I'm currently going through 1000hrs of training with licensed venomous keepers to get my permit to keep them privately. To be honest, even if the law didn't require it, I would still go through a bare minimum of 1 year of mentored training with HOT's. I thought I was going to be a smart little [person] and know everything when I went into it, and I learned 5x the info I thought I knew before I even got to handle one snake. It's better to go the smartest, safest route when it comes to working with venomous snakes and large constrictor's. I know first hand because I have worked with large constrictors for 7 years and venomous for the last year or so and I can tell you neither are to be underestimated. So my word of advice along with many others is to change your attitude a bit and definitely search around your area for someone who has lot's of experience with HOT's that is willing to mentor you for a year or so, and bud... have a very safe and smart journey into the world of venomous snakes.
Reply With Quote