Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey people, im still young but I always check out the classifieds, and what I want to know are why are venomous snakes so cheap? I found a saw scaled viper for 75 bucks, isn't that one of the most deadliest snakes in the world? Seems funny that a snake that has the power to kill 10 people is only worth as much as a female normal ball python. How old do you have to be to have venomous snakes?

I dont keep venomous snakes, but I am sure I can offer my opinion. Venomous snakes are sold FAR to cheap. There was a discussion on that a while back. Perhaps you can jump back a couple of pages and read the posts onthe subject. As far as age is concerned, if you are a minor you might as well forget about it. I am 21 and will not keep venomous at this time. Not that I dont want to learn, but just not inthe cards for me at this moment. If you are a minor, you most likely live with your parents and that most likely wont go over well with them. Unless you can afford your own antivenin to keep on hand, there really is no purpose in you keeping one. Too much liability. My recommendation, wait until you have your own house and have some years of experience under your belt. Try to find a mentor to help you learn how to do it right (that's my biggest problem here in Ohio).

Hope this helps,

Chris

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U.A.P.P.E.A.L.
Uniting A Proactive Primate and Exotic Animal League

How old you have to be (legally) depends on where you live (what state mostly).

Why they are so cheap has to do with a couple of things. One is that a lot of them are imported and there are not that many people keeping them. You've sound old enough that you have studied the whole "supply and demand" concept by now. Another is that since they are generally kept by more advanced keepers, more of the keepers are breeding them that is the case with a lot of non-venomous snakes.

>>Venomous snakes are sold FAR to cheap.

I have a serious problem with this logic. You can buy a gallon of gas and a book of matches for a bit less than $3 and kill yourself and 100 other people. Would you suggest raising the price of gas to $100 a gallon to stop people from doing this? That would just be silly, wouldn't it?

Yes, I understand that you couldn't get to work without gas and you could get by just fine without a saw-scale, but the point is that when there are a million ways to kill yourself for free, picking one of the least common causes of death and saying people would be so much safer if that way were more expesive makes no sense at all to me.

If a rubber band cost $10, several children a year would probably be saved from choking to death, but I imagine you would laugh hysterically at anyone who suggested that. I know I would...

Hi Larry,

I see what you are saying, but must disagree to an extent. There are lots of things that can get you killed at a cheap price these days. However, I am not just thinking of the issue of death or danger. The lower the price on the animal, the more disposable it is to people. People wonder why there is such a problem with Green Iguanas and Burmese Pythons down in florida? They are cheap to get ahold of and therefore they wont be losing much by turning it loose! I guarantee, if you jump the price of some of these things, you will get more keepers that have a lot more respect for the animal...which is the most important factor. You dont see too many Albino Retics or high dollar morphs being disposed of do you? The reason is because mainly people who are more serious about the animal would put that kind of money into it. Understanding that you are a responsible keeper, Larry. However, you have to think about the number of people obtaining these animals that aren't. They are cheap to buy and cheap to get rid of. People dont have a problem in paying 5000.00 or more for a morph ball python do they? Perhaps not, but it will definitely be kept by a more serious keeper than the 30.00 normals would be most likely. I think by jumping the price of an animal, more of these animals would end up in more responsible hands. Therefore, there would be fewer laws passed as a result, therefore keeping responsible individuals such as yourself from being able to enjoy your passion for venomous snakes. Perhaps I am looking at this wrong...but hey it's just my opinion and you know how the saying goes about those.

Best Wishes,

Chris

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U.A.P.P.E.A.L.
Uniting A Proactive Primate and Exotic Animal League

>>People dont have a problem in paying 5000.00 or more for a morph ball python do they? Perhaps not, but it will definitely be kept by a more serious keeper than the 30.00 normals would be most likely.

I think you're making a pretty big assumtion here. Having lived on Miami Beach in the past, I've seen the "designer pet" phenomenon in action. One summer, for whatever reason, tiny little rat dogs were all the rage. Suddenly everyone was being seen walking their $1200 pedigreed rodent around town. A year later, hardly a dog to be seen. I wonder where they all went? I can probably guess. Having enough money to drop on a cool pet does not necessarily make one responsible or lengthen one's attention span.

Yes, if you made all snakes more expensive, fewer people could afford them and as a result, statistically, fewer would be released or mistreated but proportioally, I think you'd prevent just as many responsible as irresponsible keepers from getting them.

I don't really know of a reasonable way of weeding out only the irresponsible keepers that I would find more acceptable, but raising prices just seems like an entirely bass-ackwars way to me...

Chris: Prices are set by supply & demand...what the market will bear. If half the dealers in venomous snakes raised their prices by a factor of ten, you would be happy, but the other half that did not raise prices would get all the other guys' business.

~~Greg~~

When you consider how many people are mass producing snakes such as black pakistan cobras, gaboon vipers, and many other herps that are unsuitable for 99% of people who wish to keep venomous herps and compare those mass produced babies with how many people are either a) willing to buy a venomous snake, or, b) those who are capable of owning a venomous snake, you can quickly see why they are sold at such inexpensive prices. If many of these venomous species were harmless (and I am NOT talking about venomoids here!), I would venture to say that their prices would be much higher because many venomous species are spectacularly colored and patterned and provide many interesting breeding project opportunities. But, they aren't and with legislation continueing to take a heavy toll on providing legal avenues for private individuals to own venomous herps, it will only get worse (to me, the cheaper the venomous snake, the worse it gets because these animals get into the wrong hands). Just my .02.

Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center
Lake Forest, IL

>>Hi Larry,
>>
>> I see what you are saying, but must disagree to an extent. There are lots of things that can get you killed at a cheap price these days. However, I am not just thinking of the issue of death or danger. The lower the price on the animal, the more disposable it is to people. People wonder why there is such a problem with Green Iguanas and Burmese Pythons down in florida? They are cheap to get ahold of and therefore they wont be losing much by turning it loose! I guarantee, if you jump the price of some of these things, you will get more keepers that have a lot more respect for the animal...which is the most important factor. You dont see too many Albino Retics or high dollar morphs being disposed of do you? The reason is because mainly people who are more serious about the animal would put that kind of money into it. Understanding that you are a responsible keeper, Larry. However, you have to think about the number of people obtaining these animals that aren't. They are cheap to buy and cheap to get rid of. People dont have a problem in paying 5000.00 or more for a morph ball python do they? Perhaps not, but it will definitely be kept by a more serious keeper than the 30.00 normals would be most likely. I think by jumping the price of an animal, more of these animals would end up in more responsible hands. Therefore, there would be fewer laws passed as a result, therefore keeping responsible individuals such as yourself from being able to enjoy your passion for venomous snakes. Perhaps I am looking at this wrong...but hey it's just my opinion and you know how the saying goes about those.
>>
>>Best Wishes,
>>
>>Chris
>>
>>
>>-----
>>U.A.P.P.E.A.L.
>>Uniting A Proactive Primate and Exotic Animal League
-----
Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL

"it will only get worse (to me, the cheaper the venomous snake, the worse it gets because these animals get into the wrong hands). Just my .02."

By everyone reducing prices on these animals and making them so easily affordable, then that means that they get into the wrong hands. I know that raising the prices wont alleviate the problem, but hopefully help control it to a better degree. Granted, there is probably no hope in anyone raising problems, because it is all about money in this hobby. Reptiles are so dispensable these days it's sickening. I can go to my local pet shop and pick up a baby Iguana for 20.00! This animal is just another animal that most people have no business with because they dont understand exactly what they are getting into with it. These animals are so cheap, people dont care if they die or are mistreated...they are disposable...if it dies, what the hell..let's just go buy another! Perhaps raising the prices of these animals may not be the answer...and I certainly don't know what the answer would be to this problem. However, I am sure you guys can see just as clear as I can on what our problems are.

- Irresponsible people purchasing animals on impulse because they are animals that will make them look cool.

- The animals are so cheap that noone really cares about them. They are disposable toys.

- Breeders all over the country are mass breeding these animals and therefore can't keep them all. So therefore, in order to get rid of them, they knock the prices down to being so cheap. Therefore, making them alot more appealing to individuals who are looking for an animal that they could really give a flying handshake about.

I understand that the prices are so low because they are trying to meet the demand of the purchasers, however, I think that is really the last thing that we should be concerned about. Where does the animal's welfare come into play in all of this?

Best Wishes,

Chris
-----
U.A.P.P.E.A.L.
Uniting A Proactive Primate and Exotic Animal League

>>"it will only get worse (to me, the cheaper the venomous snake, the worse it gets because these animals get into the wrong hands). Just my .02."
>>
>>By everyone reducing prices on these animals and making them so easily affordable, then that means that they get into the wrong hands. I know that raising the prices wont alleviate the problem, but hopefully help control it to a better degree. Granted, there is probably no hope in anyone raising problems, because it is all about money in this hobby. Reptiles are so dispensable these days it's sickening. I can go to my local pet shop and pick up a baby Iguana for 20.00! This animal is just another animal that most people have no business with because they dont understand exactly what they are getting into with it. These animals are so cheap, people dont care if they die or are mistreated...they are disposable...if it dies, what the hell..let's just go buy another! Perhaps raising the prices of these animals may not be the answer...and I certainly don't know what the answer would be to this problem. However, I am sure you guys can see just as clear as I can on what our problems are.
>>
>>- Irresponsible people purchasing animals on impulse because they are animals that will make them look cool.
>>
>>- The animals are so cheap that noone really cares about them. They are disposable toys.
>>
>>- Breeders all over the country are mass breeding these animals and therefore can't keep them all. So therefore, in order to get rid of them, they knock the prices down to being so cheap. Therefore, making them alot more appealing to individuals who are looking for an animal that they could really give a flying handshake about.
>>
>>I understand that the prices are so low because they are trying to meet the demand of the purchasers, however, I think that is really the last thing that we should be concerned about. Where does the animal's welfare come into play in all of this?
>>
>>Best Wishes,
>>
>>Chris
>>-----
>>U.A.P.P.E.A.L.
>>Uniting A Proactive Primate and Exotic Animal League
-----
U.A.P.P.E.A.L.
Uniting A Proactive Primate and Exotic Animal League

This is why I am not a big fan of breeding venomous snakes for the "hobby"....its not that I am against it because I think there is a small, select group of people who are very responsible, who have the resources, maturity, etc. who should be allowed to keep their venomous snakes because they do it for the right reasons. BUT, just go to any show that sells hot stuff and you will quickly feel stomach pains like I feel....vendors begging teenagers to buy their captive bred cobras, people cutting shady deals, etc....it is really sickening and has really changed my stance on this whole issue. Unless we have a very rigid, and, perhaps expensive, permit system in place to weed out the yahoos who just want the rush and the "oh wow" effect, it will only get worse. That's why laws are getting so stringent on our hobby.

>>>>"it will only get worse (to me, the cheaper the venomous snake, the worse it gets because these animals get into the wrong hands). Just my .02."
>>>>
>>>>By everyone reducing prices on these animals and making them so easily affordable, then that means that they get into the wrong hands. I know that raising the prices wont alleviate the problem, but hopefully help control it to a better degree. Granted, there is probably no hope in anyone raising problems, because it is all about money in this hobby. Reptiles are so dispensable these days it's sickening. I can go to my local pet shop and pick up a baby Iguana for 20.00! This animal is just another animal that most people have no business with because they dont understand exactly what they are getting into with it. These animals are so cheap, people dont care if they die or are mistreated...they are disposable...if it dies, what the hell..let's just go buy another! Perhaps raising the prices of these animals may not be the answer...and I certainly don't know what the answer would be to this problem. However, I am sure you guys can see just as clear as I can on what our problems are.
>>>>
>>>>- Irresponsible people purchasing animals on impulse because they are animals that will make them look cool.
>>>>
>>>>- The animals are so cheap that noone really cares about them. They are disposable toys.
>>>>
>>>>- Breeders all over the country are mass breeding these animals and therefore can't keep them all. So therefore, in order to get rid of them, they knock the prices down to being so cheap. Therefore, making them alot more appealing to individuals who are looking for an animal that they could really give a flying handshake about.
>>>>
>>>>I understand that the prices are so low because they are trying to meet the demand of the purchasers, however, I think that is really the last thing that we should be concerned about. Where does the animal's welfare come into play in all of this?
>>>>
>>>>Best Wishes,
>>>>
>>>>Chris
>>>>-----
>>>>U.A.P.P.E.A.L.
>>>>Uniting A Proactive Primate and Exotic Animal League
>>-----
>>U.A.P.P.E.A.L.
>>Uniting A Proactive Primate and Exotic Animal League
-----
Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL

Chris, where does a mouse's welfare come into play? You should be happy. Why are cows disposable?
Shane
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Shane's Herp Lifelist
http://www.geocities.com/shane77@sbcglobal.net/my_page.html

I see what road you are headed down with this, and you are obviously missing my point. I know that there are those people who keep rodent's as pets..which is fine. However, since when has a loose mouse gotten a state wide ban on exotics? Cows are purposely bred as a food source for humans. Very few people keep cows as "pets" and the ones that do I am sure won't see them as being that disposable. However, when it comes to consumption purposes they are serving their "purpose" so to speak. As long as they are maintained healthily and humanely, that is what matters most to me. However, how many of these people are purchasing a reptile as food? My guess is..probably none. They are keeping them as pets and therefore are defined as a "threat" to public safety. Therefore, the more people that get ahold of them the worse it is. If people keep mice as pets, fine, but do it humanely. Dont' purchase the animal because you plan on turning it loose. However, if the mouse gets loose, I dont see much coming out of it in the manner of state laws. You have to look at the "differences" between the two animals you are referred to. Mice are "accepted" as snake food AND as pets. Depending on what they are being used for, would depend on the their level of "dispensability". If the mouse is being used as food, then it should be treated humanely up until that point and should be prekilled in a humane manner. Cows if being used for human consumption, should be humanely cared for and respected up until the point of humane slaughter.

Just my opinion,

Chris

>>Chris, where does a mouse's welfare come into play? You should be happy. Why are cows disposable?
>>Shane
>>-----
>>Shane's Herp Lifelist
>>http://www.geocities.com/shane77@sbcglobal.net/my_page.html
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U.A.P.P.E.A.L.
Uniting A Proactive Primate and Exotic Animal League

Well, you're the one who wants goodwill toward all animals.
Shane
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Shane's Herp Lifelist
http://www.geocities.com/shane77@sbcglobal.net/my_page.html

What's wrong with wanting animals to be treated fairly and humanely? I am not saying that animals shouldnt be kept as pets, but I feel that if they are, they should be taken care of. Not just purchased on a whim and dumped 2 months later. There are too many animals in shelters or have to be euthanized due to not having enough homes for them. I am not an AR activist or anything of the sort. I certainly don't feel that you should have to be one in order to feel that the animals deserve better in some areas.

Chris

>>Well, you're the one who wants goodwill toward all animals.
>>Shane
>>-----
>>Shane's Herp Lifelist
>>http://www.geocities.com/shane77@sbcglobal.net/my_page.html
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U.A.P.P.E.A.L.
Uniting A Proactive Primate and Exotic Animal League

Chris, I'm only ribbing you because you seem to be in favor of primate and large feline ownership. It's just my opinion.
Personally, I favor anyone who kills themselves with a herp.
Keep the venomous herps legal!
Shane
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Shane's Herp Lifelist
http://www.geocities.com/shane77@sbcglobal.net/my_page.html

When lawmakers are passing laws banning exotics, that's just what they mean....EXOTICS. That in includes snakes, crocodilians, primates, large and small felines, wolves, etc, etc. There are responsible keepers in all exotic animals. We can't just single ourselves out. When we do, we lose.

Chris

>>Chris, I'm only ribbing you because you seem to be in favor of primate and large feline ownership. It's just my opinion.
>>Personally, I favor anyone who kills themselves with a herp.
>>Keep the venomous herps legal!
>>Shane
>>-----
>>Shane's Herp Lifelist
>>http://www.geocities.com/shane77@sbcglobal.net/my_page.html
-----
U.A.P.P.E.A.L.
Uniting A Proactive Primate and Exotic Animal League

Well Chris, different strokes for different folks. If I were in your community, I would vote it illegal to keep large felines and any primate. Logical....Hmmm....
Shane
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Shane's Herp Lifelist
http://www.geocities.com/shane77@sbcglobal.net/my_page.html

Here in Austin, in 1990, there was an idiot walking his adult Tiger in the public parks. The city kindly asked him to stop. He refused. The city THAN passed an ordinance against DANGEROUS ANIMALS and included DANGEROUS REPTILES even though reptiles were not the issue and still are not.

A few years ago the State of Texas Health Department pushed through a new State law in reguards to keeping large mammals which they deemed dangerous. Counties in Texas are required to ban the animals listed or provide a permit system. This was brought about as a result of private citizens unintentionally feeding and maiming family members and friends to their lions & tigers! Fortunately reptiles were not placed on this list. I beleive that's only because of the Rattlesnake Round-ups, but that's just my opinion. Once the Round-ups disappear (which I think they will due to lack of interest and a more educated youth)it reptiles may be added to the State Law concerning dangerous animals. I for one, do not want to see them provided with fuel for this.
We need to govern our own before the government does.
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Tim Cole
www.Designeratrox.com/
www.AustinReptileService.net
www.AustinReptileExpo.com/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<
Conservation through Education

in most states the issues are the reptiles that cause the bans...venomous snakes and large constrictors escaping or being turned loose and alligators being turned loose. So, that scenario works on both ends.

Chris

>>Here in Austin, in 1990, there was an idiot walking his adult Tiger in the public parks. The city kindly asked him to stop. He refused. The city THAN passed an ordinance against DANGEROUS ANIMALS and included DANGEROUS REPTILES even though reptiles were not the issue and still are not.
>>
>>A few years ago the State of Texas Health Department pushed through a new State law in reguards to keeping large mammals which they deemed dangerous. Counties in Texas are required to ban the animals listed or provide a permit system. This was brought about as a result of private citizens unintentionally feeding and maiming family members and friends to their lions & tigers! Fortunately reptiles were not placed on this list. I beleive that's only because of the Rattlesnake Round-ups, but that's just my opinion. Once the Round-ups disappear (which I think they will due to lack of interest and a more educated youth)it reptiles may be added to the State Law concerning dangerous animals. I for one, do not want to see them provided with fuel for this.
>>We need to govern our own before the government does.
>>-----
>>Tim Cole
>>www.Designeratrox.com/
>>www.AustinReptileService.net
>>www.AustinReptileExpo.com/
>> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<
>>Conservation through Education
-----
U.A.P.P.E.A.L.
Uniting A Proactive Primate and Exotic Animal League

I understand where you're coming from Chris, and somewhat think along those same lines myself. However, I don't believe prices should be artificially inflated, I just think sellers need to take more responsibility in who they sell to. For instance, (and I'm *NOT* saying I'm the model seller, keeper, or whatever) I've had some snakes up for sale for the past month and a half to two months. I had to drop the price on one of them, one that really hurt me to drop the price of, just to get someone to notice it. In the past month or so, I've had no less than three people contact me wanting to buy it, along with maybe a couple others I have, and I've turned those people down because of the things they ask me over the phone; i.e. "How venomous (or better yet, poisonous) is it?" "How big will it get?" "What size cage will I need for it?" etc etc etc ETC!!! In my opinion, if anyone has to ask ANY of these questions to me about a venomous snake, especially something HIGHLY venomous (in this case, a N. nigricollis), that person doesn't need it! Period. I personally have no problems turning people down when situations like these pop up, because I know that I may very well be saving a life or more, of the keeper and his/her family/friends/neighbors and the snake, in doing so. Incidently, I haven't sold a thing since, and am actually considering making out a small set of questions I ask the potential buyer...a sort of quiz maybe... that he or she would have to be able to 'pass' to buy the snakes. Questions might include at the very least knowing how to house and care for the snake, its potential size, and maybe even its taxonomic designation. Hey, I'm wanting to be a teacher, what can I say? And each and every one of these is integral in safely keeping any venomous snake, the latter for recognition at the hospital if you're bitten.

Before you say it, I completely realize that not every seller takes this kind of stuff into consideration and indeed many will ship a snake to the first person to gets the money in their PayPal accounts. My point is, though, that maybe through example I can influence some other sellers, and they in turn can influence others, etc., until eventually, maybe most of the sellers of venomous snakes will be doing the same. I know this isn't terribly likely to ever happen before venomous are banned across the country, but I can keep hope.
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Chance Duncan
www.rivervalleyexotics.com

Hey Chance,

I do agree, and I would like to say and perhaps SHOULD have originally said, that I dont necessarily WANT for prices to be raised on the animals. I think it would be great for people to purchase animals responsibly, and sellers to sell responsibly. However, I just don't see it happening. It's good to see that there is a seller out there who is working towards the greater good before the money. I am not saying that there aren't others as I am sure there are. I just personally can't seem to think of anything else other than raising prices that would be effective at this point? I certainly agree with you and wish that things were done as simply as you handle them.

Best Wishes,

Chris

>>I understand where you're coming from Chris, and somewhat think along those same lines myself. However, I don't believe prices should be artificially inflated, I just think sellers need to take more responsibility in who they sell to. For instance, (and I'm *NOT* saying I'm the model seller, keeper, or whatever) I've had some snakes up for sale for the past month and a half to two months. I had to drop the price on one of them, one that really hurt me to drop the price of, just to get someone to notice it. In the past month or so, I've had no less than three people contact me wanting to buy it, along with maybe a couple others I have, and I've turned those people down because of the things they ask me over the phone; i.e. "How venomous (or better yet, poisonous) is it?" "How big will it get?" "What size cage will I need for it?" etc etc etc ETC!!! In my opinion, if anyone has to ask ANY of these questions to me about a venomous snake, especially something HIGHLY venomous (in this case, a N. nigricollis), that person doesn't need it! Period. I personally have no problems turning people down when situations like these pop up, because I know that I may very well be saving a life or more, of the keeper and his/her family/friends/neighbors and the snake, in doing so. Incidently, I haven't sold a thing since, and am actually considering making out a small set of questions I ask the potential buyer...a sort of quiz maybe... that he or she would have to be able to 'pass' to buy the snakes. Questions might include at the very least knowing how to house and care for the snake, its potential size, and maybe even its taxonomic designation. Hey, I'm wanting to be a teacher, what can I say? And each and every one of these is integral in safely keeping any venomous snake, the latter for recognition at the hospital if you're bitten.
>>
>>Before you say it, I completely realize that not every seller takes this kind of stuff into consideration and indeed many will ship a snake to the first person to gets the money in their PayPal accounts. My point is, though, that maybe through example I can influence some other sellers, and they in turn can influence others, etc., until eventually, maybe most of the sellers of venomous snakes will be doing the same. I know this isn't terribly likely to ever happen before venomous are banned across the country, but I can keep hope.
>>-----
>>Chance Duncan
>>www.rivervalleyexotics.com
-----
U.A.P.P.E.A.L.
Uniting A Proactive Primate and Exotic Animal League

I agree with Chance. I have turned down sales for the same reason. I have had people want to buy an atrox from me as their first Hot snake and I say no, but you might want to look at this Copperhead or Popes Viper instead if they come across as knowledgable. Most of us know that atrox can be a handfull. Fortunately all of the atrox I sell are morphs or morph hets and are not cheap enough for most impulse buyers. The last thing I want to hear is that a person got bit by a snake they bought from me. Especially if it's their first Hot. Most of the persons I sell to are recommended by a mutual friend, mentors, or someone on one of the forums who I recognize and respect from reading their posts. Granted this is not foolproof but it's a good start.
-----
Tim Cole
www.Designeratrox.com/
www.AustinReptileService.net
www.AustinReptileExpo.com/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<
Conservation through Education

I dont think there is really any "bulletproof" method of resolving the issues at hand. We just have to try our best..what can we say?

Chris

>>I agree with Chance. I have turned down sales for the same reason. I have had people want to buy an atrox from me as their first Hot snake and I say no, but you might want to look at this Copperhead or Popes Viper instead if they come across as knowledgable. Most of us know that atrox can be a handfull. Fortunately all of the atrox I sell are morphs or morph hets and are not cheap enough for most impulse buyers. The last thing I want to hear is that a person got bit by a snake they bought from me. Especially if it's their first Hot. Most of the persons I sell to are recommended by a mutual friend, mentors, or someone on one of the forums who I recognize and respect from reading their posts. Granted this is not foolproof but it's a good start.
>>-----
>>Tim Cole
>>www.Designeratrox.com/
>>www.AustinReptileService.net
>>www.AustinReptileExpo.com/
>> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<
>>Conservation through Education
-----
U.A.P.P.E.A.L.
Uniting A Proactive Primate and Exotic Animal League

when you consider the all time low of leopard geckos and bearded dragons at $15 or below. these are now in the throw-away-pet syndrome as well as baby corns. It is now an impulse buying scenario at most reptile shows i have attended. Categorizing the " over-bred " and mass production thing. They ( the prospective buyers ) in turn think ( most I would say ) of making monies themselves by trying to breed these critters thus saturating the market even more ?.............does anyone agree ?
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I may be old , cantankerous, crabby, and cynical, but......

Well nice responses guys. Im 15 well 16 in a few months and i have a paypal account that i use. SO with that said how easy would it be for me to purchase that saw scaled viper?

how easy it would be for you to purchase but the responsibility and knowing the effects of laws and anything else maybe bite wise on your part. ( monies of such as well ).
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I may be old , cantankerous, crabby, and cynical, but......

Probably fairly easy as there are a lot of unethical dealers out there. But you should think about your decision. A saw scale viper bite is nasty at best and you do not have enough time in I am sure handling to even think about one of those grumpy little buggers. Do yourself, your family and all venomous keeprs a favor and stay away from the hots till you are older and wiser.

Here is a thought:
The demand side cannot be easily changed so the supply side should be manipulated. Since price fixing is out of the question how about a tax? Say $50 per animal sold with the proceeds going to enforcement? Once the government starts to get paid venomous animals may never be banned.
Jim

i conceive every 1 out of 3 or 4 people purchase animals ( in this case reptiles ) to breed to try to make a return on investment.
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I may be old , cantankerous, crabby, and cynical, but......