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RE: should I get a cobra?
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by timberrattlesnake89 on October 22, 2004
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I am 14 too. Have you even worked with a venomous snake? I would not even think about a cobra yet, but I do think I am ready for a copperhead or moccasin. But defiantly not a cobra. Have ever worked with a racer? Those things are the closest you will get to a cobra. I would say work with that for about 1-2 years without getting bit. Then you are ready. I personally keep some of the most aggresive non-venomous snakes. I saw you web site and the snakes you had on there was nothing even close to as aggressive a cobra can be. I am going to start with something less dangerous like a copperhead. I have worked with a lot of venomous snakes in the field so I think I ready. Right now I am trying to set up a hot room in my basement. Also do you have the money to pay for a bite? I really doubt it. Do you have antivenom? I will wait until I am about 18 or 19. Before even trying to work with a cobra. Please don't get one and I you do then you are a complete moron who doesn't know crap. I would also when you are a little older try to definatly find someone that has experience with snakes of that nature and learn from him.
Phillip
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RE: should I get a cobra?
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by tj on October 22, 2004
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The scary thing about this post isn't the fact that a 14 year old wants a cobra, it's the fact that there is some grubby hot dealer out there that will sell or ship one to him, without question.
Case in point....about 3 years ago an internet dealer sold a russell's viper to a non-licensed 17 year old in NY state. The mom apparently wasn't too impressed.
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RE: should I get a cobra?
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by spankey on October 22, 2004
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hey phill, your kind of a jerk. of course I've worked with hots. yeah I've worked with racers, haven't got bit.
the reason I wanted a cobra instead of a copper or rattlesnake is because they don't strike near as fast. and if I get a copperhead and I get bit I could lose a finger or maybe even a hand, nobody ever seems to remember that when they are telling people to get a copperhead.
as for the snake getting into bed with me...my snake room is in the barn so theres no way it could get in the house or even out of the room.
buzztail made the most since with the part about "my parents indangering a miner".
alright so you made your point. I won't get a cobra for a while. what about a false water cobra?
Jason
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RE: should I get a cobra?
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by psilocybe on October 22, 2004
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Well...I'm basically gonna say the samething as everyone else: NO MATTER WHAT YOU THINK, YOU AREN'T READY FOR A COBRA YET! If you are 14, you are way too young for an animal like that...there are some 14 year olds who keep things like coppers, but that is under parental supervision and usually the parents have some practical experience with the animals as well...does your mom or dad know how to safely handle a cobra? I'm guessing not. If you get bitten, do you know where to find a source of A/V? You should have a minimum of 10 vials of the appropriate AV in your fridge BEFORE you even purchase the animal. At least that's my opinion. Do you or your parents know the IMMEDIATE (before the ambulance or medical personel arrive) first aid procedures to take if you were to get bitten? Are your parents ready to face prosecution should you get bitten and/or die? You may want to think about all these things before you even THINK about getting an animal that serious...wait till you're 18 an legally responsible for yourself and your actions, and try and get some practical, hands-on (not literally!) experience with a responsible keeper if possible before you get anything like a cobra.
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RE: should I get a cobra?
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by spankey on October 22, 2004
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dude I just said I wasn't gonna get one.....the porblem with getting experience from a profetinal is that THERE ARN"T ANY AROuND HERE. yeah my parents don't know much about herps, and there not to wild about the idea either so I probably wouldn't be able to get one anyway.
but back to the false water cobra...thats more likly what I'll be getting. how large of an enclosure do I need for an adult?
Jason
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RE: should I get a cobra?
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by psilocybe on October 22, 2004
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Before I say anymore, I just want to say I'm not trying to be mean or anything...just trying to help. Please don't take anything i say or have said the wrong way.
"the reason I wanted a cobra instead of a copper or rattlesnake is because they don't strike near as fast. and if I get a copperhead and I get bit I could lose a finger or maybe even a hand, nobody ever seems to remember that when they are telling people to get a copperhead"
First off, you are half right...strike wise, most elapids pale in comparison to the speed and accuracy of a viperid. However...cobras and other elapids can and will advance very quickly on you. Stand 3 feet away from a 3 foot rattlesnake or copperhead and you are pretty safe. As long as you don't move on it, it will most likely stay in one place, maybe occasionally rattling to let you know not to come any closer. A cobra will not offer you this courtesy. They are very quick snakes, and while their strike isn't as fast as a vipers, it is still very fast. Faster than you. Couple that with nasty tempers and the habit of chasing you, and you have a very dangerous animal on your hands. Losing your finger is one thing...losing your life is another. A copperhead wins everytime against any elapid as best starter hot.
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RE: should I get a cobra?
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by psilocybe on October 22, 2004
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>>>>>dude I just said I wasn't gonna get one.....the porblem with getting experience from a profetinal is that THERE ARN"T ANY AROuND HERE. yeah my parents don't know much about herps, and there not to wild about the idea either so I probably wouldn't be able to get one anyway.
but back to the false water cobra...thats more likly what I'll be getting. how large of an enclosure do I need for an adult?
>>>>>>>
Woah buddy, I posted that response before I even knew there was a second page (only realized it when I didn't see my post on the first) so don't blow an artery!
FWC's can get moderately large (8 ft) and are terrestrial...so a 55 gallon aquarium or one a little wider but not as tall should do fine. FWC's are venomous, but usually docile (unless it's feeding time) and the venom is generally mild. Unpleasant reactions still can happen. A bite should still be avoided at all costs, especially since you should consider this snake as a hot if you plan on keeping hots in the future.
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RE: should I get a cobra?
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by Phobos on October 22, 2004
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Jason:
Phillip has been around here for a while and is NOT a jerk. He asked all the right question and made correct logical statements.
Very bad local tissue damage is is possible with some Cobra bites. I personally know someone who lost their index finger and part of the hand from cobra bite, so don't think you will escape with only neurotoxic effects if bitten.
FWC can inflict a very severe bite but generally not fatal. An old paper exsists acording to Greg Longhurst that say it's venom is as nasty as a C. atrox it just can't deliver it efficiently.
Been doing some poking around..you were looking for Boomslangs in 2003 and other snakes along the way. Plus you have a artificial heart valve, not a good idea to get any snakebites with a heart condition. Just makes treatment all the more tricky.
Al
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RE: should I get a cobra?
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by Buzztail1 on October 22, 2004
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Everybody should just take a breath.
Jason came and asked for opinions and certainly got quite a few.
Now everyone is getting defensive and that is certainly not necessary.
Some very good points have been made in this thread that some long term keepers tend to gloss right over and miss entirely.
I can't count how many times I have heard about how Copperheads probably won't kill you. Or that if you get antivenin quickly, you won't die. All of that is true for what it is worth. What it doesn't tell you is about the excrutiating pain of a venomous bite. The unmacho tears streaming down your face as fire and unbelievable pain works its way through your body as the venom starts to digest you. The tens of thousands of dollars of medical bills that can bankrupt you before you ever even get back to a real job. The rest of your life living without a finger/hand/foot/leg/arm/etc because "Hey, a Copperhead bite won't kill you so you should start with them." You know what? Look into the clinical effects of cobra bites or any other venomous animal and then look at the long term survival aftereffects of their bites. Antivenin doesn't cure the bite. It stops the digestion of your body. Then you can start to try to deal with the damage that was done.
There is no "Get out of Jail Free" card in this hobby!
Dead lasts a really long time!
So does maimed, crippled, and disfigured!
Be careful!
Don't be in a rush to be on the other end of a metal rod from death no matter how pretty it is.
It can be a very sobering moment when that snake acts in a manner no-one ever told you about and there is no-one in the room but you. If all you get out that experience is the need to go change your pants, consider yourself lucky. I did.
Karl H. Betz
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