Reptile & Amphibian Forums

ok i have alot of experience with animals in general, ive had snakes (mostly pythons and boas) but i truly want to get a venomous snake. obviously my goal is a little far fetched (mon. cobra) but what preperations did you guys make before buying your first? do you guys have antivenin on hand? do you handle them? how much did you spend preparing for it.

This is only a dreaded situation if you are not properly trained. What does it take to reach the point where you can properly own your own venomous? I've been training and working with venomous snakes with a mentor for the last 5 years. He recently got out of reptiles, but before that, I would go in and work the hot room on my own. I've worked with a variety of vipers, cobras and boomslangs.

After 5 years, I feel prepared and that I have had extensive training. I've logged well over 1,000 hours. One thing I've learned is that there's no good substitute for hands on training with SOMEONE ELSE'S SNAKES. You can't get a racer and pretend like you're training yourself to work with cobras. Likewise, you can't get bullsnakes and pretend they are rattlers. I don't even think rear fangs are a good way to learn on your own.

Find someone who will train you in your area. You and your mentor will know when the time is right to get your own venomous. Also, make sure to look into state and local laws. Although it may be legal in the state, your local municipalities may have banned venomous reptiles.