What is the appeal in keeping dangerous animals?

[Magnum0]

This isnt a dig at all, just wanted some opinions.

I cant imagine keeping snakes that endanger your life. I think it would feel very tense to even be near an open viv of a venomous snake. Also, i find a large appeal in handling snakes but this wouldnt be possible if it could kill you.
Why do you venomous owners keep them?

[repkid]

I have wondered the exact same thing for ages but have been to worried to ask it. IMO i like animals you can handle not display animals. Anyway, bet there are probably some decent reasons.

[Thrasops]

I think you just answered your own question there, in a way. It's just an enjoyment of watching an interesting animal on display rather than handling it! You don't handle a tropical fish and yet how many people have aquaria in their homes?

I think the desire to keep these snakes just comes from a strong appreciation of the animals' beauty and/or interesting behaviour on it's own terms, without having the need to handle it.

Personally, I think the responsible keeping of "hot" snakes does not include "being near an open viv" more than you have to be! That is, for maintenance or feeding purposes ONLY. I've seen too many videos on YouTube of people letting their Gaboon Vipers out for a stroll in the living room, etc.

Ideally, you should rarely if ever have to come into contact with your venomous snake. It is through the use of trap-boxes and dividers that section off the part of the vivarium inhabited by the snake that one should go about the daily business of menial tasks such as replacing substrate, clearing shed skin and cleaning the water bowl, etc.

Really, you see so many handlers "wrangling" their cobra/mamba etc. for the camera. I'm sure they know what they are doing but the problem is that they set an example for others watching and mislead them into believing that this is how handling a venomous snake ought to be done in the home. In reality the process can be so much simpler with just basic precautions.

OK, there are going to be times when interacting with your animal will be unavoidable, such as when there are health-related issues, or a problem feeder etc. and as a keeper one must be prepared for that (and hopefully be reasonably confident about doing so) but I believe that the serious keeper of venomous snakes does not NEED to be in a position of danger 95% of the time. It's just simple, basic care practices that keep the keeper where he/she is meant to be - safe and sound and out of harm's way.

As for the other 5%, that obviously is the risk in keeping hots! It is the "sod's law" that something unexpected can always happen and it is the reason why you always have to keep your wits about you. And, dare I say it, it might even be part of the appeal in having these snakes, a slight zest of danger added to the hobby.

By bringing such an animal into your home you have made that risk, however small, part of your daily life. Obviously to those that do keep "hots" it is a risk that is worth the rewards!

[Cyberlizard]

I do not keep any venomous myself, but I understand that all animals are interesting in their own way, including venomous creatures.

I think the important things are commitment, an understanding of what is involved (including the costs of safe housing and where applicable a licence) and a responsible attitude. But then I think that applies to keeping all animals! Sometimes I think some people should have a licence to even have kids, let alone keep animals.

[Declan123]

Why do people have Big ass Constrictors...?.....they are just as dangerous...

Why do people keep snakes....?....passion and love for the animal...?


In my oppinion, if you feel the same way like i do, and your passionate about somthing, then putting your life on the line is worth it.....

[knighty]

i dont have hots but i can fully understand hy peole keep them. i would be to scared myself but if it is your thing why not?.....

i keep frogs and toads amoungst other things, and they are not venamous atall, but are still only a visual pet that IMO is fun to watch....

if you have a soft spot for any animal then keeping it will be a joy for you personally, despite what other people think....

[SiUK]

I keep hots, because for a long time it had been a dream, as soon as I knew you could keep them here, I had my heart set on it, everytime I go into the hot room I feel privaliged to be able to go and see these amazing animals, I can remember the first time I went to see any hots I walked intp the room, and was buzzing, then I knew that it was something acheivable

[Lucifus]

Originally Posted by Declan123

Why do people have Big ass Constrictors...?.....they are just as dangerous...

If a python bites you can fight it off, if a hot bites you your well.....screwed.

Although i don't keep any "hots" i do keep venomous spiders, granted its not in the same league but i still have no intention of being envenomated. But trust me watching them is sometimes as better as handling them. Personally id love a venemoid cobra, but still its not something you can handle, that and a caiman.

[SiUK]

yeah but if a 20ft python wraps itself around you, then you will be lucky to get out.

[Lucifus]

Originally Posted by SiUK

yeah but if a 20ft python wraps itself around you, then you will be lucky to get out.

Yeh your rightly buggered then.