Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have been in the general reptile hobby for near 12 years now and have had numerous species of snakes and lizards both aggressive and calm. I have decided to make the plunge into hots; however, I realize that nohing can prepare me for a hot snake so I want to learn with a hot snake that will allow me mistakes and not kill me or land me in the hospital on a respirator. I tried to find someone around me that could teach me but there is no one.

Questions:

1. I really feel that the southern copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix contortrix) would make a good starter do to what I have researched. What does everyone think? Any other suggestions?

2. How do you properly read the LD50 chart on venomdoc.

Copperheads (Agkistrodon contortrix sp.) are a fantastic first choice. As far toxicity goes copperheads have a moderately toxic venom. There has never been any deaths that have been reported in this state (MO)and I have only heard of one or two that are rumored to have occured nation wide in almost a century. However, copperhead bites are EXTREMELY painful and can cause a good deal of tissue destruction. Hospitalization is very possible from a copperhead bite. Also, with any envenomation there is always the chance for a serious life threatening reaction such as anaphalaxis. LD50 refers to the amount of venom it takes to kill exactly 50% of the test population in a 24 hr period. LD50 is usually expressed in mg of venom per kilogram of the test subject (usually mice). One of several problems with LD50 tests is that they are used on a nonhuman test subject and so results are going to be different than they would with a human physiology.

Mokasen (Northerns) are debatebly slightly less toxic than Contorix (Southerns) if you're really worried about the toxicity of their venom. And both species have equally beautiful locale specific races. That's just what I've noticed in keeping them. Southerns seem to dispatch their prey quicker than northerns and northerns are also a smaller species. Best rule is just don't get bit but I guess it happens. Though, never to me. If you just never touch them and you're always careful, they're a pretty safe species. Check out KY locale northerns and GA,FL,TX,LA locale southerns for the best colors and markings.

Thanks for the posts that is very helpful

My question is Is there other species that are great starters? What are they and where is the best places to be buying venomous from?

Thank you

AJ Dekker

I have had good experiences purchasing venomous from Glades Herp and Mark Lucas. The best place to get your animals is from private hobbiest/breeders when available. As far as another choice as a first hot goes some people recommend Bothriechis schlegelii (eyelash vipers) and Boiga sp. (mangroves, etc..), but everything considered my vote for all around best is still copperheads. Good temperment, moderate toxicity and easy husbandry are all a plus with this animal.