|
1-2 of 2 messages
|
Page 1 of 1
|
|
Getting Started/Atheris Squamigera
|
Reply
|
|
by Jace8888 on February 26, 2020
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Not going to act as if I’m fully prepared and have little need to learn anything else, otherwise, I wouldn’t be posting. As I actually am hoping to get some advice on when I should start with this long term interest of mine, and how to get to my goal snake. Am well aware that this could be a process and am willing to take the time to get things done correctly. No need to jump into the hobby without any prior knowledge, get bitten, and even possibly contribute to detriment of this privilege or hobby… My main snake keeping experience comes from some backyard herping, though I have traveled a bit to find certain species. Even if unnecessary and by no means a complete lifesaver I tend to go a little heavier with the snake gloves, boots, and pants. At the very least from my experience, such gear can AT LEAST minimize the damage of a tag. I am still working and improving my skill with both hooks and tongs, though I could use some advice/guidance on that.
In my area, I’ve truly seemed to ask around (In the right places) but it seems unlikely that I’ll be able to find one. In the case that I wouldn’t be able to find a mentor would it actually be better off to wait a few years, or are there other ways to responsibly “get started” so to say? I’ve done my research and if the proper precautions are taken it seems some have started out themselves. Though after quite a few years the Atheris Squamigera has always caught my eye, by of course appearances, but also of many of their attributes and behaviors. Have set up similar terrariums and believe that with a few tips or hints could get the care down. Also, I am aware smaller snakes can be a worse start than larger ones. Is there perhaps a species with similar behaviors on a hook and such that would be a better start, end goal of a squamy in mind? Although there aren’t any “beginner hots” as I’m well aware some species seem to be better choices than others.
|
| |
|
RE: Getting Started/Atheris Squamigera
|
Reply
|
|
by agkistrodude on August 11, 2020
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
Getting experience with hooks is the most important because that is the tool you will undoubtedly use the most. There are many non venomous snakes that can give you good practice. NOTE: I'm not saying any non venomous snake will prepare you for venomous. I'm saying they can get you used to or accustomed to using hooks instead of your hands. Especially with fast moving snakes. Personally, I've never been a fan of gloves, as none of them are fang proof, and they severely limit your mobility and are way too cumbersome for me. Better to just keep your hands out of strike range IMO. As far as mentoring, it's nice, if you can find one, but most people don't have that luxury. Back when I started keeping hots, (1976) I didn't even realize other people kept them outside of zoos. You'll get 999 different answers from 1000 different keepers on a 1st hot snake. Many say get what you're interested in. I tend to lean towards getting something local to start, or at least from the US, where the local ER will have antivenom available and not have to worry about treating something exotic. Good luck and it sucks that it took so long to get an answer for you. But since the arrival of Facebook, this website has seen less and less activity every year. In years past, it was the #1 venomous website out there. Look through the old posts from past years, there is tons of good info in there. Good luck, Marty
|
| |
|
Email Subscription
You are not subscribed to this topic.
Subscribe!
My Subscriptions
Subscriptions Help
Check our help page for help using
, or send questions, comments, or suggestions to the
Manager.
|
