For what it's worth, I'll add my .02 to the mix...



First things first, make sure that vens are legal where you live...I know you said that you're in the process of getting permits, but if you can't get the permits then all of this discussion is somewhat of a moot point. (Good from an educational standpoint, but moot from a husbandry standpoint.)



Second, I've seen the physical aspects of a bite covered to varying degrees here...Which is good, because it is a consideration...but just as important are the financial aspects of a potential bite...I'm not sure what kind of medical insurance you have, but a snakebite is EXPENSIVE...Also, many carriers won't cover it if they become aware that you were bitten by a captive snake. Can you afford to shell out $50,000 for a momentary lapse of judgement?



Along those same lines, while Agkistrodon contortrix or Sistrurus milarius aren't likely to kill you, in the event that you are bitten extremity morbidity is a distinct possibility...something to consider if you work in a profession that requires manual dexterity (or play a guitar as you mentioned). There are so many variables here that I won't attempt to list them all, but suffice it to say that a snakebite is painful in many more ways than the physical pain itself.



I won't give a species recommendation because well...I don't think there are any good "beginner" venomous snakes...They can all kill and maim...copperhead to Gaboon to monocled cobra...they're all dangerous and statistically speaking the most dangerous snake is the one that just bit you. That said, I would recommend AGAINST getting a snake that was "placid"...You'll be surprised...after a few years, you might begin to think you "know" the snake and that's when you get complacent...and when the snake has a "bad day". Instead, consider a snake with a reputation for "spunkiness"...The advantage here is that you ALWAYS know where you stand with that animal and your guard is always up in dealing with it. It's hard to get complacent with a 5 foot atrox that isn't shy to let you know how it feels about you.



I'm not trying to discourage you...Sounds like you've done a good bit of research here, and you are to be commended for that...Too many people don't and it winds up giving all ven keepers a black eye in the public scene. In the end, I'd HIGHLY recommend going the mentor route, but failing that get something that you feel is within your skillset (after critically examining what your skillset that is). Also, get something that you'll enjoy caring for for the rest of it's life...If you won't be fascinated by it 2 years from now, best not to go down that road to begin with.



-Kris

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