Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Ok, i'm thinking about getting a hot. THINKING. But I have absolutly no experience with them other than knowledge, but I do have a good bit of experience with boids and most other reptiles. I'm not sure what my first one should be. From what i've read and heard so far, Mangrove, False Water Cobra, or Copperheads, are more of the first time venomous snakes. But other than that, I would like to be a little more exotic, If thats possible without being stupid. Any insight or advice on this would be very appreciated ; your experiences, first snakes, the smart way to go. Thanks a ton for any responses.

Also, another question for down the road, Say im keeping a gaboon or monocled in the future. How do I get the hospitol near me to keep a supply of antivenom, or how do I get it or what? That to me sounds risky. Thanks!
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"Stupider.....like a FOX!!" -Homer Simpson

There are many replies to many posts about keeping a first hot. My advice would be to get a little first hand knowledge on keeping hots from someone who already is. That will get you familiar with the day to day procedures and how to safely manipulate the snake etc. It's easier to learn from someone else (at the very least the basics) than it is to go at it blind. This hobby forgives no mistakes. A mangrove (in my opinion) is an excellent first hot, although they can be snappy and can get quite large, their venom isn't that toxic and is UNLIKELY (this is by no means a guarentee!) to cause any serious symptoms of envenomation (i.e. necrosis, serious CNS effects, death, etc.). Keep in mind everyone is different and some people have allergies or are hyper-sensitive to venom or foreign proteins in general. As for antivenin for gaboons, monocles, etc., it's really up to you to stock it. No hospital is going to stock it for you. A zoo that keeps that species will most definately have AV for them, but it is immoral to expect a zoo to cover your ass if you get bit when they stock the AV for THEIR handlers. Bottom line, if your gonna keep a potentially deadly exotic, it's your responsibility to have the proper lifelines, and though no zoo who had it would refuse you AV if you took a hit, you probably won't be making any friends by using up their supply. Plus, you're taking a gamble if you assume that a zoo near you keeps the species you do and has AV available when you get bit. There is MUCH MUCH more to responsible hot keeping, but I hope this little tidbit helps.

AP