I had a bit of a revelation the other day. I've always had a fascination for reptiles and snakes in particular, but never been able to do much with that interest. Now I finally have a snake of my own and the interest I have has only increased. I feel after much research that I am competent in basic care and necessities, but there is so much more I want to learn.

I realize that a lot of knowledge comes through practical experience, but I have neither the space nor the finances right now to be able to have even a small collection of snakes to get such experience. Not that my little one isn't quite the teacher mind you, but being a healthy, happy juvenile he can't give me some of the information I want to learn.

A few years down the road, perhaps, I would love to be able to take in unwanted/neglected herps as well as work with wild ones for rehabilitation. There seems to be a shortage of people willing to work with snakes in particular and I would like to be able to fit in that gap one day.

Things in particular I'd like to learn:
--Proper handling and restraint from hatchling corn snakes to retics/burms
--snake body language
--how to tell a snake is ill
--treating a sick snake
--husbandry of various species
--breeding/hatching/baby care

I guess my request then is how would I go about finding a person/persons who would be willing to teach me? I would be quite happy to clean out cages and do grunt work in return for the experience.

Any advice/suggestions are extremely welcome.

~Eliza