Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Ever since I saw "Bulletproof Monk" I've wanted an Albino King Cobra. But, I haven't found anything stating weather or not it's legal to keep them and if removing the venom glands is safe/acceptable. Any links or downright answers are GREATLY appreciated. Thank you, Heather.

Legality depends alot on your state, city and county laws. For instance in California, it's illegal to posess non-native venomous reptiles with only a few exceptions, such as some rear fanged, and beaded lizards.

I'm not too sure if king cobras come in an albino morph. From what I gather, I could be wrong, but I believe it's rare enough to find a captive bred one that accepts unscented rodents instead of other snakes.

Things get pretty heated over the venomoid snake debate. So conceding all other points to others, I'll only recommend that due to the risk of botched surgery or regenerated glands, a venomoid snake must be treated no different than a hot one.

For links, I'd recommend scrolling through the venomous snake forum on here. It's in the General Topics H-V. I strongly recommend reading through much of the stuff there before making inquiries as to ward off 'hissy' answers.

Frankly, though they're magnificent creatures, the thought of an 18 ft snake, one of the most intelligent species of snakes and packing large amounts of neurotoxin (all in the same creature) scares the heck out of me. They're not creatures to be taken lightly and while I'm sorry for lecturing you, I feel ethically obligated to discourage you.

Have you considered a cribo? Intelligent, large, responsive non-venomous sight hunters. They don't hood, but they're basically the non-venomous equivalent of a cobra.
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0.2 chickens (Condor & Valentine)
0.2 dog mutts (half ownership, only mine when they misbehave, Lucy & Amy)
0.1 Halflinger horse (Crissy)
0.1 Normal phase California Kingsnake (Sophia)
1.1 parents
Still searching for 1.0 WC human

To the albino issue, I was wondering if they did or didn't as well... I've never even seen a picture of an albino king, so I assumed it was just so rare, there weren't any photos. I know the monacled one does. And I did take into consideration of inept surgeons/surgery and the regeneration of the glands. (actually, I'm not sure which one scares me more.) And thanks for being concerned about the snake...or me, whichever. *chuckles* It was just a passing fantasy for me, and if it were AT ALL possible, I wouldn't hesitate to get one-provided I could care for it without getting killed. I was just trying to do research on it (finally) before thinking any further on it. And as to the Cribo, no I hadn't thought about it. But only because this is the first time I've ever heard of them. Thanks for your help, and I'll be sure to look into the Cribos. Have a great day! -Heather

Do you even have any snakes at the time, because a Venomous snake such as a cobra is not a good snake to start with let alone a good starter venomous snake. You should go with a Cribo as the other one said or a False Water Cobra(do have a slight venom gland- wont kill you thought unless your alergic, they arent cobras just the name. You may also want to try a coachwhip or maybe even a racer.

Good luck

Oh and if this is your first snake ever, get a Cornsnake because there are huge responsibilities when it comes to owning a snake.

Good luck

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Cameron

I currently own an unknown breed of cornsnake, and if I was still going to go through with the cobra, I wouldn't start out with that as my first venemous snake... 0.0; That's just scary as hell. lol Anyway, thanks again for the advice. -H

Holy crap. I've never really done any real research on cobras, so I wasn't aware that king cobras can get so HUGE. I would love to see one of those "in real life", but if I ever do, I certainly hope there's some REALLY thick glass between us!

I personally would have to discourage the ownership of ANY venomous snake much less a king Cobra unless you are able to carry your own stock of antivenin (which isn't cheap) and are willing to accept possible death for the sake of having a "cool pet". Do you have any experience with large fast snakes such as an elapid? I am assuming not. Furthermore, while this is a heated debate many times, I would strongly advise against venomoids. If you aren't capable of keeping a fully loaded snake, then you shouldnt have it at all. That's just my opinion. Like the other poster mentioned, possibly a cribo would be a better option. There would just be one major difference...it can't KILL you.

Best Wishes,

Chris

>>Ever since I saw "Bulletproof Monk" I've wanted an Albino King Cobra. But, I haven't found anything stating weather or not it's legal to keep them and if removing the venom glands is safe/acceptable. Any links or downright answers are GREATLY appreciated. Thank you, Heather.
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U.A.P.P.E.A.L.
Uniting A Proactive Primate and Exotic Animal League
www.uappeal.org

I have considered the cribo, and I fell in love with the black tailed. Thanks for replying, but I agree... I wanted one (in the same way I want a skunk- they're cool, but I don't want to deal with one aspect if I don't have to) and the fact that I don't have to risk death to have a larg and intelligent pretty snake is a big "YES" factor. So at the moment, I am pondering how long I'm going to be saving for that little bugger. Thanks again!
-Heather

The Drymarchon (Indigos and Cribos) have been coined honorary cobras by Dr. Wolfgang Wuster, a leading herpetofauna researcher, known for his work with both Naja and Drymarchon, along with a host of others.
Having worked with Ophiophagus Hannah, I can honestly tell you, the captive maintenance of the species should be reserved for only those with many years of experience with venomous specimens, not merely snakes in general.
Back to the Drymarchon, I believe you would enjoy such and I produce all of the available species. Should you have an interest in acquiring a Black-tail Cribo, please feel free to contact me and I would be happy to give you one of the babies I produce this year.

Best regards,

Jeff

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Jeff Snodgres
University of Arkansas
snodgresjeffreys@uams.edu
501.603.1947

Heather,

That's a good (and responsible) call on the cribo. Drys are fantastic snakes - active, intelligent, large, powerful, sighthunters. Many of the subspecies can be very tame. Just hop over to the indigo forum for any questions (there are alot of knowledgeable folk over there).

And the feeding response! I have an eastern indigo, who's dog tame...but when feeding time comes around, she is forocious and fast. It's great because I get the feel of a dangerous, wild animal and a tame, sweet snake rolled up into one hardy package.

Nevermore, looks as though it is coming along very nicely for you.
I believe you meant species, not subspecies though, as there are five species within the Drymarchon genus, with the only species, harboring subspecies, being D. melanurus...

Best regards,

Jeff

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Jeff Snodgres
University of Arkansas
snodgresjeffreys@uams.edu
501.603.1947

Whoops. Yes. I meant species. My fingers sometimes go faster than my brain and that's what I get for not checkin my post.

But yeah, my female seems to be coming along nicely. I originally planned on just one...but...as it always seems to be, I can't stop at just one. I'd like to get a male and try my hand at breeding in a few years.

LOL..Same thing happens to me all teh time, just look at how I spell "the" most of the time, see did it again!

She is looking great and you definitely need to breed her down the road, as she is too nice looking to keep her genes all to yourself!

Take care,

Jeff
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Jeff Snodgres
University of Arkansas
snodgresjeffreys@uams.edu
501.603.1947

Yeah, count on it. I'll be sure to spread her genes around when the time comes.