone if they know any one in the south texas area that sells hots?


No one on this forum (at least im reasonably assuming) is going to tell you where to purchase venomous snakes...

[Skumbo]

Natural selection is going to work at its finest if we give you any information on that kind of question.

That said, I fear more for the snake or anyone you try to show off your snake to based on your posts.

[americanrebel79]

So anyways back on topic where in south texas can i buy them does any one know where and who

[CK SandBoas]

Honestly, do you really think anyone is going to tell you where you can purchase Venomous snakes?

Sorry, but that is not going to happen.....

[MoreliAddict]

Honestly, do you really think anyone is going to tell you where you can purchase Venomous snakes?

Sorry, but that is not going to happen.....
Just find a reptile expo in a state near you where they allow venomous. There.

[exwizard]

Ok so we kinda got off topic i was asking anyone if they know any one in the south texas area that sells hots?

No one on this forum (at least im reasonably assuming) is going to tell you where to purchase venomous snakes...

So anyways back on topic where in south texas can i buy them does any one know where and who

I find this whole thing funny and sad at the same time. It's not off topic to tell you that no one here will tell you. Sorry. This time I'm with the majority.

[StudentoReptile]

No one is going to tell you because they don't want to read about you in the newspaper one day. Bottom line: You are a liability risk to our hobby.

[Will0W783]

Ok, I've been watching this thread and trying to stay out of it, but I have to enter the discussion at this point. Americanrebel79, we are NOT going to tell you where to buy a potentially deadly snake if the only experience you tell us you have is from your rattlesnake roundup buddy. First of all, rattlesnake roundups are CRUEL and INHUMANE, and the fact that you associate with someone who participates in the roundups makes me reluctant to share any information with you at all. Second, you have not told us of your handling equipment, cage setup plans, protocol in place in case of bite, and the legality of keeping these creatures where you live.

Texas requires a permit for the possession of any venomous snake as well as certain giant constrictors. TPWD: Nonindigenous Snake Permits (http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/faq/business/permits/nonindigenous_snakes/index.phtml)

Do you currently have this permit? Were you aware of it?

I am all for the (safe, responsible) enjoyment of snakes, including hots; however, when one inquires about the keeping of venomous reptiles, one will be met with rigorous questioning and hesitation from the existing community. Venomous snake-keeping is a legitimately deadly hobby. It requires utmost care, concentration, maturity and a complete understanding and acceptance of the fact that you are taking your life and the lives of any and all other people and pets that live in or enter your house in YOUR hands. That is a massive responsibility, and not one to be taken lightly.

If you are indeed serious about moving into venomous keeping, I highly suggest you contact the Texas game commission about reliable mentors, obtain your permit and get some serious, extensive training before you take the plunge.

[americanrebel79]

Actually yes i do and i do know about it and yes i have everything i need this isnt my first hot i have had 2 eastern diamond backs but the guy i use to buy from no longer deals in them so im looking for somr one new and yes i live by my self and there cages are lock proof and they are in a custom built room that is escape proof to i dont like people who assume things when you have no right i know most people on here that have hots probably dont have the experience to kerp one but thats there choice and you dont have the right to judge people with what they do if the rattle snake round up was so inhumane they wouldnt let it happen so you need to keep your opinion to your self i love snakes and give every one even not hots the utmost respect

[StudentoReptile]

Well, give us a moment while we burn your name on the surface of the moon.[/sarcasm]

Sorry...but in all seriousness, if you had been more upfront with this information in your OP, people may have been more inclined to help you in your quest. If you had said something to the effect of "Hey there, I'm looking for fellow hot keepers in the south Texas area. I currently keep 2 eastern diamondbacks for X yrs. I'm specifically interested in acquiring a pygmy rattler, so if anyone has any suggestions to anyone who deals with them, I'd appreciate the help and any advice ya'll can give me."

Instead, you basically come on here and casually ask "Hey, anyone know where I can get a hot snake in south texas?" And then bringing up any such association with rattlesnake round-ups was a bad judgment call on a reptile forum, IMHO. Didn't score any brownie points there.

As I said before, the stakes for professionalism and responsibility that venomous keepers have are a lot higher than they are for nearly any other faction of herpers. If you get bitten by your adult red-tail or a savannah monitor, chances are it'll hurt A LOT and may take some bandages and some stitches...but you'll live. You get bit by your "pet" rattlesnake, and it makes the newspapers, and all of us get to hear about it for weeks to come and its another black-eye on the hobby. I'm just trying to get you to understand why so many of us take it very seriously. I mean, I don't even keep hots myself, and I take it very seriously.

I was once taught that keeping hots was kinda like the movie Fight Club; first rule of keeping hots: you don't talk about keeping hots! In other words, serious hot keepers are very professional and also discreet about what they do. They rarely advertise to everyone and their brother what they keep and where, they're not posting pics of themselves holding their vipers on Facebook, and they are VERY wary of anyone poking around in their business. So when some stranger pops up on a forum randomly asking where he can buy venomous snakes, and they have no idea what his experience level is, what he keeps, etc....they sure as heck are not going to contribute to anything or anyone that could potential be a liability or threaten their hobby. That's another reason you're not getting the response to your OP that you hoped for.

[Skumbo]

Maybe you should apply for a punctuation permit as well.


Actually yes i do and i do know about it and yes i have everything i need this isnt my first hot i have had 2 eastern diamond backs but the guy i use to buy from no longer deals in them so im looking for somr one new and yes i live by my self and there cages are lock proof and they are in a custom built room that is escape proof to i dont like people who assume things when you have no right i know most people on here that have hots probably dont have the experience to kerp one but thats there choice and you dont have the right to judge people with what they do if the rattle snake round up was so inhumane they wouldnt let it happen so you need to keep your opinion to your self i love snakes and give every one even not hots the utmost respect

edit: Animal testing is legal, so are mass slaughterhouses. And while im not going to get into the "politics" of it. How humane something is is pretty low on consideration of legality of many things.

[americanrebel79]

Well im sorry and yes i understand the hidden hobby i dont even let my closest friends in thst room i understand the danger and the utmost importance of respect for hot snakes they give me joy even though every time i mess with them im taking a great risk but i take thoes chances and im sorry if i came off rude but i dont respect anyone that is willing to tell some one else who they are and what they do is wrong i do understand what you mean studetoreptile and thank you

[Rogue628]

But what about respect for those that are not willing to give that information to someone who doesn't know what they getting into? Some posts may have been blunt or even a bit rude, but they only have the best interest of the animals at heart, as well as the potential keeper. This hobby has a bad enough rep due to alot of misinformation as well as bad keepers. They're only trying to make sure of the safety of the animals, the keeper, and the hobby.

This hobby is all about respect. Respect for your animals, respect for other keepers, respect for yourself in what you keep. :)

[jaleely]

this is a total troll

[StudentoReptile]

this is a total troll

Possibly.

According to some digging, one has to have a permit to own exotic hots in Texas (which I would assume EDBs are, since they are not native to TX).

[Will0W783]

Well, americanrebel, I am glad that you do have experience and that you claim you have your permit. You do have to understand that the "Fight Club" analogy really does hold true. I kept non-hots for 7 years, worked up through aggressive ratsnakes, rear-fanged colubrids and a mentor before obtaining my first hot, and I really get defensive and concerned when I see posts that suggest someone might be biting off more than they can chew with hots. My major concern is for the snakes and for people who might be affected on the sidelines. I really could care less if any idiots get themselves tagged and killed, except that it will influence my rights to keep the animals I love, and it will cause harm and probably euthanization to befall the bitten person's snakes. In my mind, people can take whatever risks they want with their own lives, but it is when their decisions influence the lives of other people or animals that I get very touchy.

As for your comment on us not having the right to tell you rattler roundups are inhumane, and that the government would not allow them if they were inhumane....I really have to beg to differ. SHAME ON YOU!
Have you ever seen the pictures of what they do to those poor animals?? The snakes are stabbed with sticks, thrown in heaps into hot, dry, dusty bins....they are slaughtered for their skins, butchered without any regard for pain....all for the amusement of some sick twisted people. Roundups have been outlawed in many states, but the federal government won't step in until the rattlers are endangered...they generally don't care what happens to a species until it becomes threatened...then they will step in and put laws to protect it.

Here are some discussions and pictures about your "humane" roundups: Look at them and then come here and tell me roundups are perfectly fine.
Field Herp Forum • View topic - World's Largest Rattlesnake Round-up (http://www.fieldherpforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=10598)
http://images.nationalgeographic.com/wpf/media-live/photos/000/172/cache/rattlesnake-roundup-1_17206_600x450.jpg
Rattlesnake Roundups (http://www.preservevenomous.com/Round%20ups/Rattlesnake%20Roundups/rattlesnake_roundups.htm)

I absolutely cannot believe that someone who calls themselves an animal lover and a venomous snake keeper would condone such an event. It takes A LOT to get me truly angry, but you sir, have royally pi$$ed me off and disgusted me with your support of a truly barbaric event.....in my opinion you cannot possibly call yourself an animal lover and claim to respect life when you are ok with those above links. Good Lord.

[RandyRhoads]

Still on the fence about this. I love hunting, but gathering mass quantities of anything seems a bit too far. Although it is still someones personal choice wheather they want to attend and support that.

[StudentoReptile]

Still on the fence about this. I love hunting, but gathering mass quantities of anything seems a bit too far. Although it is still someones personal choice wheather they want to attend and support that.

My main issues with rattlesnake roundups are two-fold:

1.) The ecological impact - For decades, these snakes have been collected with little or no regulation, bag limits, etc. The impact on wild populations is noticeable. Even round-upers have admitted that the "big ones" are getting scarce, and that Oklahoma collectors have resorted to acquired snakes from Texas to fulfill their quota for the events. I don't know about anyone else, but that tells me something: the round-upers cannot have their cake and eat it, too. They claim that the whole reason for these events is because rattlesnakes are soooo over-populated and they're a threat to livestock, pets, kids, etc....but in the same sentence, they complain how hard they are to find for the round-ups! Sounds like they've done their job too well! Bottom line: the supply is running out. The western diamondback rattlesnake is on the decline at least partially because of these events, and if something doesn't change, they will be gone completely.

2.) Animal Cruelty - Personally, I don't think there should be a double-standard for animal cruelty. Most of us are aware of the unique anatomy and physiology of reptiles, and how so-called humane euthanasia practices for warm-blooded animals (i.e. decapitation) are NOT humane for reptiles. At a round-up, the executioner is using a old, dull machete for his work, and it sometimes takes 4-5 whacks to completely severe the head of the snake. It is proven that the snake is still aware and attentive after this action, and not just some involuntary reflex. The pain experienced is imaginable with a sharp blade and a single, clean cut. It is incomprehensible when it takes multiple whacks to complete a decapitation.

Then there's the mouth-sewing. I don't care where in the world you come from, but cruel is cruel. There is no legitimate reason to do this. It deprives the animal from drinking water, and the process implemented to do this is equally inhumane. They stick the snake in a freezer for some period of time to mellow it out, then sew its mouth shut, for the sole purpose to ensure safety so event attendees can handle the snake for photo ops. [NOTE: this is only documented to take place at Oklahoma roundups. It is technically considered a felony, according to their animal cruelty laws already in the books. But it is not enforced at the roundups, undoubtedly because well, money talks. The revenue generated from these events, combined with most peoples' contempt for snakes, makes most officers of the law turn a blind eye and generally, not even care.]

Of course, all the snakes are put into huge pits with no shelter or water in the dry heat for most of th day, awaiting any one of the atrocities mentioned above, or possibly being skinned alive.
----

I'm all for hunting, too...when its regulated. This is hardly what I call hunting. It is eradication and slaughter...all for money. The ONLY reason they have gotten away with it for so long is because its snakes. If we tried doing the exact same thing with any other animal (deer, wild boar, bears, alligators, etc.), the public outcry would be resonant.

[Will0W783]

Originally posted by Studenttoreptile:I'm all for hunting, too...when its regulated. This is hardly what I call hunting. It is eradication and slaughter...all for money. The ONLY reason they have gotten away with it for so long is because its snakes. If we tried doing the exact same thing with any other animal (deer, wild boar, bears, alligators, etc.), the public outcry would be resonant.

I absolutely agree...couldn't have said it better.

[exwizard]

I'm pretty libertarian about a lot of things but what I think is funny is that the federal government does not see fit to put a stop to this or even regulate this even though it is seeking more ways to restrict keeping snakes as pets. Tell me where that makes any sense.

[exwizard]

I defy anyone to make sense of that.

[jaleely]

You mean they want to restrict people's connections with snakes, however instead of limiting events like round-ups, they go for private owners. I got it! I defy!!!

I hunt, fish, I've skinned animals...i am by far a long way from liberal...and am in full force against a lot of government. I still think hauling a hoard of any animal into piles like that, teasing, then killing them, is pretty darn cruel.
It's been 1 on 1 when I've hunted or fished. I also try to minimize any suffering. This looks like just pure stress, trauma, pain, horribleness to the snakes.
I really don't get how anyone can say they "get" hots becuase they know about round ups...and i really don't see how you can participate at ALL in one, and then keep snakes as a pet.
To put it frankly, that's just ****ing stupid and you are a total arrogant ******* if you think it's okay. I didn't mention any names, but that is the scenario here. I'm in a blunt mood today. But there it is.

lol...i AM right, and you ARE wrong.

[RandyRhoads]

You mean they want to restrict people's connections with snakes, however instead of limiting events like round-ups, they go for private owners. I got it! I defy!!!

I hunt, fish, I've skinned animals...i am by far a long way from liberal...and am in full force against a lot of government. I still think hauling a hoard of any animal into piles like that, teasing, then killing them, is pretty darn cruel.
It's been 1 on 1 when I've hunted or fished. I also try to minimize any suffering. This looks like just pure stress, trauma, pain, horribleness to the snakes.
I really don't get how anyone can say they "get" hots becuase they know about round ups...and i really don't see how you can participate at ALL in one, and then keep snakes as a pet.
To put it frankly, that's just ****ing stupid and you are a total arrogant ******* if you think it's okay. I didn't mention any names, but that is the scenario here. I'm in a blunt mood today. But there it is.

lol...i AM right, and you ARE wrong.

That's what i'm talking about. You tell em. I like blunt Jaleely.

[jaleely]

lol thanks. i try. no, i give up, so now i don't try, and AM blunt *lol*

[Gungirl]

Jaleely I like the blunt you.. lol

[jaleely]

yeah i've been a smart aleck lately. I am still laughing about one post i did that doesn't seem like i was being rude at all. I know my intent though *lol*

[americanrebel79]

Oh no i never said i support the round up, I have never been to one and never will go to one i was speaking about my friend and that was his choice, but i could never go there to many people i dont like big crowds of people makes my blood presser go to hi.

[KD35WIN.AS.ONE]

i dont like big crowds of people makes my blood presser go to hi.

If your blood pressure is a concern maybe your in the wrong hobby...

Maybe i stand alone here when i say that i believe the "private ownership" of venomous snakes (for personal/non professional gain) should be outlawed in a country such as ours. (United States) The potential risk of ownership is to great, not just among the primary owner but housemates and neighbors. You must look at the situation in "overall society" terms... People will never understand a so called legitimate reason to privately own venomous snakes for ones own gain... But at the same time can you really expect them to? Private ownership of venomous snakes will never be looked at by general society as simply "passion" but instead recklessness.. And again can you really blame society? A natural disaster on its own is bad enough, but a natural disaster within a neighborhood you.. or your family resides in which in turn releases venomous snakes into population can result in tragic consequences...

I choose to have co-ownership of multiple extremely toxic venomous snakes, in what i consider to be a highly professional environment... But at the same time i find it impossible to justify my actions for doing so.. In the end i find this to be a extremely deep matter to discuss.

[Will0W783]

Wow, that really surprised me KD35....you want venomous snake keeping to be outlawed?? It is indeed a risk, but it's a risk to the keeper and his/her animals, not the general public. Exotic venomous species are not going to be able to survive in the US if they escaped, except maybe in Florida and the surrounding areas. I'm all for regulation and required training, but I feel it is just as much my right to own venomous as any other species of reptile. How can you keep them yourself and say you support outlawing ownership- not to be rude, but isn't that kind of hypocritical? Sorry, this is a subject I feel strongly about, what with the government passing more and more laws to take my animals away from me.

[KD35WIN.AS.ONE]

Wow, that really surprised me KD35....you want venomous snake keeping to be outlawed?? It is indeed a risk, but it's a risk to the keeper and his/her animals, not the general public. Exotic venomous species are not going to be able to survive in the US if they escaped, except maybe in Florida and the surrounding areas. I'm all for regulation and required training, but I feel it is just as much my right to own venomous as any other species of reptile. How can you keep them yourself and say you support outlawing ownership- not to be rude, but isn't that kind of hypocritical? Sorry, this is a subject I feel strongly about, what with the government passing more and more laws to take my animals away from me.

First off i want to thank you for being kind in your reply, because i truly believe you wanted to say more, but held back. Secondly i would like to add that, as with most states that have or are in the process of passing "dangerous wildlife acts". Current owners and there animals would be grandfathered in the clause, with government mandated housing regulations and a small fee per animal once a year. So to be technical i do not support anyone taking your animals from you. This act would put a strangle hold on the ease of acquisition of venomous snakes through-out the country. Reducing the demand for wild caught individuals to be imported, would in turn reduce the amount of animals being pulled from there native habitat to be crated, shipped and 9 times out of 10 fall terminally ill due to dehydration or a number of things.

While an act such as this may seem opposing in every way, you must try to see the positive aspects. There's much more to it then the stereotypical "because our government said so" outlook. It would truly be most beneficial to the animals we have grown to love. I understand the most exotic venomous snakes fall out of temperate zones that we have here in the united states, my original comment regarding the release of venomous snakes due to disaster/or other unforeseen means im referring more to the immediate danger of a 6' spitting cobra loose in a residential area thats already in a state of turmoil.

I do agree with your assumption that my views on the subject are hypocritical. It really does appear that way, but i just like you i am not comfortable with anyone taking "my" animals away. At the same time if i was regulated and not aloud to acquire any more i would be content with the collection i maintain, and the offspring they may or may not produce. I hope this enlightens you to my personal views on the matter, and forgive me if i offended you in any way. I am glad you choose to reply and give your input on this matter Kimberly.

[StudentoReptile]

KD35, I do understand where you're coming from, and I've had similar thoughts myself from time to time...

But it seems that by your reasoning, we might as well outlaw other dangerous activities as well, such as riding motorcycles, sky-diving, bungee jumping, car-racing, cigarettes, etc. It is up to the individual to educate themselves properly before engaging in such activities and not up to our govt to decide what is good for us.

[Will0W783]

KD35, I do think that in many states, it's way too easy to acquire venomous snakes and giant constrictors, however I don't think they should be outlawed completely. I do understand your viewpoint, but I think a better alternative would be to impose a required training procedure, along with required permits and facilities. At a recent show in my area, reporters walked in and bought a baby monocled cobra, then went out into the parking lot and did a spiel on how they just walked in and bought it and no one asked questions and it was legal..oh no! It's really bad publicity for our hobby.

That shouldn't be. You should be required to have a thorough understanding of the species as well as handling techniques, safety procedures, bite treatment protocols, etc. before you get into deadly reptiles. I also wouldn't be opposed to some regulation of the proper caging and housing one must keep the snakes in. It's way too easy in PA for someone to get in over their head; however, I do adore the hots that I keep and would be devastated if I were no longer able to obtain new ones, or replace mine after they passed away. I am a particular fan of arboreal pit vipers...there's just nothing quite like these beautiful, colorful, bits of amazing evolution. Everything about them, from the keeled scales, the arrow shaped heads, massive fangs, heat sensing pits, amazingly adapted metabolisms, ...it all just blows my mind and amazes me. I feel honored and am very grateful to have these creatures in my life, and I think that other like-minded, properly-trained and experienced individuals should be able to have them as well.

It's a catch-22....how do you ensure the highest level of safety, while not infringing on people's freedom and rights? It's hard to find an ideal middle ground, and no matter what ....regulation or no regulation....someone will be upset, but I do firmly believe that a compromise can be reached that will allow the truly dedicated keepers the privilege of their animals while at the same time preventing "hooligans" and "thrill-seekers" from getting themselves, their friends, and/or their animals killed.

Just my $0.02, for what it's worth. :)

[youngster]

At this point the OP probably just is gonna go to another forum and find out :hmm:

If the OP is still lurking around, prove me wrong.

[StudentoReptile]

Yeah, the key is getting responsible hot keepers who are universally-recognized in the hobby working together with officials and locale/state-level law enforcement to find a reasonable regulation system that will both deter the "hooligans" while still not infringing too badly on the rights of the responsible folks.

You are correct, it is a deep topic to get into!

[Will0W783]

Unfortunately youngster, if he is really determined to find a supplier for venomous snakes, he will. They aren't as common in Texas as they are in my area, but they are around. I just hope that he stops to consider getting some actual training before he gets more snakes. Rattlesnakes are nervous, jumpy, strikey creatures....and they are NOT for beginners or the faint of heart.

[Lankyrob]

The system in the UK does seem to work in terms of having to get a permit to keep hots, you need training from a mentor, to pass three exams (one of which is "handling" of a number of hots), your house/hots room is then inspected to ensure ecerything is safe, you have to register with local authority and emergency services as well as local hospital. And twice a year you get a random visit where the premises is checked to ensure you are still doing everything you should be - the permit can be terminated at any point and you are required to give up your animals immediately.

[exwizard]

I find this whole thing to be facinating and informative to watch our two heavy hitters of hots keeping interract and debate the finer details of hots keeping. I'll never keep hots myself but I'm getting an education here. :)

[millertime89]

How is this humane?
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/403565_3062206393794_1222486004_32268067_525204663 _n.jpg

Or this?!
http://images.nationalgeographic.com/wpf/media-live/photos/000/172/cache/rattlesnake-roundup-10_17207_600x450.jpg

PETA and HSUS ignore this because they don't care. Tell your friend to get a clue. Rattlesnake is good to eat, but I will never again eat it unless I know its origins. I'm "ok" with ranching, I'm NOT ok with the mass roundup of wild animals for slaughter for sport. There's a reason there is a tag and permit system for most game animals. But our gov't continues to ignore what goes on in Texas, Oklahoma, and other states.