Reptile & Amphibian Forums

the time is almost here! the sc show! i've researched and am 100% sure i'm ready for keeping a venomous snake. i've decided to go with the copperhead. i even built a custom cage and hide/capture box for it, as well as acquired a snake hook for the times that i must remove it without being in it's box...anyway, so onto my question.. since i'm traveling approx 100 miles to get my snake, what travelling arrangements should i make for the snake? do i need to bring my own box/transport unit? or when purchasing the snake is one included? i've never been to one of these shows so i really don't know what to expect. a local breeder i know gave me some tips and advice on how to pick out a good dealer and snake...anyway, i'm excited! thanks for your input! greatly appreciated!

The seller must provide you with a secure container to leave the show with, but that may not be any more than a deli cup.... I'd bring a small cooler with a snap lid to put the snake in for the drive home.

>>the time is almost here! the sc show! i've researched and am 100% sure i'm ready for keeping a venomous snake. i've decided to go with the copperhead. i even built a custom cage and hide/capture box for it, as well as acquired a snake hook for the times that i must remove it without being in it's box...anyway, so onto my question.. since i'm traveling approx 100 miles to get my snake, what travelling arrangements should i make for the snake? do i need to bring my own box/transport unit? or when purchasing the snake is one included? i've never been to one of these shows so i really don't know what to expect. a local breeder i know gave me some tips and advice on how to pick out a good dealer and snake...anyway, i'm excited! thanks for your input! greatly appreciated!
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"Seek first to understand, then to be understood"

>>the time is almost here! the sc show! i've researched and am 100% sure i'm ready for keeping a venomous snake. i've decided to go with the copperhead. i even built a custom cage and hide/capture box for it, as well as acquired a snake hook for the times that i must remove it without being in it's box...anyway, so onto my question.. since i'm traveling approx 100 miles to get my snake, what travelling arrangements should i make for the snake? do i need to bring my own box/transport unit? or when purchasing the snake is one included? i've never been to one of these shows so i really don't know what to expect. a local breeder i know gave me some tips and advice on how to pick out a good dealer and snake...anyway, i'm excited! thanks for your input! greatly appreciated!

My first hots were both a copperhead and a pigmy rattle snake. I bought both at the June Hamburg show. I have to say that I am partial to Pigmy rattlers after having owned both species. I have increased my collection of pigmies to three while having kept the copperhead numbers at only one.

pigmyRattle snakes are cute little snakes that also makes a very good first hot.

They eat well and are very easy to keep and can be kept in fairly small enclosures. Some people just keep them at room temp and whatever the seasonal temp is the temp (they are the folks who live in Florida) the snake feels. Personally, I give them up to two hide boxes and I have heat tape running 24/7. Breeding, from what i hear is also very easy. Just a slight drop in seasonal temp and then put the male and female together and that is it. Neonates can be started on warmed pinkies or anoles.

In any case, Good luck with your copperhead! Copperheads are my number three favorite snake!

here is a pic of my copperhead

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Longtang. I like snakes and rats.

3 things...1) Make sure your legal! I am not familiar with the laws up there on keeping/buying venomous. be sure you are...or you'll get to have some of the same fun we had at the Daytona Expo. 2) carry a safe (secure-lockable) snake box. Even if there is no legislation reguarding that it is just plain smart. 3) Try to make the trip back in one day. The less time on road the better for the snake (less stress). make sure the animal is shaded from the sun and don't stop to show it off. I have seen snakes die on a long trip because of this. Good luck, Frank

thanks for the replies. i've checked with the legalities, all clear. i don't need permits or anything to own venomous snakes. i will have a box with me for the snake that locks. and i will be making the trip straight there and back...minus a quick fast food and restroom pit stops. one question though that i just now thought of...do i need to bring proof that i'm legal to own hot snakes?

Are you crossing a state line to go to this show? If you are, you need to be up on the legalities of what ever states you are passing thru. If you are in the same state and there is no permit required then it's ok as is...Frank

Don't know what problems you had in Daytona, Frank, but the law requires that a venomous snake be bagged & in a locked box for transport. Technically, they could have required that any snake entering or leaving that room be bagged & locked. Still think they were tough?

~~Greg~~

The biggest prob I had with Daytona was the incompetence of the officers they sent. I came prepared (locked cage, extra cloth bags Permits, copies of permits...) Not only did the officers present (G&F) act like they were terrified of everything, they almost didn't let me leave because they claimed my drivers license had expired...I have a CDL issued 1999. It expires 2006. They apparently couldn't read the expiration date. I got out only because my wife is licensed too. The day before (Fri) was worse. The biggest joke was I found two Philodryas baroni at the main expo on display in plain sight. They went off the market when I informed the seller they were venomous. I have no problem with safety regulations...I just think they should have put someone in charge like (West)who knows what he is doing...Frank

By the way, if you read the full string you will see that I have advised that he goes with a locked box. frank

For the record...At Daytona (hot expo)the dealers did not let you leave without first visually confirming that the snake you bought was bagged and the case locked Before you left they're table. Every dealer I saw was trying their best to be legal...and careful. Frank

thanks rearfang...

i am crossing state lines, but i have checked in advance that all is well as far as laws. would a rubbermaid container with a locking lid be good enough? or am i going to have to get some sort of wooden box with a padlock? also, do i need to bring the container into the show, or will i be escorted with the snake to my vehicle. i'm assuming someone would be required to take the snake out or at least follow me out with it...? hope these questions aren't sounding stupid, but i've never been to one of these shows and i want to be completely prepared for what's going on. thanks

Rubbermaid won't cut it. You need a secure box with adequate ventilation (I prefer double screened with an inch between layers). And most Definitly LOCKED with a real lock. As to show regs, escorts etc...That is up to the regulations in your state.
Frank

okay. is there any boxes/containers comercially available that you would recommend or should i just build one? any sites with plans or pictures to give me an idea. thanks for everything so far.

Your best bet is to contact your local sources (or scout Kingsnake). Mine came from a local (to me) herp dealer. It measures 30"X10"X10" and has half of the top for the lift up lid, the other half screen. You may want ot put dividers in there but if you are buying small specimens that wont be necessary. They probably will be in plastic containers, but carry at least enough cloth bags to take care of each animal you buy. The main thing is that your cage should be escape proof and ventilated, as well as light enough to carry around.
Frank

What I find to me an excellent hot box is standard orange color Tool box from Home Depot. You can drill holes in it for venilation and there is even a little spot in the front for a pad lock. Works excellent for me in Florida, and I have had no problems with it.

Joe

You are refering to the Metal Toolbox or the plastic? Sounds ok. Should be secure...except if it was the metal one, I would be concerned about it getting hot-too fast in a car seat if direct sun hit it (even when moving). One thing, It would sure be interesting if someone went in for a screwdriver...Frank

Its the plastic one. Quite a few herpers I know use that. Just be sure to never expose to heat! Other than that...its a good deal.

Joe

I have seen the plastic ones....Much lighter than my "woody"....Frank

You will be VERY happy with a copperhead!! I've had mine for sometime now and he's great! I may decide to purchase another one in the future. They are a great hot to start with...

Here is a pic of mine!

VJ

www.boasandpythons.com