Newest venomous addition

[SilentHill]

she is sooooooo cute.

[Bogertophis]

she is sooooooo cute.

All snakes are "cute"...but it's much easier to love (& care for) the ones you can safely handle. And for any health issues, it's FAR easier to help the snake, also to get
medical issues taken care of that you cannot handle yourself. Don't miss what's special about the harmless snakes right in front of you to go in search of some mystique
about hots...

[Alter-Echo]

All snakes are "cute"...but it's much easier to love (& care for) the ones you can safely handle. And for any health issues, it's FAR easier to help the snake, also to get
medical issues taken care of that you cannot handle yourself. Don't miss what's special about the harmless snakes right in front of you to go in search of some mystique
about hots...

Are..... you trying to run "damage control" on the thread and keep people away from hots? You do realize everyone that shows interest isn't necessarily gonna go out and get one, right?

Having said that, and having owned a few hots when I was younger, other than the mystique factor, they aren't all that different from non venomous behavior wise... many of the species have counterparts that behave similarly. Indigoes and cobras, gaboons and blood pythons.. behaviors between these snakes are not all that different.

Still though, I think venomous species have their place in the hands of responsible keepers who know and accept the risks involved.

[Bogertophis]

Are..... you trying to run "damage control" on the thread and keep people away from hots? You do realize everyone that shows interest isn't necessarily gonna go out and get one, right?

Having said that, and having owned a few hots when I was younger, other than the mystique factor, they aren't all that different from non venomous behavior wise... many of the species have counterparts that behave similarly. Indigoes and cobras, gaboons and blood pythons.. behaviors between these snakes are not all that different.

Still though, I think venomous species have their place in the hands of responsible keepers who know and accept the risks involved.

I kept them (mostly rattlesnakes) for 20 years (safely!). Just adding "balance"...hots need love too but on a forum like this, it's easy for a few to make them into
some sort of fantasy pet in their mind & forget the downsides, like finding a vet to help your "pet" when it's injured or sick. Snakes of all kinds are pretty addicting- I'm
just keepin' it "real".

[Alter-Echo]

I kept them (mostly rattlesnakes) for 20 years (safely!). Just adding "balance"...hots need love too but on a forum like this, it's easy for a few to make them into
some sort of fantasy pet in their mind & forget the downsides, like finding a vet to help your "pet" when it's injured or sick. Snakes of all kinds are pretty addicting- I'm
just keepin' it "real".

True.... I forget there are people who go out and do this without thinking some times... so many idiots with more money than sense... though I doubt one could talk sense into those kinda people anyway.

It's illegal in my state to own venomous animals without a licence and they are only given out to scientists and wildlife educators, so I can't own them legally for hobby purposes anyway, so for me, they will always be a fantasy pet unless I move again. (Also jealous of retic and burm keepers in states where they are legal.)

[Neal]

Well I appreciate all the love she's getting. She's been hiding most of the day when I checked on her.

Venomous animals can be great, just it's a serious commitment that should be well thought prior to getting in, you have pros and cons of anything you keep. When you keep venomous, you're then regulated by a federal agency which also opens up your home to them whenever they want. It can be a very rewarding hobby though in itself.

[Bogertophis]

It's really nice to "see" you around here again, Neal...it's been a long time -unless you've been lurking & I haven't noticed? I hope you keep us updated & "don't
be a stranger" here.

[Neal]

It's really nice to "see" you around here again, Neal...it's been a long time -unless you've been lurking & I haven't noticed? I hope you keep us updated & "don't
be a stranger" here.

I come on every once in awhile, I do check the forums here and there, but now that work has situated I'm going to be more active.

[MarkL1561]

Well I appreciate all the love she's getting. She's been hiding most of the day when I checked on her.

Venomous animals can be great, just it's a serious commitment that should be well thought prior to getting in, you have pros and cons of anything you keep. When you keep venomous, you're then regulated by a federal agency which also opens up your home to them whenever they want. It can be a very rewarding hobby though in itself.

Yeah not worth it imo Personally I don’t think normal citizens should be able to keep venomous animals in their residence. It’s dangerous for the keeper and anyone else in the house. There’s no way to ensure that whoever purchases these animals take the necessary precautions and others including children could potentially be at risk. Also, it requires nearby hospitals to carry anti venom that they normally wouldn’t. I’m sure this would jack up your insurance as well. There’s also the risk of the animal getting out and even potentially becoming invasive in certain areas. Imagine having a situation like the berms but with a venomous species. I really think they should only be housed in professional settings like zoos. If you really want to work with venomous species then go through the required steps to become a herpetologist. So far I haven’t heard a single argument that logically validates owning these animals. Leave these guys to professionals. I’m certain I’ll receive hate for this but come on... if you just sit back and think about it it’s not worth the risk.
What if the snake escaped and killed your dog or even your child? I’m guessing people might regret their purchase then. Stick to harmless species, this hobby doesn’t need anymore bad press.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Dianne]

I’m sure this would jack up your insurance as well.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

From the insurance perspective, it is more likely to get your policy cancelled than the rate increased if you haven’t disclosed your pets up front. Most homeowners or renters policies either completely exclude animal liability (any animal), or provide very limited liabilty coverage geared towards domesticated pets (but excluding vicious breeds, live stock, and exotic pets). There are probably specialized companies where you could purchase coverage, or possibly add on coverage you could purchase, but nothing I know of that is automatically inclusive for exotics.