Somewhere to get more experience with reptiles?

I was just wondering, is there anywhere in Illinois where I'd be able to get to work with reptiles (preferably large constrictors)? My friend who owns snakes recently moved and it's a bit too far for me to go their regularly. If it's a members house, I don't mind helping with chores that have to do with the animal (cleaning cages, feeding, etc.) and I have previous experience with large constrictors but that was a while ago. I'm planning to get some SD retics while in college so I just want a bit more experience for myself, and the future animal I'm keeping. Thanks!

Anybody? lol. I don't mean to be creepy in anyway, btw. It's just that I have open time this year, and I don't mind helping out.

I would start by hitting up local shows regularly, make new friends, get to know them well, and maybe after a while they will be more willing to let you help them out. Almost everyone I know is very careful about bringing people to their home to see and handle their animals that's why I'd suggest getting to know people and earning their trust.

Good luck :)

That's true, thanks! I'm going to the NARBC in Tinley and I'm a senior so I don't have much time sadly, but, I'll try getting in contact with people in any way I can so I can be more prepared when I do get a large constrictor in a few years!

I'm in Illinois, I only have a couple big carpets and a young lavender albino retic as far as big ones go.. They are both pretty feisty. Where are you in IL?

Thanks for the Offer! I live by Orland Park.

Have you tried volunteering at any local wildlife centers where they deal with nonreleasable wildlife? Or wildlife rescues? Some nature-oriented parks - for hiking, kayaking, etc. - may have reptile exhibits as part of a permanent collection, and could need help maintaining them. Talk to local park rangers in the state parks, they may have them or may know places that do. Also, local reptile shops take in volunteers many times.

My sister dealt with snakes when she volunteered at the local museum's wildlife center, and I'm in the process of signing up with a Florida organization that deals with the Eastern indigo snake - among other species - that could have me working with researchers.

I've tried contacting local reptile shops and they said they don't offer it, and I volunteer at my local zoo. There isn't much around when it comes to nature though sadly.

I think thats like 3 hrs from me lol I live in Macomb. Either way best advice I can give is find a zoo and intern in reptiles, if your passionate enough and work your butt off doing the worst of the worst for a while, you will learn tons and possibly get to work with some great animals, if not work with them yourself, you'll be able to watch experienced handlers do there thing and learn skills that will help you in the future. If you can find a keeper thats got experience and that see's you know your stuff and that you are serious about herps they will teach you EVERYTHING you need to know. I started volunteering at a zoo when I was 12ish, finally got accepted into the reptile area at 15.. then interned till about a month ago..Its hard work and it sucks working for free but you'll learn how to keep tons of species alive, eating, breeding, and thriving! I could go on an on but I think you'll get what im saying :rolleye2:

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Originally Posted by theReptileGuy

I've tried contacting local reptile shops and they said they don't offer it, and I volunteer at my local zoo. There isn't much around when it comes to nature though sadly.

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aww I missed it! oops

Missed your update haha, sorry.