Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey,
I have been poking around the web for some sort of snake "class". I am open to what type of class it would be exactly, but I would like to get experience with different types of snakes. I am not sure if this is far-fetched for liability reasons, but I found a class in Australia that would be suitable (unfortunately I live in Connecticut, but will go anywhere in the USA for it provided that it is more than a day experience). In Florida, I know you have to have 1,000hrs of venomous animal handling experience if you want to get a venomous animal permit, so what would I do to get this? I have never handled a venomous snake before, but have a fair amount of non-venomous handling experience, and would be willing to take a course on venomous handling if thats all thats available. Sorry for the long post, but any suggestions would be great... even if its not a snake handling class, rather some other type of exotic. I want to learn about the animal, and not go out and collect a bunch to see which ones I like and figure out how to deal with them.

Chris

Hi Chris!
I'm not aware of any classes like what you're looking for. Though it's not really a "class," a good herp society meeting is more in line with what you're looking for. There are several listings here on Kingsnake.com's main webpage.

Something you may want to try is to think of a few species that you think you might be interested in and go to that forum section and post a question looking for someone in your area willing to share their experience. I know that I'd take someone under my wing in a heartbeat. Too bad you don't live closer to southwestern NC.

Florida's venomous laws - Absolutely ridiculous. Most people have never stopped to figure out just what FL's demanding. Think about this - They require 1,000 hours of training in the species you're seeking to keep. There are 40hrs in the average work week. That's the equivalent of more than 6 months (6.25) of working 8hrs a day, 5 days a week, for 6 months and one week.

And another kicker of it is that most venomous snake bites among keepers happen with well established, long-time keepers, not beginners. The reason is due to repitition. We tend to let our guard down the more we do something, getting too relaxed. Remember that, regardless of what species you get into. Always stay on your toes.

OK, I'll shut up now before I get off another tangent. Ha! Ha!

Best wishes!
HH
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Due to political correctness run amuck,
this ol' hillbilly is now referred to as an:
Appalachian American

www.natures-signature.com

Hey thanks for the response!
I have been trying to find a herp society, but snake keeping isn't big up in Ct. Out of curiosity, what type of snakes do you keep? Thanks again for the response

Ya gotta forgive me, I'm a slow typer. Ha! I just replied to your e-mail. Check your mail.

Later!
HH
-----
Due to political correctness run amuck,
this ol' hillbilly is now referred to as an:
Appalachian American

www.natures-signature.com

>>Hey,
>>I have been poking around the web for some sort of snake "class". I am open to what type of class it would be exactly, but I would like to get experience with different types of snakes. I am not sure if this is far-fetched for liability reasons, but I found a class in Australia that would be suitable (unfortunately I live in Connecticut, but will go anywhere in the USA for it provided that it is more than a day experience). In Florida, I know you have to have 1,000hrs of venomous animal handling experience if you want to get a venomous animal permit, so what would I do to get this? I have never handled a venomous snake before, but have a fair amount of non-venomous handling experience, and would be willing to take a course on venomous handling if thats all thats available. Sorry for the long post, but any suggestions would be great... even if its not a snake handling class, rather some other type of exotic. I want to learn about the animal, and not go out and collect a bunch to see which ones I like and figure out how to deal with them.
>>
>>Chris

OY! This is a tough order. There is very little in the way of reptile training period. I just started a class for humane societies here in WI. However that being said, the most experience I ever received was from my herp society. The Chicago Herp Society is a very hands on group and has really been rewarding in the years I have been part of it. I have included the link. It appears that there was a group called the Conn Herpetologists League, however their website is dead here, and I can not find a new one anywhere. That is something else to look into.
CT reptile resources

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Cindy
PHFaust

Email Cindy

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