Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Im very experienced in keeping snakes and other herps but no venomous. but i've recently found that no permit is needed in my state so i need some help. the most experience i've had keeping hots is a baby cottonmouth that i really had no idea what i was doing when i aquired it a few years ago. but the time for stupidity is over. now im an avid keeper and im interested in getting into hots. I would like to know a list of good starter hots (colors, toxicity, pattern, and how easy they are to keep), the types of cages to keep them in, and any other help that you can offer for a beginner keeper. any help will be appreciated.

Ideally, the best "first hot" is someone elses...however, especially when one is in a state with no regulations, many people choose to jump in on their own...there is no real problem with that, as long as you are confident in your ability to properly care for all the needs of the snake, AND keep yourself far far away from those neat little fangs
There are many snakes that can be suitable firsts, copperheads are a common choice, as well as mangrove snakes and other rear fangs...I wouldn't suggest any of the larger Crotalids, as they can most definately be handful to work with (plus very dangerous) if you don't have some prior experience with them. Pigmy rattlers (Sistrurus sp.) can also be suitable first hots...What it really boils down to is what you honestly feel you are competant to deal with. I certainly wouldn't recommend any elapid as a first hot, and keep that in mind when I say this, but *some* people have successfully kept certain elapids as a "first" hot...I would highly discourage this however. With native hots, you have much easier access to antivenin, whereas with exotics, you really don't (unless you stock it yourself), so stick with the natives for now.

The best advice I can throw your way is to secure the antivenin for the species you intend to keep before you get the snake.

You already had what I personally consider an excellent starter hot..a young cottonmouth. They are not difficult to keep & will usually eat anything including parts of the cage.

Whatever you choose, make sure there's a plan in place in case of a bite.

~~Greg~~
Florida's Venomous Snakes

Yea im planning on calling all of the local hospitals as soon as i decide what im going to get and see if they stock antivenom and if not where i can get it shipped from. But also i need info on caging. the cottonmouth i had i kept in a regular 10 gallon aquarium with a screen on top with tape all around it that had venomous wriiten on it ...lol. And from what info i have received i've come to the conclusion that this is not acceptable. so do i use tubaware as i see so many people use? Is the setup i had good enough? or do i have to resort to making one myself? Any way any help, as always is apprecited, and thanx for the info you have given me so far!

Chris Stevens

You'll really need a cage that is locked. It should also be in either a separate building or in a spare room that is used for nothing but snakes & the room ought to be locked also.

~~Greg~~