Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello everyone,

I realize I am opening Pandora's Box with this question but I am SERIOUSLY thinking of getting my 1st hot. I've had sveral pthons and have kept copperheads but I want a Gaboon. I have all the equip. to handle such a snake. I know they are very fast strikers and aren't they best for beginners but to me they are the most beatiful snake on earth. So, let me have it. Good or bad. Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated! I have checked and they are legal to own in Oklahoma. Thanks everybody! Jason

You titled this post "thinking of 1st hot" but go on to say that you have kept coppers. Which is it?

I Live in Oklahoma and have kept WC copperheads occasionally. Just nothing of the magnitude of a Gaboon.

Even though you said you were fully equipped with the tools needed for keeping a gaboon, the one thing you don't have is the experience necessary to keep an animal that dangerous. This issue has been beatin to a pulp around here but I guess I'll say it again. Find someone willing to mentor you and show you the proper way to interact with something like that. Working with pythons does in no way prepare you for a snake like a gaboon. If you think they're that beautiful perhaps it would be safer to just buy a picture.

Jason, what part of OK. are you in? Billy

From the last post, it sounds as if you may be able to get a mentor. This is a good thing.

Might I be so bold as to suggest that before you buy the Bitis, you buy at least enough antivenin to treat one serious bite? If you are not willing to do that, I'd like to make a little analogy:

Hey, guys, I had a pellet rifle a few years ago, & got pretty good with it. Now I'm thinkin' about getting a real gun...a fully automatic AK 47. Whattaya think?

Whatever you decide, stay safe.

~~Greg~~

Good point Greg. This is something I have been giving a lot of thought to for several years.

I live in a small town 40mi. north of Tulsa. It's called Talala.

if you want to see some cool vids of gaboons go to youtube and search for viperkeeper al has a ton of entertaining and inforative videos there note1.the speed and unperdictablity of there strikes 2. gabby is a well temperd gaboon

can u let me know what the laws are in ok does a breeders permit allow for exotics if so how much are they

I've spoke with my local fish and game as well as the state wildlife dept. law enforcment division and was told by both that no special permit is needed. I just can't keep indiginous hots.

do they have to inspect the facilaty where they will be kept

No they don't.

If you bring the animal in from out of state you need an import permit from the fish and game department.
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Northshore Reptiles
2004 Northshore Reptile Show
Saturday July 24 and Sunday July 25
Slidell, Louisiana

That's strange. I told them about the species and where I would be purchasing it and they said I needed nothing from them. I talked to both the local and state offices.

I don't know who you spoke with, but they didn't know what they were talking about!

First, you can legally collect and/or maintain native species that aren't of special concern, and that includes all venomous snakes native to OK. To collect the snakes, you will need a valid hunting license, or, in the case of rattlesnakes, they sell a five day permit. There are possesion limits.
www.wildlifedepartment.com/regs/huntregs6.htm

I'm not sure about the animal species that are affected by the import permit (perhaps herps aren't even listed), but as I read it, it is only a player if you intend to breed the animals anyway.

They told me for OK native herps (nonvenomous), that I'm not breeding or selling, I could legally keep them with a current hunting license......no need for the noncommercial (pet) permit in that case. I doubt the noncommercial permit is enforced anyway, given all the herps sold in pet stores.

In regard to venomous reptiles, they are specifically mentioned:
www.wildlifedepartment.com/lawforms/noncommercialbreeder.rtf
It is also specifically mentioned that the county game warden must inspect the "facility."

You better make sure you have all your legal ducks in a row if you intend to keep a gaboon in OK......not to mention the general venomous stuff. If you want to skimp on paying the $10 annual fee for a noncommercial permit, make sure you get it in writing from those "officials" you spoke with that said you don't need it.....also check your local ordinances.

Shane

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Lifelist

Thanks Shane! That's the best infi I've got yet. I asked about keeping copperheads and they said it was illegal!! I asked about the Gabby and they told me I wouldn't need any special permits gor that. They told me to call the state office to make sure and they told me the same thing. Go figure. Jason

If you feel you are really up to it, it is not that hard. They are pretty easy to keep. Do the research on husbandry, they have requirements but what doesn't? In all they are pretty hardy and do well. They can kill you and with out much trouble. Be very sure you can keep such an animal and not put you or others in any danger. There is not room for a mistake. Really think hard and be more than sure that keeping one is right for you and the safty of others around you. If you know in your heart you can do everything right and are ready, well, be careful!

Thanks everybody. i really appreciate all the input everyone has given!

Not sure I can add a whole lot here, except (once again) stress the importance of safety. While these animals are about as sluggish as slugs, they are unpredictable and an envenomated bite is a grave and serious concern. I would recommend either keeping your own antivenin on hand or knowing where a local supply is...A mistake with a Gabby can easily prove fatal.

Be safe.
-AzAtrox