This post is just to tell of my experience with venomous snakes so far, mainly to be considered by those thinking of getting hots, and to hear what others have to say...



Just a couple of months ago, I got that first idea in my head that I wanted to keep venomous snakes. Some of you may remember my posts.



I am in Australia, and previously have kept skinks and dragons, before keeping 2 carpet pythons and 2 diamond pythons for 8 months.



I first began by reading everything i could possibly find online - and posting in these forums.



Then, I followed by emailing five or six people who are recognised as experienced venomous snake keepers who are proximate to me, asking for their advice. Before I knew it, a few of them were offering some hands on experience (and don't be shy to ask for it- if you're asking for handling experience, that shows your head's screwed on right)



I learnt a hell of a lot and a lot of misconceptions of mine were set aside. First, just because a snake is venomous doesn't mean it will bite you at any given opportunity (this regards some species, and not all). Second, the keeping of venomous snakes is over-complicated by many. Third, decades of experience with other snakes will in no way prepare a person for a hot. They move differently, they behave differently, they think differently - they are different in so many ways. Don't compare apples to oranges.



All it takes is good common sense, a knowledge of the snake's capacity, and a high level of respect for the snake itself, and what is could do to you. (and, of course, general husbandry info, easily pertainable from whoever you find to show you how).



So, if you want to do it, then do it. Don't let anybody tell you that you're not ready if you honestly believe you are. Just make sure that you make a real effort to make yourself ready before making a purchase. No harm can come from spending a few hours with vens every couple of weeks, under the watch of a learned eye - even if you've never kept snakes before - until you're ready for the day you buy your first hot.



Just remember, at the end of the day, make sure you're doing it for the right reasons. You are, at the end of the day, risking your life and the lives of others. The snakes, at the end of the day, are just as capable of biting you. But then again, it's no more risky than, like said a few posts earlier, driving a car.



If you choose to go down the same path as me, make sure it is out of passion for the hobby, and not for the glamour of keeping vens. I'll be getting my first of many elapids over the next couple of weeks - and I can't wait.



With that said, there are always exceptions to every rule. And there are also many other things to consider (money, general husbandry, ability to provide due care and security, opinions of those close to you, licencing restrictions, etc)



Well, I hope this helps change some people's minds about getting in to hots (no, this isn't my plea to all to go out and buy a ven, but merely my warning to those that some are too quick to tell people that they shouldn't keep hots. Noted though, in some cases, it is obviously necessary) and even ever-so-slightly broadens the opinions of others.



Penultimately, all opinions should be considered. If someone tells you that you're not ready, ask yourself why they are saying it. But if you truly feel you are ready, then do it.



And finally, the end of my rantingly raving post - a thanks to all those who have helped me along my way. I appreciate it (you know who you are).



Cheers,

Aaron.
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Happy Herping

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