Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,
I posted on the venomous forum and had some good constructive feedback. I would like to get some from here as well if possible. First I would like to say that it saddens me a great deal that in other postings I read the type of responses some gave just because of this sensitive nature and their own personal feelings. People come to these forums becasue they do not have the experience that alot of you do. They may ask what seems like a dumb question and you respond with sarcasm. Does this somehow make you feel better about yourself? I have considered a alterd specimen for my own saftey precautions and the fact that I have children and knowing full well that when I do make a mistake it will not cost me or them their lives. Aside from what I've read most feel that they are owned so owners may free handle their snakes. I feel this is also the case. But I feel that their are a few minorities. I believe that any snake you own to learn on say a coachwhip or racer or tree boa the fact remains if it gets out of hand you will grab it and take the hit. I feel that the same is true on a altered specimen as well. So my question here is how does one learn on non venomous as opposed to venomous. Would it not be better to learn on the species you wish to keep. Learn from it then move on to a venomous specimen.I myself can accept the consiquencies of my actions and the risks involved as I am choosing to do so. I would never have one alterd and am not sold on the idea of owning one. But I do wish to become educated on this higly debated topic.

I understand alot of responses like it may not have been done right or was done in unsanitary conditions. Or their is a possibility that it is still venomous due to a hack job.Or the debate on needing its venom for digestion or its inability to defend it self. Well It can will still very much bite. But if it is treated like it can and will kill you. Why not learn this way? Again I am just looking to become educated here.

Thank You

The answer to your question regarding the keeping of venomoids not only involves the ethical problems of physically altering the snake. There are many other problems involved with owning a venomoid as a means to "learn" about proper handling techniques as well as problems in developing a respect for the animal. It is very easy to become comfortable with the fact that a venomoid can not envenomate you. This heightened comfort level of knowing that the snake is no longer venomous can easily lead to neglecting safety protocols. Many venomoid keepers routinely place their hands into the snakes' enclosures to retrieve water bowls, or to clean etc...and their hands come within inches of the snake. They have no fear of the snake because they know that it will not envenomate them if they were to receive a bite. Those same comfort levels may remain even if the person decides to make the transition to owning a venomous collection. In effect, the person who purchased a venomoid to "learn" about keeping hots, may have only acquired bad habits and failed to develope a healthy respect for venomous snakes. The idea of owning a venomoid in order to gain an understanding about how to properly care for and handle a venomous snake, is ridiculous and quite possibly dangerous. The only way to prepare you for the owning of a venomous snake, is to fully educate yourself about each species that you plan to keep. Also, it is absolutely necessary to mentor under an individual who has successfully maintained a venomous collection, and who has the required experience and knowledge to formally train you.