Venomous

[BiggBaddWolf]

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

[Bleepr]

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.

[wilomn]

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.

[BPelizabeth]

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.

[bsash]

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.