Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I would like a viper and was wondering which species would be good for a first viper, please could you also give me some information on them

That's a difficult question to answer over the internet (for anyone who is a responsible venomous herp keeper). Personally, if you are a minor you have no business owning one (yet,....once you have your own place, that is a different story). Second, you didn't mention how much experience you have in keeping herps. Do you have someone in your area who is experienced who can mentor you? Do you fully understand what you are in for and what dangers and risks you are taking in keeping a venomous snake?....even the so called "mildly venomous" can inflict a life threatening bite. Assuming you are a responsible and mature adult, who has some experience in keeping reptiles, who has access to a knowledgeable person who can mentor you, and who has the resources to properly care and house them, I think you have a few possibilities: 1) copperhead (perhaps one of the best to start off with) 2) banded rock rattler or pygmy rattler....both neat little rattlesnake who possess a fairly potent venom but due to their small size, a deadly bite is reduced. 3) some of the arboreal vipers such as eyelash and perhaps some of the Trimerisurus. I personally like atheris but these are capable of a deadly bite for which there is no available antivenin...I am ultra careful when working with these. Even though some of the bulky vipers such as puffs and gaboons are relative easy to handle, I would definitely NOT recommend one as a first venomous snake.

Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
City of Lake Forest Parks & Recreation

rob thank you for your post i know i did not ask the question but thanks for being respectful to the potentally new guy, read my blast in the venomus forum form today, lol enjoy

I hear what you are saying....unfortunately, in the various venomous forums, you better have very thick skin as most replies tend to be very demeaning, shallow, and utter nonsense. Yes, there are times when you need to be direct and frank with certain people but there are ways to be firm w/out coming off as a jerk.