Reptile & Amphibian Forums

First off I would like to state that I do not care for any venomous animals, I just come here to look and go awwwhhh.
That being said, What the hell is wrong with hot keepers???? I just dont understand how you can do what you do?
Once upon a time I considered the hobby, but getting bit was to much of a fear for me to overcome. The idea of De-Venomizing an animal crossed my mind, but I just couldent take the plung knowing the animals well being was at stake.
All in all I just wish to know how you can weigh out the pros and cons and in a right state of mind say "Well, it could kill me but this mamba is just the coolest shade of grey" THERE ARE ALOT OF GREY SNAKES THAT CANT KILL YOU???????
Alot of you will say "I am 1000% careful everytime I am doing my work around the snake", and that is a valid point. Rather we all know it is not a matter of WILL I get bit, but WHEN. I think you all have come to terms with this fact and if you havent you are a damn fool because [bleep] HAPPENS! Everyday I handle my agressive animals hoping not to get tagged, but I still have the wonderful comfert of knowing that I will leave my snake room alive, you guys are not permitted such a luxury.
All this typed and not a single direct question. Over all do you keep animals because they are hot or because they are "COOL LOOKING".
I breed emerald tree boas, but I can tell you that the rewards you get from practicing proper husbandry with an emerald is the same satisfaction as you would get from a kingsnake, I just think they are cooler looking.
I admire the hobby, the keepers, and the animals from a safe distance, I just wish to know how you do what you do?

Thanks,
joe

also, for you arboreal keepers check out the website under acrylic cages, could something like this be adapted to benefit your animals? iE (substrait Drawer)
http://www.emeraldboas.com

I think your question is, why risk your life for the same pleasure and satisfaction you can get from non-venomous snakes? The only difference being the risk factor?

I guess "my" response would be that there is much greater satisfaction than overcoming the risk factor. Granted, the consequences are much more serious with venomous, but I know I regard the consequences as part of the deal. It doesn't make venomous keepers any special or more talented--it just makes us very acute to our care for the animals. What I think sets us apart is the ability to provide proper care for some very delicate snakes; the willingness to spend the extra time and money to understand these relatively reclusive creatures with little information about them. And the reward to see a healty, 7 foot western mamba stretched out over the enclosure after a fresh shed, basking in the light, is an awesome feeling. Knowing that this animal is thriving in a setting you created, you control and that you maintain says it all. And no collubrid or boid can come close to the eloquent, majestic poise of that mamba; or the regal splendor of a king cobra as it stares you in the eyes, thinking, in obvious thought, and you stare back, spellbound. For me, it's not the thrill but the success of proper husbandry skills to a family of misunderstood and often mistreated animals that deserve so much better.

At least that's how I feel...

Not to mention there are PLENTY of dangerous things people do daily, that are probably MORE deadly than snake bites. Heres a few examples....Driving/riding in a car, flying in a plane, going on a boat, riding horses, scuba diving (which i also do), taking drugs, fighting fires, taking a bath with a toaster next to the tub....etc lol. I used to keep all non venomous, but now I only have 1 snake. The snake I choose to keep is an eyelash viper, my absolute favorite snake. There is nothing non venomous that even comes close. Bright yellow, keeled scales and HORNS over his eyes, name one "harmless" snake that even remotely looks like that (aside from GTP's been there, done that.). And, it IS kind of a rush doing cage maintenance. When was the last time your heart beat went crazy, and you felt absolute AWE and RESPECT while you were cleaning out your kingsnakes cage?

Joe, That is a very good question.... I can only speak for my self here but I will answer your question the best I can..... There are many reasons why I do what I do..... I will start off by telling you reasons why someone should NOT do it.... If you are looking for a "rush", you should not keep venomous snakes.... If you are doing it for the cool factor or to feel macho, you should not keep venomous snakes....

It is just something I am drawn to.... I keep a particular species (gaboon vipers) that gets my full interest.... I do not keep them because they are hot.... They are awesome animals that deserve the care and dedication they need.... It is a species that I have devoted alot of time and money and research to, in order to maintain them properly and keep them thriving in a captive environment....

To me they are not just a venomous snake.... They are just one of the most beautiful and misunderstood animals on the planet and I like to feel I do my part in helping them to be more understood and respected.... When you have mastered the correct handling technique and always use the proper tools they are not anymore dangerous to keep than a large boid.... In the hands of a beginner they are as leathal as a loaded gun pointed at you head but they are as safe as they can be in the proper set up being kept by an experianced handler.... I feel my chances of being bitten by one of my snakes are less than your chances of walking out side of your house and being hit by a truck or getting into a serious car accident.....

very well said, i too own gaboons rhinos and puffs and they are the most beautiful animals on this planet that need the respect they deserve.i love my animals like they are family and nothing would ever change that.i NEVER EVER freehandle my snakes, thats what hooks are for, that being said, stay safe and live long
dave