I see posts all the time stating some animals aren't a good choice for entry level keeping not due to their environment requirments but due to their temperment.



I understand this to some degree but I think keeping hots is quite simple. Do folks make it seem harder than it really is? Isn't it about keeping them in a secure enclosure, keeping them in a locked room without access to other people and most importantly keeping their mouth away from your body parts?



I seriously don't understand how people get bit by venomous indoors. I have seen quite alot of folks being bitten lately and one death recently.



I believe it's quite simple.......common sense, no complacency/laziness and treat your animal like a loaded gun pointed at your face or a nuclear bomb. Using the proper tools and never allowing the animal near any body part.....quite simple, huh?



As for the gentleman that passed in Ohio, that is sad but when you say "experienced".... how does that do you any good if you make a careless and fateful mistake??



I know this is a simple post and there are many scenarios including folks that work with alot of venomous snakes, i.e. venom research or handling them for entertainment(which I don't really approve), etc.......but......



I don't see the harm in keeping a nasicornis as a starter animal especially if the keeper is experienced with basins. This is like saying what's a good starter gun??? There isn't one even a BB gun can kill! If you can handle the husbandry....then why not start with something you want to keep?



I would suggest buying B.W. Smith's book Venomous Snakes in Captivity Safety and Husbandry, buying some tools and if possible train with someone for sometime and think about all the risks involved.



I have only been keeping venomous for about 4 years and have kept quite alot of different types of species of animals including Cribos, Boas, Pythons and various other colubrids/boids, lizards, etc. I am by no means an expert and have only kept Crotalus and horridum but I have no problem saying I will never be bit by one of my venomous animals that I personally keep......unless my wife ties me up and throws one on my lap.

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