Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm 15 and looking to get into venomous reptiles in a couple of years preferably when I'm 23. I was wondering if anyone can recommend a preferably nonvenmous snake that would help prepare me for cobras something challenging nothing as docile as a corn snakes I have 7 years of reptile experience. (geckos, cornsnakes, chameleons, and I'm watching a nile monitor and a ratsnake at the moment.) Any recommendations willingly accepted also can you name a breeder of the species you recommend?

If you really want a snake that is non-venomous and will give you a run for your money in preparation for some venomous species, especially like fast sleek cobras, you should look into getting a coachwhip or a large water snake of the Nerodia genus. Both of these snakes can move and strike at considerable speeds and both show ravenous feeding responses. Good luck with your herping, and remember to always have fun and use your head.

A decent sized mangrove snake would be a good choice if you can find one.

First, I wouldn't personally recommend a mangrove snake until you have a lot of experience in mentoring under someone who has a lot of venomous experience. I have personally seen some gruesome side effects from bites of mangroves and they should not be taken lightly (nor should they be kept by novices w/no venomous experience....especially a 15 year old!).

Working with racers, coachwhips and various Nerodia can certainly offer "cobra-like" tendencies but they will never duplicate them (but its a good place to start learning). The important thing, no, THE most important thing (aside from living a clean and responsible life) is that you master proper technique such as mastering the use of trap boxes, moving a snake from point A to point B w/out ever touching it, etc. If you have ideas of hooking/tailing cobras like you see on Animal Planet, you may want to consider sticking with non venomous; that stuff is for T.V. only (not that hook and tail is a bad thing but it really isn't necessary). So, find someone you can mentor under; listen, learn, and develop sound and safe techniques. Humility and respect goes a long way in the venomous field.

Hope that helps....and waiting until you are at least 23 years old is already showing the maturity that it takes to successfully work with venomous herps.

Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center
Lake Forest, IL

>>A decent sized mangrove snake would be a good choice if you can find one.
>>
>>
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Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL

Rob, that hook and tail stuff I see, looks to me to be adding a danger element to doing this. Is that something, as you imply, stricly or pretty much for show, or is there a time for it? Is there a time where this becomes a necessary skill, because I personally have not really seen it.

I know my little Nerodia rhombifer is already proving to be the challenge. Good snake, but very much a different method to the madness in handling him. He is a "hands off" sort of fellow. Dont know why everyone chuckles at me for my love of water snakes now...heh

First, Nerodia are some of the coolest snakes on earth. I spend my summers in an area where I spend a lot of time studying Nerodia sipedon; their foraging behaviors are unbelievable. The "need" to know how to hook and tail will really depend on who you talk to. If managed correctly, there should never be a need to hook and tail a cobra (kind of like there should never be a need for a zookeeper to handle a full grown lion!). I personally know how to hook and tail elapids; does that mean its right?....no way. Is there a time when I need to do it?...there have been, however, if you have the proper facilities, there really shouldn't be a need to. Some of my job requires me to assist in wildlife confiscations and utilizing a hook and tail have, in rare instances, been necessary.

>>Rob, that hook and tail stuff I see, looks to me to be adding a danger element to doing this. Is that something, as you imply, stricly or pretty much for show, or is there a time for it? Is there a time where this becomes a necessary skill, because I personally have not really seen it.
>>
>>I know my little Nerodia rhombifer is already proving to be the challenge. Good snake, but very much a different method to the madness in handling him. He is a "hands off" sort of fellow. Dont know why everyone chuckles at me for my love of water snakes now...heh
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Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL

Thank you for all of the advice. I was not planning on tailing the snake I do lots of research and I found a nice site that provided me with a lot of crucial information. The person that wrote the pages goes over tools, housing, and care. According to him/her The best venomous snake keepers are the ones who never touch the snake unless it is a matter of absolute necessity. Here is the site fill me in on your thoughts about it. I thought it was quite nice your opinions are welcomed with open arms. Site: http://www.geocities.com/lflank/venom.html

Try about a 6-8' Spilotes, and see if you can handle that. THEN you'll be ready
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Good advice....I used to have a 6ft Spilotes, and let me tell you, he was a handful! Beautiful snake....If you can handle a pissed off Spilotes without getting tagged on a regular basis, then MAYBE you're ready for a mangrove...Even then, I'm inclined to think that 14-15 is too young for ANY venomous snake....

It does sound like you have your head in the right place though, and my advice would be to find someone experienced in keeping these animals and learn, learn, learn! (I've been keeping venomous for over 12 years now, and am STILL learning!)

-Kris

I did look up some info on them they don't sound bad. (As a snake to get me ready for venomous snakes.) Can anybody recommend any quality breeders? Also would like to wait till summer to get the snake, that way I won't have to worry about it freezing to death. I live in Northern IL, so it would be warm enough if I get it early to mid-summer. Thank you for any recommendations on breeders and dealers. Also any more information on snakes species that would get me ready for Venomous reptiles are welcome.

information is going to bring you some sad news. Illinois does not allow Venomous Snake ownership unless by a bonafide Institution or Exhibit. Thus the main reason I moved from that state 21 years ago!

If you live in the northeastern part of the state, you need to go visit with Rob Carmichael and chat with him. Oh yea. and while you are there, check out the snake exhibit!
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Tim Cole
www.Designeratrox.com/
www.AustinReptileService.net
www.AustinReptileExpo.com/
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Conservation through Education

That is why I wish to start of with a nonvenomous snake to prepare me. I did the research and know you need to quite qualified in order to get a permit in this state. That is why I wish to move to Texas when I get older. And no not to catch my own snakes. Texas has some of my top college choices and if I'm not mistaken you don't need a permit to own venomous snakes in Texas. This also explains why I'll wait till I'm 23 to get a venomous snake by then I'll be done with school and I won't have school to worry about.

Sounds like a good plan. If you come to Austin, I'll be glad to show you the ropes. Going to school may not give you enough time to
get too involved.
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Tim Cole
www.Designeratrox.com/
www.AustinReptileService.net
www.AustinReptileExpo.com/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<
Conservation through Education

School has its problems but it also has its advantages such as teaching a person how to study and research. I'll be glad when school is over though. This will give me more time to have experience with venomous reptiles. And during my summers for the next couple years I'll be getting as much experience as I can. With agressive nonvenomous snakes but, I'm gonna take it as slowly as I can. I don't wanna rush head first into this like some macho punk. I'm in this for the snakes I hope that by owning a venomous snake I'll be able to help all of the groups that have an effect from these wonderful snakes. And teach people that snakes are not vile creatures out to harm people, but show them that they are just another creature out to make a living. Finally I would like to show that venomous snakes don't hunt people out and how most often the snake is scared for its life. Most snake bites are accidents or people trying to be the opposite of what I wish they'd be. To repeat I don't wanna be some macho guy with a snake because its cool. I want to educate people on what snakes truly are something a little different than people just trying to survive. And if school has taught me anything its that people actually do fear things they don't understand. Please before you hate something try to understand and learn what it truly is.

P.S. Sorry its so long but I have been into reptiles for years and, its macho punks and misinformation that give reptiles such a bad name.

I applaaud you for your sentiments....

As I said earlier, my advice is to find someone that has experience with venomous and learn, learn, learn.....I'll admit....I got my first venomous (a big mean atrox) snake when I turned 18 and I wasn't ready for it....I thought I was...I've had non-vens my whole life and devoted the better part of my existence to studying and admiring these creatures....

It's been almost 12 years since I scooted that bastard snake into my pillow case on the side of a desert road, and I can tell you that the more experience you get, the better keeper you are...Now that I've pretty much been keeping vens ever since, I'd consider myself a competent and responsible keeper (no bites or escapes)....Good luck to you....There are plenty of good, responsible keepers in Tx that can show you how it's supposed to be done. Who knows? In a couple of years (when I finish grad school) I might even move down there and join you!

-Kris

Well my choice finally comes down to it. I have 3 nonvenomous species to choose from. here they are and there prices also here is the site they are on tell me your thoughts on this site.

WATER SNAKES GREEN AND BANDED = 8.00
WATER SNAKES BROWN = 10.00
Black Racers = 10.00

Site: www.diamondreptile.com