That's a loaded question. Since you are still a high school student, and, if you are planning on going to college, I wouldn't even consider keeping any venomous species until you are done with school. If you are living at home, which I am assuming you are, or, plan on living at home, I wouldn't own a venomous herp as other folks sharing your space will either not have the same skill level as you (in a worse case scenario) or share the same passion as you (and, it wouldn't be fair to subject them to stress and/or potential danger in the event of an escape or some other freak accident. Additionally, if you are a normal high school/college kid that's strapped for cash, the expense of owning your own supply of A/V (which is your responsibility, not the hospital's or the nearest zoo) will costs you in the thousands that will need to be replenished every 30 months of so.



So, with all that being said, if you are just looking for information and not a sermon, no venomous snake makes a good "first time hot" as any venomous snake does have the potential to kill you. Yes, copperheads are oftentimes mentioned but the bite of one can be absolutely horrific and the loss of a limb is a real possibility. I am biased towards rattlers and feel that they are, for the most part, fairly easy to manage and if I had to pick one group, rattlers would be my first choice (both in behavior, natural history, exhibit potential and ease in management). A pygmy, desert or western massasauga, banded rock would all make fine choices once you have your own place, the experience and the financial resources to own one (there are many other small to medium species that do equally well). Make sure you have a suitable hook, a pro bagger or something similar, well constructed shift or transport box, shields, a scoop, gentle giant tongs and you'll be ready. Most importantly, however, is trying to find a good mentor to show you the ropes and be mature enough to take constructive criticism. You can never be over prepared when it comes to working with hots.



Hope this helps.



Rob Carmichael, Curator

The Wildlife Discovery Center



>>what kind of training, if any, did you guys do before getting your own venomous?

>>

>>i want to be a herpetologist, and i will most likely be working with these animals, and i would like to keep some in my own private collection.

>>

>>what do you guys recommend for first-time vens?

>>(i dont plan on keeping them for a few years at least)

>>

>>finally, does anyone know any big time venomous keepers in northwestern PA that may let me do some shadowing/training?

>>

>>i have gotten some offers from people on the other side of the state, but no luck there...thats a 5 - 7 hour drive...and not realistic for a high-school student.

>>

>>thanks

>>jessica

>>-----

>>0.1.0 Hogg Island Boa

>>0.1.0 Albino Columbian Boa

>>1.0.0 Carpet Python

>>0.0.1 Red Albino Cornsnake

>>0.0.1 Aberrant California Kingsnake

>>1.0.0 Greek Tortoise

>>1.0.0 Normal Leopard Gecko

>>0.0.1 ?????? Leopard Gecko

>>1.0.0 Leopard Toad

>>2.2.0 Dogs

>>1.1.0 Cats

>>1.0.0 Rabbit

>>1.0.0 Gerbil

>>....................................

>>

>>Shed Your Fears!

>>http://www.freewebs.com/ShedYourFears
-----
Rob Carmichael, Curator

The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm

Lake Forest, IL

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