To keep or not to keep, that is... a question

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Originally Posted by OhBalls

Venomous snakes are illegal to keep in Massachusetts

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That makes me wonder, not just this OP but how many other people are breaking the laws. I mean I break laws all the time, Jay walking being the biggest.

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Originally Posted by Patrick Long

That makes me wonder, not just this OP but how many other people are breaking the laws. I mean I break laws all the time, Jay walking being the biggest.

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Many people don't know what the law states. I kept sugar gliders for years and didn't know they were prohibited until I lived in Connecticut. Now that I am back in Mass, I re-homed them.

I KNEW you were a Jay walker...it's those beady eyes!! :P :D

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Keeping a venomous animal is more then a "should I" situation.

There are many many factors involved here.

Is it legal? Are you ready? Are there others within the home that if something was to happen could be injured or will need to assist you?

I have a feeling that your answers to these few questions will be wrong. Coming to a forum and asking should I is another big clue at the real answer to your question. I am in no way trying to bash at you here, I am a retired venomous keeper and I have helped another on this very forum get where he needed to be to keep HOTs.

There is just so much wrong with someone keeping a venomous animal just because they "can". It affects the entire keeping community when something happens.

There is a saying in the HOT community "Not a matter of if you get bit, its a matter of when". That saying is there for a very real reason. One bite from a "not very HOT" snake can cost you and your family in the range of $10,000 in medical bills.

I am not gonna say you should or shouldnt. That is a decision you will have to make. However I think you answered your own question when you posted this.

One other thing that really bothered me on this post.....I have my share of typos here and there, but spelling venomous wrong every time.....hmmm

I agree with jkobylka completely.

And as a side note: If you free handle hot snakes, you're begging for a severe hospital visit or worse...

Oh no no no no, i would NEVER free handle her. To me that is really stupid and irresponsible.
Yes, sorry for the typos, i was writing this at work and got kinnda sidetracked and didn't check my spell checker. I donno what's worse: having it or not learning from it. And yes, i know kinnda and donno or not words :D
Anywho, thank you all for your opinions! I have actually found a way to rehome it and keep it... sorrta.
I am going to learn under an experienced keeper and he will allow me to keep it at his facility in CT. That said, he is licensed to keep hots. So i will be able to learn on my own snake. I think it's a good compromise and i am grateful for the opportunity. I was actually very worried about keeping it because i have other people and animals in my own home. I don't want to put anyone at risk for a stupid mistake i make, even if it is a 'semi-hot' snake.
I highly doubt i am allergic to its venom (although like it was said, you never know until you almost die.) i have no allergies to anything, not even poison oak or ivy or peanuts, lol.
Anyway, i did not want to put anyone in my neighborhood or home in danger because of a stupid mistake that could have been avoided.
Oh, p.s. i didn't realize HOTs were illegal to keep in MA, i picked this girl up in PA this past weekend.

I am glad you found a spot to house it at. I see you picked it up in another state so you broke two laws getting this animal, one for having it and another for bringing it across state lines without the permits.

And so you know, Pygmy rattlesnakes are not semi-hot....they are very hot for their size. There are just not as many cases documented on bites do to their behavior and habitat. They do get to a decent size as well....not like the bigger buzztails but still respectable.

I think you made a wise decision in re-homing it and I respect you for it. Learning from someone with experience is the very best way to introduce yourself into the venomous world and gain some much needed respect for these awesome wonders of the snake world.

Carry on and happy herping!

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Originally Posted by Patrick Long

That makes me wonder, not just this OP but how many other people are breaking the laws. I mean I break laws all the time, Jay walking being the biggest.

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In MA we can't even keep GTPs - it's ridiculous. (but burms are ok? wtf?)

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Originally Posted by Morphie

In MA we can't even keep GTPs - it's ridiculous. (but burms are ok? wtf?)

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I know, I really really want a GTP too :(

here's what you should do. find a hot keeper in your area. tell him/her what you just received and tell him you would like him to keep hold of it and apprentice with him so you can get more experience with hots. once he/she thinks you have the hang of it, then take it home. this way you learn and get to keep the snake.