Species progression?

[Derek Roddy]

Originally Posted by Sublimeballs

Derek the racer isn't getting you used to a cobra. It gets you used to being careful around snakes in general.

And this is the point I'm making. Who would handle a cobra without being careful around snakes "in general"?

That's exactly the flaw in logic that I'm talking about.

Of course, having experience handling snakes and being comfortable around snakes is a must if you want to handle venomous.

That has nothing to do with any species at all.....it comes down to you making the right decision for you and your life.

For example....when I was considering keeping hots the very first thing I asked myself is...."Am I ready to die"?

That was a serious question that lead me to make a decision about me....not the animal I choose to keep. Understand?

The same thing can be asked about a retic, burm, African Rock...because anyone of those animals CAN and WILL kill you given the right opportunity.

Are you willing to take that step.

THAT is what will prepare you for any animal you want to keep.

D

[Derek Roddy]

And, not only that but.... how does handling a harmless snake "get you used to" handling a snake that could kill you?


D

[red ink]

Originally Posted by Derek Roddy

That has nothing to do with any species at all.....it comes down to you making the right decision for you and your life.

For example....when I was considering keeping hots the very first thing I asked myself is...."Am I ready to die"?

That was a serious question that lead me to make a decision about me....not the animal I choose to keep. Understand?


D

Same exact question I asked myself about the elapids we have here when I was entertaining the idea of getting vens..

The question the really sacred the crap out of me was, can I live with myself if the wife got bitten by a Mulga, Taipan or Death Adder should the unthinkable happen and they get out around the house without me knowing.

I don't doubt my capabilities around hots... played with Naja philippinesis growing up in the old country as a young un, can't bring myself to play with them now. Well maybe I had a little cheeky play last time I was there.

[red ink]

What I don't get though is the notion that some species are "advanced" specimens due to husbandry requirements. Some species require a bit more care but I would not call them, intermediate or advance.

Don't be "lazy" or slack as a keeper and no species is advanced...

Why is a diamond python more "advanced" than the rest of the carpets?
The requirement of lower temps and possible addition of UV?... so just pay attention to the temps and get a UV bulb, whats so advanced about that.

Why is a GTP more "advanced" than a spotted python. The specific humidity needs and an arboreal set up? Get a hygrometer and use a humidity retaining substrate (sphagnum moss) in an enclosure that can handle high humidity. How much more difficult can that be from the care of a spotted python?

[Sublimeballs]

Originally Posted by Derek Roddy

And this is the point I'm making. Who would handle a cobra without being careful around snakes "in general"?

That's exactly the flaw in logic that I'm talking about.

Of course, having experience handling snakes and being comfortable around snakes is a must if you want to handle venomous.

That has nothing to do with any species at all.....it comes down to you making the right decision for you and your life.

For example....when I was considering keeping hots the very first thing I asked myself is...."Am I ready to die"?

That was a serious question that lead me to make a decision about me....not the animal I choose to keep. Understand?

The same thing can be asked about a retic, burm, African Rock...because anyone of those animals CAN and WILL kill you given the right opportunity.

Are you willing to take that step.

THAT is what will prepare you for any animal you want to keep.

D

I think you're reading to deeply into some of what I've said, that or this is more a generalized thing and not directed at me.


I agree, I already said i feel no species can prepare you for another, and proper research on something as extreme an undertaking as hots or giants requires a good amount of hands on experience with them.

The problem isn't people like you or me or most of the people on this site. The problem is that a ton of people are stupid or think they're invincible.. I'm sure there are plenty of idiots out there that would jump at the chance to handle a cobra without any knowledge of how to be careful around snakes. Or even own one if they knew how easy they are to get. These people arnt going to take a look at themselves.

I agree completely that its all a matter of making the right decision for your life. It's the same reason I don't own mainland retics.

As for the racer thing. I do feel a non venomous snake can help prepare you for hots. Most of us take much more risk with harmless snakes. if that's all you have experience with, a mentor can help you correct the sloppiness in your handling techniques and teach you how to keep the head safely away. This isn't for people that say have been working with wild hots and now would like to own them this is for complete beginners.


I got done typing this then I accidentally deleted it so it did sound much better, but hopefully you get my point.

[Sublimeballs]

Originally Posted by red ink

What I don't get though is the notion that some species are "advanced" specimens due to husbandry requirements. Some species require a bit more care but I would not call them, intermediate or advance.

Don't be "lazy" or slack as a keeper and no species is advanced...

Why is a diamond python more "advanced" than the rest of the carpets?
The requirement of lower temps and possible addition of UV?... so just pay attention to the temps and get a UV bulb, whats so advanced about that.

Why is a GTP more "advanced" than a spotted python. The specific humidity needs and an arboreal set up? Get a hygrometer and use a humidity retaining substrate (sphagnum moss) in an enclosure that can handle high humidity. How much more difficult can that be from the care of a spotted python?

Haha, that's exactly what it is. How much do I actually have to try levels.lol