Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I want to keep atleast a pair of every species of snake native to my state "S.C.". Does this seem like a stupid idea to ya'll?

Thanks, SH101

In short yes. I did something similar to this a time ago and it got pretty overwhelming, its like a full time job. If this is something you can handle then great but I already have a few full time jobs and a few kids so I don't have the time to care for 48 snakes.

Foot Hill Herps

Why not pick 2-3 of your favorites and work with them?

That depends on several things.

How many species are we talking about?

Do you have the time and space to take care of them properly?

Are you able to meet the husbandry needs of all of them?

Are they all legal to keep?

If you can honestly answer yes to the second, third and fourth questions then no it is not a stupid idea.

I found a website that lists approximately 47 different species. Of the 47, 9 are venomous species and around a dozen or so are known to be somewhat difficult captives more or less. (some have specialized feeding habits etc)

I'm sure that there would be a few laws regarding the venomous and some may be endangered or threatened but for the others I say if you are serious about it and are dedicated to the task then go ahead.

A couple of final questions though, why a pair of each one? Are you going to try to breed them? if so you had better check into laws regarding that also (here in WI we can't sell native species or release them so breeding them would be pointless as we could do nothing legally with the babies.) certain species you may want to settle for single specimens.

The answer to all three of those questions are yes. Here in S.C. the only laws we have are a permit required for Southern Hognose snakes. It is legal to collect sell and breed them here.I know that some are difficult captives but I have had great success with difficult feeders before. I have been working with Venomous snakes for years in the field and work. But thanks for ya'lls opinion.

SH101