Resources/Advice for Vipers

[Yamitaifu]

It appears that you just got your first snake a month ago, so do you really think that you're ready to get a hot? One should have years of experience with nonvenomous, and then seek training with a mentor to learn how to safely and properly work with hots. This is not something to jump into.

While I haven't worked with any of those species mentioned, I have experience with T. venustus, T. albolabris, and B. schlegelii. Although a bite from them is unlikely to be fatal, brain hemorrhaging and renal failure are possible (leading to death). It's also very easy to underestimate the strike distance of arboreal pit vipers.

The Thai red cross is also experiencing a shortage of polyvalent, so if a zoo has to give up their stock because of some negligent private keeper, they are unable to replace it. Monovalents are still possible to get, but they'd have to get enough of each for all the species that would've been covered under the poly. If you really want to get an exotic venomous snake (or even a native really), get your own antivenom. Yes, it is a long process and involves a lot of paperwork, but it is just as much of your responsibility as a private keeper as having a thermostat. Why should I or my coworkers be put in danger because someone else wasn't prepared?

I am not against the private keeping of hots by any means; however, it needs to be done properly. Too many people get them because it's cool or because they see all of those stupid YouTubers in Florida playing with their snakes. Please, take your time, learn everything you can about working with nonvenomous snakes and then find a mentor. It may not be easy, but if this is something you truly want to do, then it's worth doing right.



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