first venomous snake - experts Forum at VenomousReptiles.org

first venomous snake	Reply
by 7dostie on June 10, 2002	Mail this to a friend!
Hey everyone, I am currently interested in getting a venomous snake. I was thinking a copperhead or a massasauga would be good for starters, but these snakes are native to Iowa and Iowa has a law saying you can't keep native snakes except the timber rattlesnakes, so I can't keep these snakes legally. Do you have any suggestions for a good first venomous snake that are not native to Iowa(massasauga, copperhead, praire rattlesnake)? I know a pigmy rattlesnake would make a pretty good first venomous, but I heard these snakes are picky eaters. Any other good starters? Thanks everyone for helping me out. Doug Stienstra

RE: first venomous snake	Reply
by cottonmouth on June 11, 2002	Mail this to a friend!
Hey doug, Pigmys are great eaters and love fuzzy mice.That would be my first choice, then move on to the MAMBAS JQ

RE: first venomous snake	Reply
by Naja_oxiana on June 11, 2002	Mail this to a friend!
Is this the same Doug Steinstra who posted here and at K.com a couple months ago? (I believe that the title of the post was, "I need help"...) Are you the 14-year old who I advised to spend a lot more time learnign the natural histories of snakes in general and venomous snakes in particular? I cannot in good conciense stray from my earlier advice. Learn as much as you can. Your age will make many keepers shy away from you. Keep something like a Masticophis ssp. I see you on the forums asking questions. This is good. As to a first venomous snake, I think that you should spend some catch and release time in the field. Observe the way these snakes act in their natural habitat. Cheers Roger

Don't worry...	Reply
by 7dostie on June 11, 2002	Mail this to a friend!
I wasn't planning on getting a venomous any time soon. I was just trying to figure out what snake would be a good beginners one so that I can start doing lots of research on this snake. I realize that I need more experience with aggresive snakes first before I get into hot herps. I'll continue doing all the research I can though. Thanks for the help. Doug Stienstra

RE : First venomous snake	Reply
by Langaha on June 12, 2002	Mail this to a friend!
I agree with Roger. It is important to gain an overall respect for the natural history and biology of snakes, before really making a commitment to keeping them. Reading as many books and field guides as possible, and catching and releasing them in the field is great to gain experience. It is good you are interested though, and that you intend on studying. I also agree, that when you finally do make that commitment, that a pygmy rattler is a good first choice. I'm not sure if you have any non-venomous already, but if not, it may be a good idea, just so you can kind of get the hang of it. Safety is the key thing, and just remember, dead is dead, whether it takes 12 hours or 12 minutes. I treat all venomous snakes, no matter their potency, as if they are deadly, because who wants to lose a finger? Good luck and Good herp hunting-----Anthony

RE: first venomous snake	Reply
by eyelashvp9 on June 12, 2002	Mail this to a friend!
I would recommend an eyelash viper as a first venomous they have low aggression compared to other species. They do require a tropical setup with climbing branches leaves and humidity. Eyelash need to be kept at 80 degrees during winter months at all times. Some keepers of eyelash use real plants in there enclosures. Take a look at the La Vibora web site on venomous.com

RE: RE : First venomous snake	Reply
by 7dostie on June 12, 2002	Mail this to a friend!
I've been keeping nonvenomous snakes for five years now. I have 3 cornsnakes and 3 aggressive rosy boas that bite at everything that comes there way. I practice using my hook on them and have never been bitten yet. I realize these are a lot tamer than venomous snakes though. Doug Stienstra

RE: RE : First venomous snake	Reply
by VICEVERSA on June 13, 2002	Mail this to a friend!
I think it is good to start off with an aggressive non-venomous snake. It will allow you to refine your safety proceedures. The good thing is if you get bit you won't cost your parents $15,000+ and you can still give your friends hi-fives- not fours or threes. The best advise I can give is don't EVER let your guard down !!EVER!! and never bring any part of your body within the total length of your snake no matter how docile you THINK it is. Comfortability breeds complacency. In my opinion there is absolutely NO reason to get bit by a hot snake in captivity- but thats just me.<>< Thanks for my 15 seconds. Paul in LA.

RE: RE : First venomous snake	Reply
by casabela28 on June 14, 2002	Mail this to a friend!
Hi Doug , I agree with Roger also. I've been into herps sinse I was between 8 and 10 years old. Now I'm 30. As I did I alway was out there reading ,learning ,studying, and of course handling. Till this day I still do the same ,but now I have an 3' Eastern diamondback rattler (Crotalus adamanteus). Go herping and just watch a hot from a distance and be very careful not to get into striking range.It's very important to learn their behavior. My EDB is very calm and slow acting ,but when I go to hook him or even bother him he is very quick to defend hisself. So becareful, besmart,and most of all be safe.I just got news about an 7 year old child got bit 3 times by a rattler . They got to the hospital and the child received 40 ampules of antivenom and still did not make it. I sure you don't that to be you.Well I hope this helps you out .Good luck ,good herping . P.S. Pigmys make very good beginner hot ,that what my first was . Andy

RE: RE : First venomous snake	Reply
by Rabies on June 16, 2002	Mail this to a friend!
Hi Andy,do you have any more details on the bite you've just mentioned.Thanks John

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