Venomous herp trading

[Dexter]

Well mate, you might not have a qualification yet, but there are several universities nowadays who give herp related courses, so you could take one.

Of course, even among people who do take a biology or a herp course, only a minority would ever consider keeping venomous snakes, but at least those who had the patience and determination to attend a course and study properly, are normally people who can be trusted.

In your case, if you acquired your knowledge through reading, keeping and breeding several different species over the years, and you can prove that by preparing a good essay about your experience, that could be counted as a qualification.

Still, I think people who want to keep venomous snakes, they should take a relevant course which would prepare them thoroughly to any eventuality, rather than just relying on the knowledge they already have.

I keep snakes for a few years now, and I still learn on a daily basis with mine. Even people like Steve Irwin, etc, were in a constant learning process I believe.

So even if you think you're the dog's bollocks when it comes to snakes, maybe if you took a course, you'd find out it was very benefitial to you, specially if you were willing to keep venomous snakes which is a much more serious business.

[Dan]

That makes sense, i was thrown off by the whole degree thing.

I personally would be happy to take a course to have the license but a degree or similar is too much for me. Especially when you consider even with this sort of qualification they only do one short module on reptiles in the entire course. I have no interest in fish or mammals so the vast majority would be pointless for me.

A short (couple of weeks) course based on physical, hands on education that is to be backed up by registered time with an experienced mentor would IMO be a good way to do it.

[beestingbutterfly]

do any of u guys actually have a venom liscence?
its something i was thinkin of lookin into.. any 1 no of any courses??

[Dexter]

I know Captain Caveman has a license, so you could send him a pm and get some advice.

I remember him saying one of the things that helped him getting the license was the fact he lived in the country side, and if he lived 3 miles down the road towards the village, the council would have probably refused the license to him.

The easiest ways to find out about courses is google. You can search for herpetology courses in the UK, and see if there is any one near you. I know there is an Uni close to where I live, and another one near Birmingham, but not sure if they teach about venomous snakes as well.

One way or another, you may need to plan a relocation if you are to take a course, because not often you find them close to your home.

[beestingbutterfly]

i can't pm him... i told him he was fit in the general chat forum!!

i don't mind travelling is any one else wanting to go on a venom course??? how about u dex?

[Dexter]

As long you don't chat me up, I might be up for it

Maybe you could go spend some time at Captain's cave, and I'm sure he would be willing to help you out

If I'm not wrong, he said he was not gonna keep venomous snakes, but he wanted the license to get a cayman

[beestingbutterfly]

lol cool... i might be able to refrain from chattin u up!! :wink:
... Although i do have that reputation!! lol

[beestingbutterfly]

[Dan]

I don't know if it helps, or if it is appropriate putting it on this topic BUT as of next year "we" will be offering a venemous handling course. By "we" i mean the company, so, if you want to know more by all means contact me and i'll pass you on to the person in charge of the course.

[Dexter]

That's great, I think you already have a student, and by the looks of it she's quite bubbly

You live too far from me, but I remember when you first joined the forum and I was always curious to have a look at your herps in person :wink: