best first venomous snake

Bartman · 02-21-04, 01:51 PM

Just so you dont think im getting one tomorrow or something, im just asking what you guys think would be the best venomous snake to get...in no means am i even thinking of getting one in even the next 5 years, just wanted to know

Are sidewinders not good because in the future id love to own one of these or an eyelash viper...are these bad starters?

SCReptiles · 02-21-04, 02:59 PM

My opinion is the best first venomous varies with where you live. For you I would recommend a copperhead. They are usually of good temperament and if an accident happened, CroFab (North American pit viper anti-venom) would be pretty easy to get. That would not be the case for someone living in say South Africa. For them CroFab would be hard to get, thus making the keeping of copperheads more risky. I would shy away from the eyelash viper till I had plenty of experience. AV for that species will be harder to come by. Training for 5 years is probably an overkill, if you want to get into hots, find someone to train with and you will be ready for a copperhead in a much more reasonable amount of time.

m1k3_88 · 02-21-04, 03:37 PM

How are venemous permits obtained in Canada? Only 15, so not looking into gettin them anytime soon, just askin

Bartman · 02-21-04, 04:47 PM

thanks for the advice..i meant that i wouldnt even start planning to get one in the next 5 years..as mike, im only 16 so bascially until i move out i would never be able to own one...parents would neever let me, but i just wanted to start looking i guess...how would i get someone to train me, would i just have to meet people in the herp world?

SCReptiles · 02-21-04, 05:30 PM

Yeah, that is really about the only way I know. And its not always easy finding the hot keepers. A lot of them keep what they do underground. This site is good resource, keep using it. Also sigh up at www.VenomousReptiles.org You can find someone there.

m1k3_88 · 02-21-04, 08:57 PM

Thanks SCReptiles. Bartman, if u do find some1 willing to train could u let me know?

kao1001 · 02-22-04, 12:36 AM

venomous permits aren't obtainable in canada.

Stockwell · 02-22-04, 12:42 AM

Bart, first you better move out of Toronto..I mean way out..
There are very few municipalities where hots can be kept legally

Bartman · 02-22-04, 10:52 AM

I think by the time i want to own a hot, ill already be in australlia

JD@reptiles · 02-23-04, 02:37 PM

I would start with somthing rear fanged first. work with those for years and years. that way if you do get bit you dont loose a finger, hand, arm or your life... but the first REAL hot i would just listen to these guys ^^^.

Matt · 02-23-04, 05:34 PM

eyelash vipers are not good starters at all, it really takes alot of practice to hook them properly, they tend to steal the hook away from you all the time!

sidewinders....disposition wise they are decent, but typically have more problems than other species in captivity....plus they are usually not the greatest on hook either.

CHRISANDBOIDS14 · 02-23-04, 05:55 PM

So whats the deal with getting permits for hots in Canada?

One More Herper · 02-23-04, 06:03 PM

As long as the reptile is Not protected by CITES, you do not need a permit to obtain a venomous reptile. The only problem is encountered through individual municipal by-laws. The best bet for those is to call your local city hall and ask

-Ben

m1k3_88 · 02-23-04, 07:06 PM

What exactly is or are CITIES??

Dozer · 02-23-04, 08:45 PM

Bartman,

You cant get anyone to train you to handle snakes. You have to learn to know the snake and its abilities. Starting off with rear fangs at first is a good idea like JD stated, minus the "if you get bit part". At times, it cant be prevented, but most of the times a bite may be avoided. Different snakes have different temperments however...

Anyways, listen into what SC has to say, hes pro

Mike