Starting a Venomous snake collection.

[abandonallhope]

Well this was an .....interesting thread.... not too sure what to make of it.

[PDR]

One thing I would say to James (ViperLover) and any other youngsters out there is that you should be thankful that there is so much help available to you in the form of books, magazines, DVD’s, forums, the internet and reptile clubs. There is just so much information available that all the hard work has been done for you.

I’ve always been surrounded by reptiles since birth and was given my very own snake back in 1969 (aged 6). In those days there was very little information available regarding husbandry, but I had family working at the local Zoo so the Reptile House Staff where always very kind and answered many of my questions and gave me various printed (black & white) info sheets on the various species held in the Reptile House.

Various people helped me back then and that is why I like to try and help people just getting into the hobby........ thing is though, there is no one forcing I or any of the other established venom specialist to get involved and help out on this forum. We do it because we want to help.

As Seedcantas says, it is worth staying on the good side of people...... especially when your local council in years to come phones me to ask about the suitability of this young guy who wants to keep venomous

[ViperLover]

Originally Posted by PDR

One thing I would say to James (ViperLover) and any other youngsters out there is that you should be thankful that there is so much help available to you in the form of books, magazines, DVD’s, forums, the internet and reptile clubs. There is just so much information available that all the hard work has been done for you.

I’ve always been surrounded by reptiles since birth and was given my very own snake back in 1969 (aged 6). In those days there was very little information available regarding husbandry, but I had family working at the local Zoo so the Reptile House Staff where always very kind and answered many of my questions and gave me various printed (black & white) info sheets on the various species held in the Reptile House.

Various people helped me back then and that is why I like to try and help people just getting into the hobby........ thing is though, there is no one forcing I or any of the other established venom specialist to get involved and help out on this forum. We do it because we want to help.

As Seedcantas says, it is worth staying on the good side of people...... especially when your local council in years to come phones me to ask about the suitability of this young guy who wants to keep venomous

Thanks Paul.

I sent you a FR regarding Facebook.....Up to you whether or not you wish to accept.

So do you deal with the DWA Lisencing? Recomending people to councils where you think it's a wise idea to issue a DWA Lisence.

[SW-morelia]

Originally Posted by PDR

*I use the term “handle” in this context to describe the safe manipulation of venomous snakes with snake-hooks and other restraint tools. These tools are used to either move the snake from its cage or to the enable the “handler” to restrain the snake prior to physically using his hands to hold the snake behind the head.

I'm no venomous handler, I wouldn't even begin to describe my self as one...
I've never tried it...
But I have tried to handle lively bitey snakes with a hook...
It's not the easiest thing in the world to do, in fact it is such an alien thing to attempt.
It may be worth the OP trying a bitey rat snake or racer before condemning everyone who can do it....
Just a thought

[Genseric]

Well if James is now going forward, his enthusiasm retained, and lust rekindled.. it is a result. The bonus being we have had some great replies here, and some brilliant advice.. indeed it I don't think I have seen so many of our top people on one thread before!

[PDR]

Originally Posted by ViperLover

Thanks Paul.

So do you deal with the DWA Lisencing? Recomending people to councils where you think it's a wise idea to issue a DWA Lisence.

Not specifically, it is more a case of councils contacting me for advice regarding Housing, husbandry, antivenom availability and the suitability of certain venomous species. Various factors are taken into account and you can generally get a feel for when a person has a genuine interest in keeping venomous snakes and has done their research verses people who are on an ego trip.
The list of species that the applicant applies for can be a good indicator...... I recall one person whose list read like the world’s top 10 most venomous: snakes: Inland Tiapans, Black Mambas, kraits, King Cobras etc. In a situation you really have to question the person’s motives.

[moodyblue1969]

Originally Posted by ViperLover

I am confident I can avoid being bitten.....All I need to start with is observation for body posture......Hands on mentoring can come at the age of 18......so as if I am bitten it will be my own fault.

i havent read this whole thread as i dont have any knowledge of dwas /hots whatever you want to call them.i ventured over here for a nosey after a comment put up on your thread on snake section.i cannot believe your blaise attitude which i have quoted above.you seem to think 1 bite = antibiotics and a sore patch where ever it happened to get you.WRONG it could well mean your mother burying you because you went head first into a situation you have never handled,couldnt handle and couldnt prevent.im not against anyone keeping hots but only after several years of *normal* snake dealings and deff after tonnes of research.even 18 i feel is too young.if this is the career you have chosen to persue then do it the correct way.college,working with exotics and building your way up in 10-15 years time to cope with the baddies.im not putting you down and saying you shouldnt do it but i deff think you should sit back and think properly about this.this not only could change your life,it could end it.as i have posted a comment im sure you wont like,please dont send me a similar pm as i will report it,at the end of the day we are actually trying to stop you killing yourself,,,good luck in about 10-15 years if you still feel its something you want to do,but for now just please wait and learn xx

[ViperLover]

Originally Posted by PDR

I recall one person whose list read like the world’s top 10 most venomous: snakes: Inland Tiapans, Black Mambas, kraits, King Cobras etc.

When something like that happens....Then it's most deffinately an ego trip. I can think of more then just 10 snakes which would interest me....These animals which you listed would be the last snakes I'd like to keep as a beginner DWA Keeper.

I was thinking more on the lines of Southern Copperhead, Pygmy Rattlesnake, Mangrove Snake, False Water Cobra... - These are animals that interest me, but in 10 or so years time when I've learned the basics in handling non-venomous.

[wildlifewarrior]

Originally Posted by ViperLover

, Mangrove Snake, False Water Cobra... -

you do realise these arent DWA....but in no way am i telling you to get them either

[hexem]

You remind me of a young guy called tariq...I believe he was also very enthusiastic with venemous at you're age and wasn't exactly well received on forums for various thing's he said but i'm pretty sure he grew out of it and is now still around and taken abit more seriously these days.