Venomous

I am 14 and want to build my own venomous snake cage. Personally i want to buy a prefetionally made one so that there is less chance of a serial killer on the loose. LOL. But my mother wants to build are own. What do you think? and I need some ideas for an enclosure.

I think building your on is great, and you shouldn't have any on the loose if you take the proper precautions. I personally would love to get Neodeshas if i ever got into venomous (its not legal here).

Just curious, but are your parents going to be involved with the care of whatever venomous species you are looking at??

I'm all for younger people learning to take care of more complicated animals, but I'd certainly would never have let my sister care for even less-than-lethal hots at that age.

The caging depends on the species that you are looking to house.

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Originally Posted by mainbutter

Just curious, but are your parents going to be involved with the care of whatever venomous species you are looking at??

I'm all for younger people learning to take care of more complicated animals, but I'd certainly would never have let my sister care for even less-than-lethal hots at that age.

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Fine for your sister, but this guy isn't. I know a lot of folks who got started at that age, or younger, who never had any problems.

A better question would be, does your mother have any experience with hots. It's not going to matter much if she's involved with them if she's a newb too.

Is the kid learning by doing or is someone teaching him is a far better question and response.

Age is not my problem. My parents are not the ownerss and I have also been breeding balls and other snakes sinse i was seven. I have lots of experiance in reptiles and I am just looking to raise my knowledge. I was catching snakes in my area sinse I was five.I also have a list of precautions.Two people at all times a list of the local hospitals and the number of the venom hotline on my wall. so I know all the precautions. I did my research.

I am thinking of gatting a copperhead or eastern DB. Ideas?

I do have to agree, age is not the factor, it is do they have the proper experience? I was raised around all sorts of reptiles from the time I was born, and I learned a lot through being raised with them. When I was 17 I started a Nile monitor rescue, but had to stop due to the lack of donations, and I could not afford to keep more than six at a time with out the donations.

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Originally Posted by crescend

Age is not my problem. My parents are not the ownerss and I have also been breeding balls and other snakes sinse i was seven. I have lots of experiance in reptiles and I am just looking to raise my knowledge. I was catching snakes in my area sinse I was five.I also have a list of precautions.Two people at all times a list of the local hospitals and the number of the venom hotline on my wall. so I know all the precautions. I did my research.

I am thinking of gatting a copperhead or eastern DB. Ideas?

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Indeed. No doubt we'll be hearing about you in the future.

Sigh.

Dude, this is coming from a guy who has seen the damage native snakes inflict. Buy something only mildly toxic-like a vine snake. Their bite is nasty but at least you won't lose a hand. Anyway, the two snakes you mentioned are super aggressive and you couldn't do much with them except feed them. I'd stick with the snakes that you can handle at least. vine snakes are cooler anyway. they're like a green snake with attitude and and odd nose.

adamanteus Is a pretty aggressive snake. contortrix does have the mildest venom of any other North A. Pit viper, and are known to be a flighty/strikey snake. I would treat any venomous snake like it was the deadliest. I also wouldn't base my ability to keep venomous on the fact that I have kept non-venomous for a long time. Apples and Oranges..... I think you should have proper training before ever thinking about keeping venomous. Experience is a bad teacher, it tests you.

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Originally Posted by mainbutter

Just curious, but are your parents going to be involved with the care of whatever venomous species you are looking at??

I'm all for younger people learning to take care of more complicated animals, but I'd certainly would never have let my sister care for even less-than-lethal hots at that age.

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Agree completely. No one underage should be dealing with hots unless a parent with a big knowledge of hot care and hot safety is leading the show. First and foremost for keeping hots, I assume you have a hot room that is something the hot/s could not escape from.

Yeah it is really scary to think what could happen in a situation like this!!!SERIOUSLY!!!!:colbert:

Regardless of your experience with snakes, making the jump to HOTs is a big one. Especially from ball pythons, which are quite possibly the calmest snake one can get. In my opinion, a 14 year old is not ready for a E.diamondback, or a copper head as both are notoriously aggressive. Not only that, but 14 year olds are, in many cases, irresponsible.

If you mind is set on getting a hot, then I would suggest something small, and venomoid. Although venomoid, it doesn't assure that you won’t still get a venomous bite, it certainly lowers your chances.

Any of the tree vipers would be my initial suggestion, as most that are available are mildly venomous and really only cause localize swelling. They are also very docile, and hook well.

The snake you decide on getting will ultimately determine the type of caging you want, but regardless of whatever you get just remember 1 word. SECURITY. I cannot stress that enough. Its very important that you have more safety precautions then necessary, that includes locks on the cage, sealants, and checking and rechecking all of them during handling/feeding procedures.

I would much rather be slightly paranoid about safety then be in the hospital because I was negligent.

You might want to go with a mangrove snake or a false water cobra to start.

Another good training tip is to get a coachwhip or racer and practice handling them ONLY with hooks and tongs as if they were hot.

Sounds easy, but it's not.

Age isn't as important, though it is of importance, as training and knowledge. Youngness should not preclude you from keeping hots but ignorance, which can be a simple case of not yet having necessary training, should.

Avoid voids. The knowledge in the back of your head that a bite won't kill you may well lead to irresponsible behavior with actual hots which would not only be bad when, not if but when, the press got hold of it, but could well be fatal.

That would probably irk your mother. No need to do that.

First of all I know nothing about Hots! However you might want to check into the laws in your area. What came to mind for me is first don't you have to have a permit in most places to keep hots. The second being....I don't know if they would give a 14 year old a permit.

This just came to mind for me. I am probably wrong! While I understand that you have had years of experience with snakes....wow.....that is such a big step at such an early stage in your life. Again just my opinion. :rolleyes:

I do agree completely with what everyone else is telling you. Your parents may not be the owners, and they may have no experience. However, ball pythons are nothing compared to hots. I have never dealt with hots, but I do know they are much more wild tempered, and quicker than a ball python. As well, I am almost certain that the state will not give you a hot license being under age, your parents would have to obtain one.

You really should wait until you are of age, and have much more knowledge of a greater amount of snake species. Although, if you choose not to take everyone's advice, then good luck to you and the animals.

you can just BUY venomous?

Balls are my only specialty. I breed boas hognoses carpets and corns. Boas and carpets can be really aggressive. Before I sell them I "break" them so they can be regularly handeled by their new owner. I take in pride the additude of my snakes. I dont want to have a parent come to me for a birthday present for their son and taking it home and the animal biting the child and ruining the fun of a reptile. I can handle animals. I have even practiced handeling my carpets and corns with a hook to get the hang of it. For they are much alike to tree vipers and pits. now If you don't mind this is a DIY forum I need some Ideas for cages. Stop questioning the health and well being of me and start throwing ideas for CAGES!

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Originally Posted by dembonez

you can just BUY venomous?

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Yes. There is a reptile store here in Vegas that sells albino western diamondback rattlesnakes.

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Originally Posted by crescend

Balls are my only specialty. I breed boas hognoses carpets and corns. Boas and carpets can be really aggressive. Before I sell them I "break" them so they can be regularly handeled by their new owner. I take in pride the additude of my snakes. I dont want to have a parent come to me for a birthday present for their son and taking it home and the animal biting the child and ruining the fun of a reptile. I can handle animals. I have even practiced handeling my carpets and corns with a hook to get the hang of it. For they are much alike to tree vipers and pits. now If you don't mind this is a DIY forum I need some Ideas for cages. Stop questioning the health and well being of me and start throwing ideas for CAGES!

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IMHO, hots is a step that should not be taken lightly. It is not something that you can learn as you go, like you can with other non-venomous snakes. Have you tried to find any hot owners in your locality that you can get together with and gain some experience in handling and owning hots? I would recommend doing that before you do anything. Also, have you verified if there are any laws where you live that would prohibit or regulate such ownership?

[QUOTE=brainman1000;1276510]Yes. There is a reptile store here in Vegas that sells albino western diamondback rattlesnakes.

WTH?! thats insane!!!

they can kill you!!

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Originally Posted by crescend

Balls are my only specialty. I breed boas hognoses carpets and corns. Boas and carpets can be really aggressive. Before I sell them I "break" them so they can be regularly handeled by their new owner. I take in pride the additude of my snakes. I dont want to have a parent come to me for a birthday present for their son and taking it home and the animal biting the child and ruining the fun of a reptile. I can handle animals. I have even practiced handeling my carpets and corns with a hook to get the hang of it. For they are much alike to tree vipers and pits. now If you don't mind this is a DIY forum I need some Ideas for cages. Stop questioning the health and well being of me and start throwing ideas for CAGES!

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Carpets and corns are like handling pits?

Quit making comments like that and we'll quit questioning your well-being.....actually I take that back - I'm not questioning your well-being - I'm questioning the well-being of our hobby. The last thing this community needs is a 14 year old with a bad case of the "know-it-alls" becoming the poster boy for more government regulation.

If you don't want to hear a lecture - then put me on ignore - along with all the other people here who are going to try and give you some well-intentioned advice:

Getting into hots is fine - there are plenty of people who begin learning hot husbandry at a young age - nothing wrong with that. Do it in a smart way.

Apprentice under someone who is experienced in hots for a good long while before you even think of owning one. If you do that, you won't have to come here and ask for advice on how to build a hot cage or which one is the best to buy - you'll already know through experience.

Wow, I just triply agree with all this. You should really apprentice to an experienced keeper before you consider getting hots of your own.
You need experience keeping an aggressive snake--a REALLY aggressive snake--before you should even remotely consider getting anything even mildly venomous.

Get yourself an Amazon Tree Boa, or something. They're often used as 'hots trainers'. If you can't avoid being bitten by the boa, you should never keep a hot snake. Taming it doesn't count either--treat it just like a hot, and never free-handle it.

In short--please don't do this. You are not ready. Maybe you will be, eventually, but you are NOT ready NOW.

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Originally Posted by WingedWolfPsion

Wow, I just triply agree with all this. You should really apprentice to an experienced keeper before you consider getting hots of your own.
You need experience keeping an aggressive snake--a REALLY aggressive snake--before you should even remotely consider getting anything even mildly venomous.

Get yourself an Amazon Tree Boa, or something. They're often used as 'hots trainers'. If you can't avoid being bitten by the boa, you should never keep a hot snake. Taming it doesn't count either--treat it just like a hot, and never free-handle it.

In short--please don't do this. You are not ready. Maybe you will be, eventually, but you are NOT ready NOW.

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i agree i mean its pretty dangerous if you are not careful even if you are careful!

Skiploader hit. Tha nail on the head. Foolish mistake. Not great parents to let their kid feta hot

Sp is bad on my itouch

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Originally Posted by dembonez

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Originally Posted by brainman1000

Yes. There is a reptile store here in Vegas that sells albino western diamondback rattlesnakes.

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WTH?! thats insane!!!

they can kill you!!

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http://market.kingsnake.com/detail.php?cat=40&de=639131

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Originally Posted by brainman1000

Yes. There is a reptile store here in Vegas that sells albino western diamondback rattlesnakes.



IMHO, hots is a step that should not be taken lightly. It is not something that you can learn as you go, like you can with other non-venomous snakes. Have you tried to find any hot owners in your locality that you can get together with and gain some experience in handling and owning hots? I would recommend doing that before you do anything. Also, have you verified if there are any laws where you live that would prohibit or regulate such ownership?

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I have been looking for a while for a mentor but people think im too young to learn. And yes I am well aware of the laws and I also am working on getting a permit. well my mom is cause I'm too young.

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Originally Posted by crescend

I have been looking for a while for a mentor but people think im too young to learn. And yes I am well aware of the laws and I also am working on getting a permit. well my mom is cause I'm too young.

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this should tell you something about the nature of the situation.

I don't keep Hots, but i'd take the advice people have been giving you on the thread. They're concerned for your well being, your families and that of the hobby.

I can bet that it would cause problems if the permit is in your mothers name and the snakes are yours, or someone in your house gets bitten handling the animal when she's not there or something of that nature.

Why don't you start with a known trainer species? Coachwhips, etc while you're looking for a mentor? This will show a potential mentor that you are SERIOUS about this.

Also, except for the first line, i would give this advice to ANYONE of ANY age that was looking at keeping hots.

Ok, so now the "Not great parent" as Bowser11788 put is going to add a little to the conversation. My son is young, he is only 14, but he is extremely passionate about these wonderful reptiles, and very impatient to grow up and be able to do what he dreams of which is becoming involved in the conservation efforts of venomous species in the US which don't seem to have much of a voice. He is interested in cage designs for "hots" because he plans to have them someday down the road. Not tomorrow as some of you seem to believe. I have taught him to plan, research, and learn all he can first hand before beginning any new project. In 7 years he has gone from owning 1 ball python to owning several species, breeding some, and spending as much time as possible taking these fantastic creatures out in public to give demonstrations, especially to younger kids, in an effort to make the next generation understand that these are not evil beings. Skiploader called him "a 14 year old with a bad case of the "know-it-alls" He is by no means a know-it-all, but occassionally comes across that way when he is once again treated like he doesn't know anything. He has been fighting for years to try to get people to take him seriously, and he had come to think that on this forum he would be. When he meets with obstacles he tends to go a bit overboard as only a teenager could, but most of that is due to the frustration he feels because of the struggles he goes through to just try to get advice from people he respects. As for hands on experience, he is constantly looking for new opportunities. He has become involved at the zoo in our area, and will be attending a rattlesnake symposium in April at the invitation of a researcher in our area. I am not a bad parent, and would never allow him to get into hots until I know he is ready (which will definitely be longer than he hopes!). But, please do not ignore his questions or requests just because of his age. I do believe he will be deep into hots at some point, and I'd like to know that he got "good" advice from those of you that are "in-the-know"
He will not be replying to this post again.

I am very impressed that you are able to breed snakes and know so much about them at 14 years old.
I was also really into reptiles since I was young and kept ALOT of different species lol. I am 21 now and its shocking how much I have grown mentally and physically from 14-21. You may be capable now but I just urge you to keep going with what you are doing, get into ball or boa morphs or something like that.
You also need to think about others as well if you have hots. I would never keep a hot in any house I did not own or have a shed or shop away from people. If they get out and bite somebody else, thats on you.

I know not what you wanted to hear but thats my two cents.

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Originally Posted by crescend

Ok, so now the "Not great parent" as Bowser11788 put is going to add a little to the conversation.

My son is young, he is only 14, but he is extremely passionate about these wonderful reptiles, and very impatient to grow up and be able to do what he dreams of which is becoming involved in the conservation efforts of venomous species in the US which don't seem to have much of a voice.

He is interested in cage designs for "hots" because he plans to have them someday down the road. Not tomorrow as some of you seem to believe. I have taught him to plan, research, and learn all he can first hand before beginning any new project.

In 7 years he has gone from owning 1 ball python to owning several species, breeding some, and spending as much time as possible taking these fantastic creatures out in public to give demonstrations, especially to younger kids, in an effort to make the next generation understand that these are not evil beings.

Skiploader called him "a 14 year old with a bad case of the "know-it-alls" He is by no means a know-it-all, but occassionally comes across that way when he is once again treated like he doesn't know anything.

He has been fighting for years to try to get people to take him seriously, and he had come to think that on this forum he would be. When he meets with obstacles he tends to go a bit overboard as only a teenager could, but most of that is due to the frustration he feels because of the struggles he goes through to just try to get advice from people he respects.

As for hands on experience, he is constantly looking for new opportunities. He has become involved at the zoo in our area, and will be attending a rattlesnake symposium in April at the invitation of a researcher in our area. I am not a bad parent, and would never allow him to get into hots until I know he is ready (which will definitely be longer than he hopes!).

But, please do not ignore his questions or requests just because of his age. I do believe he will be deep into hots at some point, and I'd like to know that he got "good" advice from those of you that are "in-the-know"
He will not be replying to this post again.

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I'm going to take you on your word that you are the parent.......who knows you may be, you may not be............

As a parent of two children and as a person who has been keeping snakes (even a few hot species) over the last few decades I would be royally pissed at any idiot who gave either of my kids advice on how to build a cage for venomous snake. So should you. There are plenty of idiots out there who own hots, who frequent forums (or even Moderate on them) and who would cheerfully lead you child down a bad path. You will find few of them here.

You son did not mention a time frame for his acquisition and no one in their right mind here is going to give a 14-year old child the plans on how to affordably construct a hot enclosure.

I said and so have others - there is nothing wrong with a 14 year old wanting to learn about hots. That kid needs to spend many, many years apprenticing under someone who has spent many, many years keeping these animals before he should even begin to consider how to best construct a cage or where to buy the best one.

Your son's assertion that his practicing with a hook on a corn snake and a boid makes him ready for a hot is ridiculous and was called out as such. Additionally your son made the bold statement that YOU were working on a permit for acquiring one...........I think it's great that you have now stated that he won't be acquiring one anytime soon but in the same breath - what experience do you have with hots? Who are you - other than his parent - to make the determination that he's ready?

The person who should make that decision will be the mentor he finally hooks up with, and by the time that mentor imparts enough knowledge on your child to render that decision - he will no longer be a child and no longer be under your guardianship.

As for getting advice from people in the know, here's my advice to you: neither of you should be looking for advice on a forum - even a hot forum. Your kid should be getting advice from his eventual mentor, not a bunch of faceless people who don't know your son and who won't assume any responsibility for the potentially deadly consequences of his immaturity and his impatience.

As for not replying to this post again: I would suggest as a parent that he be encouraged to address his own position instead of being encouraged to pack up his toys and storm out in a huff.

Your son has given every indication that he is well on his way to acquiring hots. Your son has made silly statements about his experience and readiness for this acquisition. Your son has expressed impatience at his inability to hook up with a mentor.

Your son has given every indication on this board that he is a typical 14 year old who is dead set on getting what he wants at the expense of sound advice. Instead of coming here and chiding people who attempted to cool his jets, maybe you should do some research of you own and find out exactly how serious of a situation he could get himself into. Got any idea on how much it will cost you if he gets tagged by either of the species he listed as wanting to own? Got any idea on that your insurance coverage probably doesn't cover these expenses?

That's just the tip of the iceberg. Your son has many years ahead of him of learning and maturing. Encourage the process. Building a cage is not part of the process. Acquiring a permit is not part of the process. Proclaiming his hook and tailing skills are up to snuff because he can handle a corn snake without being bit is not part of the process. Reading coupled with hands on experience with someone willing to teach him respect, patience, procedure and protocol is.

Once he's down that road, he will look back on this thread and see how silly and immature his comments were.

This thread is crazy!

I realize his mom says he isn't going to reply to the thread anymore (we all know anyone who says they're never coming back to a thread/site always does...), so the point is probably moot, but I just think... No one gives him suggestions and he/they is/are upset about it... But he/they need to realize that responsible people on here don't want some 14 year old kid (age doesn't matter, blah blah blah, whatever) to build a cage based on their suggestions, and then have the kid get killed/maimed by a dangerous animal and feel responsible for providing that information!

The fact that the kids mother actually believes he's mature is scary to me. Or maybe he is an absolute anomoly. But in my experience, the average person doesn't believe they're average...

He's 14; at 14 years old his brain isn't even fully developed. Things like impulse control still aren't fully functional in the adult sense of the term. Sometimes 14 year olds, no matter how "mature", get lazy, and/or stupid, and/or forgetful. And then someone gets badly hurt or killed, and we ALL suffer the consequences of that kind of press.

Also, I just have to get this out there... Dag yo, when I was 14 years old, if I got into a heated debate on the internet, the last thing I would want is for my mom to post defending me... How embarrassing!

im sure thats his "mom" idk care if it is, your a foolish person if you let your son get a rattlesnakr even a rear-fanged snake for that matter, why don't you get him a 18 retic in a glass cage instead. that would be the better parenting thing to do.

sorry just found this thread my thoughts is he would be breaking the law if his mom got the permit my permit is in my name not mention the insurance that has to be carried .until i moved to the country the state dis spot checks to see if i was doing all that was required unless he has a good job and legal help i say wait until he is an adult

Zombie thread alert...

Thread from 2010 rises from dead->

MrLang reads thread->

Absolutely LEGENDARY commentary by Skiploder!->

Skiploder time traveled to 2010 to make my day today.




Thanks bud.


Also, what a horrifying thread. Sweet jesus.

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Originally Posted by MrLang

Thread from 2010 rises from dead->

MrLang reads thread->

Absolutely LEGENDARY commentary by Skiploder!->

Skiploder time traveled to 2010 to make my day today.




Thanks bud.


Also, what a horrifying thread. Sweet jesus.

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+1

Skiploder got some Likes from me!

+2 I got quite irate on the topic till skip jumped in. Well played.

so
what happened did he get the permit

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Originally Posted by fedupdon

so
what happened did he get the permit

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This thread is nearly 3 years old and the OP hasn't logged onto this site since creating the thread...

This was his last post

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Ok, so now the "Not great parent" as Bowser11788 put is going to add a little to the conversation. My son is young, he is only 14, but he is extremely passionate about these wonderful reptiles, and very impatient to grow up and be able to do what he dreams of which is becoming involved in the conservation efforts of venomous species in the US which don't seem to have much of a voice. He is interested in cage designs for "hots" because he plans to have them someday down the road. Not tomorrow as some of you seem to believe. I have taught him to plan, research, and learn all he can first hand before beginning any new project. In 7 years he has gone from owning 1 ball python to owning several species, breeding some, and spending as much time as possible taking these fantastic creatures out in public to give demonstrations, especially to younger kids, in an effort to make the next generation understand that these are not evil beings. Skiploader called him "a 14 year old with a bad case of the "know-it-alls" He is by no means a know-it-all, but occassionally comes across that way when he is once again treated like he doesn't know anything. He has been fighting for years to try to get people to take him seriously, and he had come to think that on this forum he would be. When he meets with obstacles he tends to go a bit overboard as only a teenager could, but most of that is due to the frustration he feels because of the struggles he goes through to just try to get advice from people he respects. As for hands on experience, he is constantly looking for new opportunities. He has become involved at the zoo in our area, and will be attending a rattlesnake symposium in April at the invitation of a researcher in our area. I am not a bad parent, and would never allow him to get into hots until I know he is ready (which will definitely be longer than he hopes!). But, please do not ignore his questions or requests just because of his age. I do believe he will be deep into hots at some point, and I'd like to know that he got "good" advice from those of you that are "in-the-know"
He will not be replying to this post again.

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Originally Posted by The Serpent Merchant

Zombie thread alert...

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It's Halloween. 'Tis the season for the zombies to rise...

Sent from my Motorola ATRIX using Tapatalk 2.

I have worked with both the copper head and a timber ratler and they are not that bad for being venomous but i would not recommend it for a first time keeper.

In really curious how this went down. He Would be 17 now, I'm wondering if he ever did follow the wise advice? Or suffered a far worse outcome.
I'm poking at the zombie!!!

I am going to let the zombie chase me around the corner and say that I hope this kid didn't do anything dangerous or foolish... And that being said I think there is a possibility that he might have been able to find this information on another forum... And considering that his "mother" was so adamant in defending him I think that there is a distinct possibility that he just decided to forgo this forum and look elsewhere... Here's hoping that someone gave him the same advice...

well since this thread has risen and the scary grandmother looking thing is wandering around the graveyard, i may as well chime in. This is me blindly jabbering about me feeling on the whole age and reptile topic. Im going to start with no a 14 year old any teen like myself for that matter should have a copperhead. I think something like a vine snake or mild venom would be cool and acceptable. now lets move on to what irks me. As some or you know i am a teenager, and my biggest life lesson / thing to live by has been dont let people say that you cant do something....having 50 snakes and breeding IMPOSSIBLE many say, but i never thought that; when i look at a fellow keeper i feel that we are at the same level as far as herps go. BUT NO. Let me share a story of when i vended last year at o local expo 2 instances. One guy came over and said that he would never buy a 3000 dollar snake from a kid because we are stupid and impulsive. Another man ridiculed my mother or letting me own the animals and work for word said im a spoiled **** because my mom had to of purchased them for me because kids now days don't know hard work WTH. This may not be the same exact topic as owning hots but its saying what ive been told and what i hate "hey youre a kid, you are not reponsible and your animals will suffer because your an immature CHILD" okay rant thingy ma blab over:rage:

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Originally Posted by Ridinandreptiles

well since this thread has risen and the scary grandmother looking thing is wandering around the graveyard, i may as well chime in. This is me blindly jabbering about me feeling on the whole age and reptile topic. Im going to start with no a 14 year old any teen like myself for that matter should have a copperhead. I think something like a vine snake or mild venom would be cool and acceptable. now lets move on to what irks me. As some or you know i am a teenager, and my biggest life lesson / thing to live by has been dont let people say that you cant do something....having 50 snakes and breeding IMPOSSIBLE many say, but i never thought that; when i look at a fellow keeper i feel that we are at the same level as far as herps go. BUT NO. Let me share a story of when i vended last year at o local expo 2 instances. One guy came over and said that he would never buy a 3000 dollar snake from a kid because we are stupid and impulsive. Another man ridiculed my mother or letting me own the animals and work for word said im a spoiled **** because my mom had to of purchased them for me because kids now days don't know hard work WTH. This may not be the same exact topic as owning hots but its saying what ive been told and what i hate "hey youre a kid, you are not reponsible and your animals will suffer because your an immature CHILD" okay rant thingy ma blab over:rage:

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I read this thread top to bottom. From what I picked up was that it wasn't soo much about his age, it was his misunderstanding of the protocols that should be taken before owning hots. I'm all for Floridas stand on it, 1000hrs under a certified proffesional. It takes many many years for people to accomplish that, in that time they should have learned the delicate process in which to go about handling hots. I don't own hots, but one day I would love to have a yellow eyelash viper... One day. I would except the risks, but I would make sure I understood them first. I've spent many many years involved in extreme sports. I spent 6 days in critical care when I shattered my orbital bone.... I spent 2 months in a wheelchair when I shattered my tibia and fibula. I have broken more bones than I care to list.... But I knew what I was getting myself into, and I made sure I took every precaution I could. I spent thousands of dollars on the best protective gear I could get. Now that I have matured enough to look back at it all....... Damn what was I thinking...? Lol I'm only 23 and I have arthritis in both knees, knee surgery twice on my left knee. Every morning I wake up is a blessing and a curse. If I had known the prolonged consequences of my actions when I was younger, maybe I would have thought twice before hitting that triple 4th gear tapped while running on fumes.... Maybe I would of let someone else jump that gouge before I launched it....
Maybe the OP should think about the consequences of taking io such a large responsibility at such a young age. Maybe he should of looked into the necessary steps needed to safely own hots. I don't understand why he was asking about a cage for hots? There are plenty of locking cages on the market built specifically for hots. Sliding feed doors to drop the prey in without putting your hand inside. To me it seemed more like an attempt to gain attention. I believe he was looking for positive comments saying how cool it was that he wanted a rattlesnake. I believe his mom is also to blame here. Yes she believes that he was nature enough to take on the responsibility.... But what does she know about the involved responsibilities required. She said his life goal was to work with native hots... My life goal was to fly helicopters... Did my mother argue with expert pilots about how my video game flying skills were suitable training..?? Yes I know they are two totally different examples... But are they really that different? You have to be of a certain age to fly... Same with owning hots. Yes my parents could of bought a heli and license, and allowed me to fly under their license... But is it right, idk.... Now I kind of wish that happened, that would of kicked ass haha.
Ohh crap the zombies are here!!! Time to fly away in my heli ;)

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Originally Posted by BleedingOrange36

I read this thread top to bottom. From what I picked up was that it wasn't soo much about his age, it was his misunderstanding of the protocols that should be taken before owning hots. I'm all for Floridas stand on it, 1000hrs under a certified proffesional. It takes many many years for people to accomplish that, in that time they should have learned the delicate process in which to go about handling hots. I don't own hots, but one day I would love to have a yellow eyelash viper... One day. I would except the risks, but I would make sure I understood them first. I've spent many many years involved in extreme sports. I spent 6 days in critical care when I shattered my orbital bone.... I spent 2 months in a wheelchair when I shattered my tibia and fibula. I have broken more bones than I care to list.... But I knew what I was getting myself into, and I made sure I took every precaution I could. I spent thousands of dollars on the best protective gear I could get. Now that I have matured enough to look back at it all....... Damn what was I thinking...? Lol I'm only 23 and I have arthritis in both knees, knee surgery twice on my left knee. Every morning I wake up is a blessing and a curse. If I had known the prolonged consequences of my actions when I was younger, maybe I would have thought twice before hitting that triple 4th gear tapped while running on fumes.... Maybe I would of let someone else jump that gouge before I launched it....
Maybe the OP should think about the consequences of taking io such a large responsibility at such a young age. Maybe he should of looked into the necessary steps needed to safely own hots. I don't understand why he was asking about a cage for hots? There are plenty of locking cages on the market built specifically for hots. Sliding feed doors to drop the prey in without putting your hand inside. To me it seemed more like an attempt to gain attention. I believe he was looking for positive comments saying how cool it was that he wanted a rattlesnake. I believe his mom is also to blame here. Yes she believes that he was nature enough to take on the responsibility.... But what does she know about the involved responsibilities required. She said his life goal was to work with native hots... My life goal was to fly helicopters... Did my mother argue with expert pilots about how my video game flying skills were suitable training..?? Yes I know they are two totally different examples... But are they really that different? You have to be of a certain age to fly... Same with owning hots. Yes my parents could of bought a heli and license, and allowed me to fly under their license... But is it right, idk.... Now I kind of wish that happened, that would of kicked ass haha.
Ohh crap the zombies are here!!! Time to fly away in my heli ;)

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i have bolts in my back at 17, still racing :D thats why i mentioned my rant wasnt 100% about the thread thats what it reminded me of

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Originally Posted by Ridinandreptiles

i have bolts in my back at 17, still racing :D thats why i mentioned my rant wasnt 100% about the thread thats what it reminded me of

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Yea I still race from time to time.... When I have time lol. Before I moved into my apt I lived on 14 acres with 100,000's of areas behind that with some of the best riding around. My buddy 3 houses down had a professional built mx track. I've spent plenty of days out there ripping with J-Law. But now my bike sits in my buddies race shop, and I sit in my snake room lol.

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Originally Posted by crescend

Ok, so now the "Not great parent" as Bowser11788 put is going to add a little to the conversation. My son is young, he is only 14, but he is extremely passionate about these wonderful reptiles, and very impatient to grow up and be able to do what he dreams of which is becoming involved in the conservation efforts of venomous species in the US which don't seem to have much of a voice. He is interested in cage designs for "hots" because he plans to have them someday down the road. Not tomorrow as some of you seem to believe. I have taught him to plan, research, and learn all he can first hand before beginning any new project. In 7 years he has gone from owning 1 ball python to owning several species, breeding some, and spending as much time as possible taking these fantastic creatures out in public to give demonstrations, especially to younger kids, in an effort to make the next generation understand that these are not evil beings. Skiploader called him "a 14 year old with a bad case of the "know-it-alls" He is by no means a know-it-all, but occassionally comes across that way when he is once again treated like he doesn't know anything. He has been fighting for years to try to get people to take him seriously, and he had come to think that on this forum he would be. When he meets with obstacles he tends to go a bit overboard as only a teenager could, but most of that is due to the frustration he feels because of the struggles he goes through to just try to get advice from people he respects. As for hands on experience, he is constantly looking for new opportunities. He has become involved at the zoo in our area, and will be attending a rattlesnake symposium in April at the invitation of a researcher in our area. I am not a bad parent, and would never allow him to get into hots until I know he is ready (which will definitely be longer than he hopes!). But, please do not ignore his questions or requests just because of his age. I do believe he will be deep into hots at some point, and I'd like to know that he got "good" advice from those of you that are "in-the-know"
He will not be replying to this post again.

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Right on mom. As I was scrolling down I was getting more and more angry at each new condescending post. This is a DIY forum and hens here for legitimate help and everyone wants to talk down to and berate this poor guy. Everyone talks about needing to learn and get more experience but last time I checked that was what this forum is for. At least he didn't just say screw it and jump in without any advise at all. I still have 2+ pages to scroll through. I really hope this improved or you all suck! :p

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using Tapatalk 2

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Originally Posted by Gene Collins

Right on mom. As I was scrolling down I was getting more and more angry at each new condescending post. This is a DIY forum and hens here for legitimate help and everyone wants to talk down to and berate this poor guy. Everyone talks about needing to learn and get more experience but last time I checked that was what this forum is for. At least he didn't just say screw it and jump in without any advise at all. I still have 2+ pages to scroll through. I really hope this improved or you all suck! :p

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using Tapatalk 2

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I don't think you fully understand the scope of the situation that was in this thread. This kid says that he is prepared to handle Hots because he can use a snake hook with corn snakes and carpet pythons (neither of which is anything like a hot). Everyone in this thread was trying to help this kid, literally to keep him from killing himself. It takes years of training with an experienced mentor to truly be prepared. Simply knowing how to use a snake hook and what hospitals can treat snake bites isn't enough when you are talking about dealing with an animal that can kill you. It would be completely irresponsible to give someone like that the information to house such an animal. As was stated he needs to learn how to deal with the animals first, then worry about caging. The problem was that he didn't want to hear that. It's not like the worst case is he needs to put a bandaid on a bite... it really could kill him.

Had he simply understood that he was trying to run before he could walk and listened to experienced members who know what they are talking about, the tone of this thread would have been much different.