I think Aaron made some good points but some were so preposterous that I just couldn't bite my lip any longer. First and foremost, there is no subsitute for experience; even if with non venomous herps. If you learn proper handling techniques with tongs/hooks/etc with harmless snakes, eventually, you COULD (and I emphasize COULD over CAN) be ready for a venomous herp but that depends on MANY variables. To say that some of us overcomplicate the keeping of venomous species is absolutely ridiculous. To approach the keeping of venomous snakes with a simple mind will end in death; period. There are FAR MORE things you have to consider when working with venomous herps that you can get away with harmless species. My staff, who begin working with hots, have to first complete an extensive 3-day workshop that only comes after they have worked under my wing for at least 6 years (with boas, pythons, various colubrids, monitors, crocs, etc.). They have to PROVE their worthiness to work with hots and that only comes from demonstrated expertise over the long haul. After they complete the workshop, they will then spend another 100 hours shadowing me and learning proper techniques. During this time, they slowly develop certain skills and assist me with various things under my watchful eye. After many months, they will then get their FIRST hot to take care of; usually a pygmy rattler, 'sauga, banded rock or something along those lines. They will learn everything they can from that one snake before being given additional responsibilities. There is NEVER a rush to acquire or work with additional animals with my staff; they know what they are in for.



When I see rookies giving advice, particularly bad advice, I really get upset because it shows that they are probably not ready to take on this privilege (and it is a privilege to work with venomous reptiles). Now, I don't doubt the original post's intentions or passion; that is quite evident and he should be commended but he also needs to respect the value of hard work, time, commitment and teh advice being given by many experienced people on this forum. I for one would NEVER recommend that someone start off by owning a venomous herp; NEVER. But, I am going to shut up as I have much more to say but will hold my tongue; I sure hope you heed the advice being given here and hope that you enjoy your hobby safely and learn teh ropes from the people who are teaching you.



Rob Carmichael, Curator

The Wildlife Discovery Center

Lake Forest, IL



>>Yeah Psilocybe, personally I have a problem with someone with ZERO unsupervised venemous experience giving advice.

>>

>>Aaron: Your inexperience is clearly indicted by your own words.

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>>"the keeping of venomous snakes is over complicated by many."

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>>How do you know? Do you have the experience to judge? To fill in the blank...I have 35 years of keeping hots as an amatuer and as a former Zookeeper.

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>>"Decades of experience with other snakes will in no way prepare a person for a hot."

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>>Decades of experience will teach you proper keeping protocols and will give you the skills necessary to spot problems (hopefully) before they become serious. A smart keeper would practice the use of tongs and hooks on non venemous. They might not move the same but it will teach you to use the equipment properly.

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>>"...my warning to some that are too quick to tell people they shouldn't keep hots...."

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>>Too quick...Aaron?

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>>When are we supposed to comment or advise? It is my recollection that you asked the advice of us, so for you to belittle people with decades of experience is a bit RUDE.

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>>All we have to go on is what you say...If you don't seem ready, why should we tell you to go ahead?

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>>And that is the point. An inexperienced keeper is a lousy judge of his abilities.

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>>Aaron, With all due polietness....Sit down and listen to people who know what they are doing BEFORE giving advice on something you know damned little about.

>>

>>Frank

>>-----

>>"The luxury of not getting involved departed with the last lifeboat Skipper..."
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Rob Carmichael, Curator

The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm

Lake Forest, IL

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