VenomousReptiles.org Survey

Survey Question	Current Survey Question Should hobbyists ever free handle venomous reptiles with their hands? Recent Surveys Most venomous/toxic Naja species in the world? I have read that the Philippine cobra is the most venomous (mice, 0.2 mg/kg SC with the lowest reported value being 0.14 mg/kg SC) (Brown, 1973). I have recently, come across something in the Indian Journal of Experimental Biology (Vol. 30, (issue 12), pages: 1158-1162, 1992) which stated that the LD50 for Naja oxiana was the most toxic/venomous (mice, 0.18 mg/kg SC and lowest reported value was 0.10 mg/kg). Along with that, the mortality rate for untreated Naja oxiana bites are the highest among all Naja species (70-80%). N.oxiana also produced the lowest known lethal dose (LCLo) of 0.005 mg/kg, the lowest among all cobra species ever recorded, derived from an individual case of poisoning by intracerebroventricular injection. Following N. oxiana and N. philippinensis are N. melanoleuca at 0.225 mg/kg SC and then N. samarensis at 0.23 mg/kg. The water cobras (N. annulata and N. christyi also have very toxic venoms, but no SC values are listed. Only intraperitoneal (IP) values of 0.143 mg/kg for N. annulata and 0.12 mg/kg for N. christyi. IP values tend to be generally lower (more toxic than subcutaneous values, so it would be unfair to compare their IP results to the subcutaneous (SC) results of other Naja species. Then I have heard that (without solid evidence) that Naja nivea is the most venomous, although their murine SC LD50 range anywhere from 0.4 mg/kg (Toxicon, Vol. 5, issue 1, page 47, 1967) to 0.72 mg/kg (Australian venoms and toxins Databse). So which is the most venomous? To me it seems obvious that it is the Caspian or Oxus cobra (Naja oxiana), followed by the Philippine cobra (Naja philippinensis). What do you think or know? I've noticed that the Australian venom and toxin Database seems to have higher LD50 values for all snakes across the board. For example, for the black mamba IP value of 0.01 mg/kg is listed (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/004101018890219X) and Ernst and Zug et al 1996, list a SC value of 0.05 mg/kg for the black mamba. While the Australian venom and toxin Database listed much less toxic LD50's. So there seems to be a lot of variation. 2014-01-23 What's Your Favorite Venomous Snake? 2013-11-13 Deadliest Bite? 2013-09-16 IF the science of self-immunization for a snake envenomation was proven/perfected what is the least benefit(percentage) you would accept before practicing it on yourself? 2013-06-06 how did you learn to keep venomous reptiles? 2013-03-02 View All Survey Questions Have a good idea for a VenomousReptiles.org Survey question? Enter your idea!
From your personal experience, which species do you recommend to newby venomous keepers as "first hot"? Please comment on your reasons.   Posted: Sep 27, 2004   (257 votes, 45 comments) by Nightflight99   Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix)   Pigmy Rattlesnake (Sistrurus sps.)   White-lipped Tree Viper (Trimeresurus albolabris)   Eyelash Viper (Bothriechis schlegelii)   Coral Cobra (Aspidelaps lubricus)   Other (Please specify)   I do not have the necessary experience to make a recommendation     (257 votes, 45 comments)
Survey Results
Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) 53% (137) Pigmy Rattlesnake (Sistrurus sps.) 11% (29) White-lipped Tree Viper (Trimeresurus albolabris) 2% (5) Eyelash Viper (Bothriechis schlegelii) 4% (11) Coral Cobra (Aspidelaps lubricus) 1% (3) Other (Please specify) 11% (29) I do not have the necessary experience to make a recommendation 17% (43)
Survey Comments
My first was a WDB still have him. teaches respect temperance and distance. mean as heck he will chase you down if you let him Posted by Sithis on January 3, 2011 First Hot I currently have a Canebrake Rattlesnake, a Cottonmouth, and four Copperheads. I just caught my fourth Copperhead two days ago. I used tongs to pick him up and put him into a snakebag. Very easy to handle. Hardly any movement at all. The others I've worked with on hooks seemed pretty calm but the Canebrake and Cottonmouth were the same way. My opinion is that if you are going to get a venomous snake, get a captive born baby. As it grows, you will learn to handle it at different sizes. I like snake tongs because they allow more control. I am always careful never to squeeze too hard. I am also going to get a shipment of three Coral Cobras and some Rattlesnakes from the Southwestern United States from my dad's friend who is getting out of herps. I can't wait for them! Posted by drewman19020 on March 26, 2008 First Hot serious experience necesarry I am thinking of gettin my first hot later this year i have been around reptiles for over 7years now and have handled various SERIOUSLY ill tempered reptiles before and have had some experience wif venomous already and have learnt alot i also worked with them for over 2 years and reptiles can b unpredicatable all they need is a scent of something edible and theyl have ya so in my opinion never drop your gaurd even for a minuite, hots require alot of experience dnt mess with them and dnt keep them just so you can say u av a hot to all ur friends, u may end up reggretting it. so many people underestimate hots and think after keeping a corn snake for 4 months ther the next ultimate herpetologist and want a black mamba Posted by NathanWild on June 7, 2007 First hot. i think that the best first hot snake would be any large Arboreal snake with a very mean temper or a coach whip Posted by davidmcclay on February 14, 2005 ok ILL LEAVE THIS ONE FOR THE EXPERTS!!!IM JUST A CITY GIRL WHO LOVES SNAKES HEE HEE:) TA TA ALL!!!! Posted by sweet_becca on January 21, 2005 My First Snake by Dr. Seuss lol. A first venomous snake? The Yellow faced Whip snake I'd say. It's quiet,retiring and avoids biting and even then its quite mild. They're found in Australia. I guess you have to live here to own one. It does depend what attitude you have towards them. Is it a step in the right direction for you? Are you already sure of safety issues and needs of the snake? Are you prepared to handle it if necessary? Some people shouldn't keep vens. That's a fact. lol Em Posted by Snakespeare on January 20, 2005 Other... I choose other. That said I mean someone else's snake. That is the best advice I can give. If you are considering getting into hots with first having plenty of prior work with non-venomous;I suggest finding a mentor in the hobby who can teach you the skills needed. Hopefully after working with their snakes on the ins and outs of captive care they could sell you one of their specimens that you felt comfortable with and that would be your first hot---- A snake you already are familiar with and confident to work with. Just my .02, Todd Posted by RepFan on January 8, 2005 Other... Beeing an Aspidelaps keerer myself (who started out with a rattlesnake as a "first" )I would suggest Vipera species, small not-that-highly-venomous.. and with a very short fuse. These little creatures will keep you on your toes when working with them, and if you start out with a baby one can get into more formidable hots step by step (and in my opinion, there is such thing as a "first hot" yes, everyone reacts different to different snakes, but, unless you foob up you don't know how you're gonna react....: DON'T foob up... Posted by Snakeskin on January 2, 2005 NO SUCH THING AS A FIRST HOT THERE IS NOT SUCH THING A AS A FIRST HOT YOUR READY OR NOT PLANE AND SIMPLE AND AS FAR AS VENOM GOES EVERYONE HAS A DIFFERNT REACTION TO IT SO DONT EVER GO BY THAT EACH SNAKE IS DIFFERNT JUST BECAUSE YOU GET A COPPER HEAD OR SOMETHING WITH A WEAK VENOM DOES NOT MEAN YOUR NOW READY FOR A COBRA OR RATTLESNAKE SO WHAT EVER YOU DICIDE TO DO MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY IN EVERY WAY Posted by DRAGONHERPS on December 10, 2004 Debatable There are so many things to think about when choosing a hot. Think about the others living in or near and any children in and out of your residence, you might be willing to take the risks but think of others and no matter how well you plan remember Murphy's Law. Next think about the animal (how bad do you want to live in a plastic box. Now still want a hot think about your location. I am in north central Arkansas and Copperheads are plentiful. Not saying that any bite is enjoyable but it could be said that Copperhead envemomation is somewhat mild and there are frequent dry bites. I have also handled these in the wild frequently and they are not out to atach you. The big kicker here is since these are native snakes the medical facilities here actually have the experience and capapbilties of dealing with this bite. These are just a few of the things you need to think about before taking in such a responsibilty. Posted by hollywood1606 on November 15, 2004 corals?? I've never kept hots but I really like coral cobras. does anyone know how neuro or hemo toxic they are. the damage they could do, life threat ect.? Jason Posted by spankey on October 23, 2004 I would recommend a copperhead, because when I was bitten by mine (:P) I merely swell to the rist, and was better in a few days. they are pretty complacent, my old one I was able to pick up about the mid-riff and carry him about, but I was told that was alittle bit rare. Otherwise, if you can get your hands on it, I guess a sea crate, seeing as how they baisically never bite. Posted by supremebean on October 22, 2004 A First Hot Yes i Just Purchased a Dusky Pigmy Rattler and have owned and been around eastern and weastern diamond backs and i was wondering i keep reading that a bit from a pigmy will just give ya some pain and swellowing is this True and info will help please fell free to email me back at KloneD_SkillZ@yahoo.com Posted by Kloned on October 21, 2004 Copperheads Personally, I've Never had a problem with CB Copperheads, And Most beginners would prefer looks (or so I think) over Front fanged or Rear fanged...I suppose thats a matter of Oppinion. I've Never been exposed to Any of the Larger Rattlers, But I've delt with the Prairie Rattler a lot and they seem to be pretty ill-tempered. Smart Call to check your Local State Laws First.. Here's a Link to The Venomous Laws Per Each State Just incase you want to check it out! http://www.coastalreptiles.com/venomous_laws.htm Nate Posted by SkyMasterNw on October 20, 2004 durissus?!?! I would not ever recommend any C. durissus species as a first hot. Aside from their extremely toxic venom, they are very aggressive towards feeding. Although they don't seem to be very aggressive towards me, mine will chase any and everything that moves when it's feeding time. They also learn your routine and know where you open their cage from. Mine are already at the opening of the cage before I even start to unlock them. I have found them to be rather intelligent and VERY alert. I use 2' hemostats to feed mine with and actually had my 2.5' cuminensis lung out of the top opening enclosure and half way up my hemostats just trying to get the mouse. They don't play. They don't really like hooks either. At least none of mine do. I find working with monocle cobras easier than working with durissus species. So I would still have to say, the copperhead would be the best first hot. I have been bit several times by them and I'm still here.. So if a beginner goofs up, chances are it won't kill him... Bobby Posted by BwViper on October 20, 2004 A first hot can also be a rear fanged colubrid I recomend keeping something like a mangrove snake before some one gets into vipers or elapids. Albolabris is an aughfull first hot because it`s "calm temper" can lees some one into a fals sence of security. The copper I handled was one of the most bad tempered snakes I`ve ever handled but a good eater. Same with the cotton. I`ve never handled or kept Sistrurus or coral cobra. Posted by Snake17 on October 18, 2004 my first my first venomous was a northern pacific, i thought she was a good first and still is one of my favorites Posted by jason77 on October 17, 2004 First Hot/white-lipped viper Keeping venomous snakes for almost 30 years, I find trimeresurus sp. quite manageable and docile. Of course, all venomous snakes are dangerous to anybody --- amateur or pro. All it takes is a little extra care. I'm into king cobras right now and I find them very interesting. As for Asian pit vipers, give them the correct temperature and humidity, and you'll never go wrong. Most importantly, they should be examined regularly for intestinal parasites and liver flukes, by a qualified vet. All reptiles are vulnerable to heavy parasitism if their system go down because of stress. Provide them the closest thing to their natural habitat to keep them stress-free. Happy herping & be safe! Mateo Curator of Reptiles Avilon Zoo, Philippines Posted by Mateo on October 13, 2004 First venomous Im biased since the copperhead was my first venomous. But the pigmy not bad either cuz of the small managable size. But the tree viper requires specialized housing and ive seen problems getting the eyelash viper started so those 2 are more advanced snakes in general. I couldnt comment on the coral cobra having no experience with them. My first copperhead was very mild mannered and never struck but was always alert so caution was always needed. I also found it to be very interesting to watch (some may say boring) as it could sit in one position for a very long time only flicking its toungue when needed than all the sudden it would be up and all over its enclosure and also I think the coloration is is very pretty. To this day its one of my favorite venomous snakes in captivity or in the wild. Posted by toxic_nicknack on October 12, 2004 Others also I would definately recommend other specimens that I would have put on the list for a "beginner hot", but out of these listed I would have to say a Copperhead. Coral cobras are moderatley toxic, but there is no known anti-venom for them. Pygmy's are squirly and skiddish. We have bred them and kept them for many years and every Pygmy we have ever had has had a major attitude problem. Almost all of them have acted as if they were wild caught, but are actually CB. I trust my Naja naja or EDB(or WDB) more than I would trust a Pygmy. On Eyelash Vipers, yes mild venom, but ready to bite (in my experience) and repeated biters. On the White Lip tree Vipers, as for ANY and MOST Trimeresurus seem to all have an attitude problem and are ready to bite at any moment. For any starter venomous, I would recommend any form of Boiga species due to mild venom and docile temperment. Or a waglers Viper(temple viper) for the same reasons. I would also recommend something like a false water cobra due to mild venom or some rear fanged colubrids.(madagascar hog nose, etc.) But in my opinion I specialize in south american cascabel(S.A Rattlesnakes) Crotalus d. durissus, C.d. cumanensis, and C.d.dryinus and C.d. terrificus. YES highly toxic but due to my experience I would say atleast 90% of them are docile natured and easy to work with. Hence most of ours dont even strike(even at their food) or rattle. (on the ending note, who is to say what is the best for a beginner? All of these animals are toxic and the person should have plenty of experience before even having a vnomous snake) Thank you Anthony and Jesika Palazzolo Michigan Herpatiles Posted by MichiganHerpatiles on October 11, 2004 Im new to keeping snakes, i have no idea! Posted by billramsey2002 on October 11, 2004 First Hot! I think the best first "HOT" is a Black Mamba.. HA HA, just kidding was a joke ok!! lol.. My first hot was a copperhead. I don't really think they are calm. I have been keeping them since I was 8 years old and have found ALL of them to be quick to strike and I have been bit a time or two. I have had dry bites from them, but when they load you up, it hurts. I would say the copperhead is a safe snake for a first hot, at least you won't die when it sticks a fang or two in ya!!! Posted by BwViper on October 10, 2004 1st hot I guess the copperhead would be my advice, mainly because of the low toxicity compared to other snakes.But my 1st was a cottonmouth and they are usually easier to work with in my opinion.They eat alot better too.Marty Posted by agkistrodude on October 8, 2004 B. Gabonica Yes the gabby has 2and a half inch fangs. yes the gabby's strike is lighting fast and yes it is one of africa's most deadly snakes. now on the up side the nature of the gabby is unmatched it has a very docile nature almot to the point of free handleing (even tho i would never suggest it ) Posted by demonic_smurf_1 on October 7, 2004 Pygmy The pygmy in my experience is more aggresive then the copperhead this teaches distance/ also ones 2ft or under seem to not like to ride a hook at all/ this teaches balance and juggling. Mind you i've only had 3 years experience with the same pair of pygmy's however they simply hated riding a hook these are thing thats need learned soon, and the bite though perhaps worse then the copperhead probably wont kill you. Posted by DougW on October 6, 2004 First Hot Of the ones on the list I would say copper head, but I started with Mocasins, and eastern rattlers. Let us not forget the coral snake, I've held a bunch of them and never been bitten(they can be hard to feed). The main thing is to get your confidence up, and not be scetchy when dealing with them. The best practice is to play with young non-venomous bitters, get used to having to be quick and observent. I actually perfer bigger snakes, and think that they are a little easier to handle. They can't turn around on you as easy, and there strike rage is a little more predictable. And, if you new to the game then work with experienced venomous people and use the right EQUIPMENT. Morton www.cheapsnakehooks.com Posted by CheapSnakeHooks on October 5, 2004 First HOT A Copperhead by all means, They have a pleasing nature and are slow to anger, and if food and shelter and an occasional visit from a lady Copperhead are made available they are quite content in a large aquarium. If you handle only when needed and if you never turn your back on him you should be OK, if an accident should take place I have found that most bites on Humans are dry bites but don!t count on it. The main thing is respect and being gentle with the animal and keeping in mind it only takes once!!! I have three fingers and a thumb on my left hand! Quite a price to pay for being a big ( HE wont bite me ) man. Best of luck always JTL Posted by JTL on October 5, 2004 first hot I would have to say that between those snakes, the copperhead would be the best for a first venomous. They seem to be the most laid back. They have awsome attitudes and it takes alot to piss them off to the point of biting. This is m experience with copperheads. Although they were not my first venomous. When I got in to it I jumped right to a 3.5-4' monocled cobra. I do not recomend this to anyone as their first venomous snake. It was a very good learning experience for me, but I had lots of close calls with the cobra. What ever you new hot keepers decide to get into, be sure you do your research and know how to handle them properly. Be safe everyone and happy herping. jeff LIVELY EXOTICS Posted by boas023 on October 4, 2004 First Hot It's a toss up between coppers and pygmy's, but the venom yield and toxicity of the pyggy, to me, makes it a lot less dangerous - Should an untimely mistake happen. None the less, a bite by either will definately ruin your weekend. Posted by SnakeSafe on October 2, 2004 be careful when u r keeping any venomous snake u best be careful I have keep non venomous for over 20 years before i start with venomous and i have been hit numbers of time and it hurts without venom and i swear i won't get hit but a anything with venomous because i have saw the damage and pain of the bite. Things happen but if u do safety first for u and the snakes the chances are lower of getting hit i started with a copperhead and timber rattler there tempers are good for the most part but i still don't trust them in strikeing distence they are faster then anyone i no so don't give the chance to get hit us hooks or tongs but because using tongs so u don't hurt the snake be gentle anyone starting out good luck and be careful. Posted by nnw1 on October 2, 2004 a first hot i think that A.contortrix or B.schlegelii would the herpers two smart first choices but to keep in mind that the husbandry needs of the two snakes are by far alot different. B.schlegelii is an aboreal snake needing lots of care as far as humidity and tend to do better if kept in colonies of three or more and with them being an aboreal serpent it may be harder or more akward for the beginner to hook out of an enclouser.A.contotrix is a very easy reptile in my book to care for,they do good as single caged animal or as a pair. the venom is a little less toxic than that of an eyelash viper and in my experience in keeping coppers i have never had a bad feeder, breeding copper has been a breeze and a fun experience. but never the less both are a venomous species so wether you tend to keep any of the above listed animals care,respect and safty are top factors in hot keeping and maintance.i have kind of had to learn the ropes myself with keeping these venomous beauties and wish i had a mentor or someone to show how to execute certain techniques in husbandry methods.respect for the snake (venomous or non-venomous) yourself and for others is a key factor to meditate on. thanks pw Posted by pw on September 30, 2004 In my experience I definately would go for a copperhead first, probably a southern or bband since they tend to be mellower ssp. I definately advise against the pigmys as they are a huge pain to hook, and mean as snot most of the time. The eyelash would be a good second choice due to the low toxicity of the venom and somewhat placid nature of the animals. Though they require more specific care than your average agkistrodon. And white lips, personally they were my 2nd hot and I never had a problem with them but they can have slightly more husbandry requirements than the copper. Other decent starte hots in my experience tend to be viridus ssp, especially north pacifics and great basins. The majority of these that I have worked with have been quite placid, great on a hook, and there is antivenin readily available. Good topic guys keep it up, Jared Watts Posted by jared on September 30, 2004 First "Hot" Although Copperheads have low toxicity levels, one cannot determine if an anaphalaxis could occur if the owner was bitten. Copperheads (in my experience) are ill-tempered and quick to strike. That compared with their relatively efficient venom delivery system (i.e., viperid fangs), one cannot afford to make mistakes. As of the other species mentioned on the list, The Pigmy, White-Lipped, and the Eyelash, they all have the same efficient delivery mechanisms as all pit vipers have. Last but not least is the Coral cobra. I have one of these snakes at home. Coral cobras have particularly short fangs coupled with poor eye sight. These are advantages in my favor. However, my particular animal has a very calm temperament which makes it difficult for me to "read" its true intentions. I just don't know when he is ready to bite. When I have placed live mice in his cage at feeding time, from the time the mouse was bitten to its final last gasps of breath, on average it takes 90 seconds! Very toxic indeed! To make matters worse, there is no specific antivenin produced for this particular species. Not a good choice for a "first-timer"! Posted by Frawgg on September 30, 2004 Agkistrodon For the new venomous herpetoculturist, who resides in the United States, I would recommend the Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix ssp.) as a choice candidate for the beginner's first HOT, AFTER the interested hobbyists has received some degree (at least 6 months) hands on training. My decision is based on the low toxicity, the ease of availablity, and the attractiveness and hardiness of the species. It is important to remind the "would be" venomous herpetoculturist many bites encountered occur at the "novice" stage of the hobby....just a few years after starting. Give the exotic species some time before pursuing such a major commitment. Take your time. They'll be here when you are ready. Venomoids are not the answer to bypass these liabilities. Start off right the first time. Stay away from these snakes. Which ever species you decide to work with, your obligations are to keep the animal(s) secure and any potential bystanders safe, while providing sound husbandry methods necessary for your specimen(s) to thrive. In addition, I recommend starting with sexable paired specimens right away. Venomous herpetoculturists are elitists. Breeding your animals is your responsiblity. It's a great way to make a contribution to the hobby, and besides......its a whole lotta fun. Obey your local laws/ordinances. My thoughts, Sean P. Posted by SPalmer on September 30, 2004 Just some thoughts Every one of the "beginner hots" listed has some little peculiarity that can cause problems for the beginner. For instance, pigmies can be problematic - won't sit a hook, difficult to get to eat, etc. Copperheads can be difficult to get to eat. In fact, most of the snakes listed are small and may be difficult to get started. Some will be difficult to get antivenin for. I have watched the debates rage about how no-one has ever died from a copperhead bite or that pigmy bites don't do much damage, etc. Well, let me just ask, how many fingers would you have to lose to consider it dangerous? How about a hand? Sure these snakes might not kill you. That doesn't mean that they are safe snakes. Just that you might survive your first mistake by only losing a limb or digit. To that end, I submit that getting your first snake as one whose bite you might survive is a waste of time unless that particular snake is one that you really like. Study the snake you want to get. Learn the techniques and skills that will make you a safe keeper and practice practice practice them. Find someone else who keeps them and work with them (not always possible but well worth the effort expended). Then get your snake. Live your life as if the bite you take will be your last. In other words, do not take chances that are unnecessary, they might be your last. Just my opinion, Karl Posted by Buzztail1 on September 29, 2004 first hot To me although the copperhead and pygmy make good first hots, I think that a cottonmouth makes a very good first time hot. I say this because it takes a good bit to get one of them to actually bite, in my experience they generally will just gape instead of actually biting. Posted by dusky on September 29, 2004 First hot = common sense As anyone knows a bite from any venomous snake can be fatal. Whether it be from a copperhead or a pigmy. There are some instances that some people showed allergic reactions and died from a copperhead bite. I still can not get myself to look at the copperhead snake as being "just a beginner" snake. It is a pit viper too and deserves much respect. As far as recomending a venomous snake to a first time keeper. I would have to say its up to the person himself. If one is "cohearsed" into getting a snake that he was not really desiring then the respect factor is shut off and the snake may not be well taken of. In summation, there is no real "safe" hot to attain. It should be left to the keeper. I have been around snakes for over 20 years and have never been bitten. That is due to only hadling the snakes only when its time to change their quarters. New keepers should always keep that in mind, as well. Being that pit vipers and elapids have sensitive bone structures they can be easily harmed without the keepers knowledge by using a hook. I use my own home made trap boxes which humanely transports any snake that is not a boa or python. Thank you Posted by Michiganman on September 29, 2004 First Hot - Copperhead ! First of all, i'm sorry if I offend anyone with no common sense with this ! Like some others have stated, learn from someone who REALLY knows how to deal with venomous. There's alot of people out there that don't have enough common sense to deal with non-venomous muchless venomous. Also people that have them for the wrong reasons. Just make sure you pick the person you learn from very wisely. Learn a little about the person, not just the snake and then you can learn the right way.Read books, buy the proper equipment also (tongs, hooks, *Very large tweezers for feeding, etc.), that makes a huge difference. As far as what species, I say a copperhead. The reason is, copperheads rarely ever cause fatalities, they may make you wish you were dead though. Most of the time they don't even give anti-venom, mainly stuff like morphine and other strong painkillers. But, there are circumstances where they do kill, if you are that unlucky percentage. You never know until you get bit though. Accidents happen no matter how good you are, just ask any wellknown venomous handlers. I kept venomous for about ten years before I was bitten by an adult copperhead, hurt like hell too. Don't take chances ! Posted by BushMstr02 on September 29, 2004 I think the copperhead is a hard to get eater. Posted by cottonmouth on September 29, 2004 Mentors.. I think that one should have at least 10 years of experience handling nonvenomous snakes before even trying to keep hots. Mentors are a good idea too. One should try to make friends with someone that keep hots and learn from this person... And to suggest a first hot, I have to say that many of the European vipers are suitable.. Miqe Posted by MiqeMorbid on September 27, 2004 first hot copper head is also a good choice [base] Posted by base on September 27, 2004 first hot i would recommend the dusky pigmy .they have a very low venom yield, but they can be a little agressive.the idea is to admire there beauty and give them and other snakes alot of respect and not to make it a point to pick them up just for the fun of it. good luck [base] ps. should do alot of reading so u can gain some knowlege on snakes also you can check out the web for snake bites,that might change your mind all together after you see some of the pictures on there. Posted by base on September 27, 2004 first hot ..can be debated To me the copper head would be my choice from this list ...thy have the least toxic venom and most of the ones ive kept have been very calm......but i have only kept 4 coppers ..so i dont think that would make me no expert....but i have given advise to some friends that ask and i told them that if thy wanted to start with a hot to make it a copper....just my opinion, like i said im no expert.....happy herping Wally Posted by ALA_herp31 on September 27, 2004 First Hot I voted for the Copperhead since it by far the easiest to hand out of the bunch. Also have the least quanity and lowest toxicity on the list. If they wanted an "Exotic" I would suggest Cerestes vipera for the same reasons. Posted by Phobos on September 27, 2004 A first hot? More experience. I mightily mightily suggest working around hots ans an intern/volunteer for a looooong time before ever keeping one for a personal study. Calling your local Fish and Game Dept. is a great starting point, as they know the careless and the straight-shoters. If they are no help, ("Why would anyone want to do THAT!?!?!?") Then find out the name of the closest curator of reptiles to your home and WRITE to him (forget the phone) and extoll your own virtues as to why you could be a useful assistant. I've kept hots since 1977, and never have had so much as a close call, as I was taught from the getgo by Phd.s and field experts. I'm not ashamed to have stood on the shoulders of giants in the field; it was priceless experience and knowledge. D Posted by twoblackbelts on September 27, 2004 To post a comment, you must be logged in. If you are not a member, become one now!