Nasty snakes?

[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]

Originally Posted by red ink

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.

Originally Posted by 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.

[infernalis]

Originally Posted by millertime89

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]

Originally Posted by infernalis

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.

Originally Posted by infernalis

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]

Originally Posted by boosh96

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.