Best Venomous Snake....

Random Hero · Joined: 18 Dec 2007 Posts: 20 Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan

Ive been debating on getting a Venomous snake for quite some time, and Ive decided to get one. I know theres no such thing as a safe snake, but what snake would you guys recommend as a good snake to start with. I want a Cobra, but id like to have some experiance with something less aggresive and less riskfull. I dont want to spend a great deal of money on a Venomous snake, but im just wondering what some of the best ones are for starting out with.

Thanks
Nate

jparker1167 · Joined: 09 Feb 2008 Posts: 26

well a cobra would be about the worst you could start with lol, are venomous legal to keep where you live ? a copperhead or pygmy rattler would prob be the best to start with. you said you dont want to spend a lot i hope that doesnt mean you will use cheap housing or tools, if you get bit the cost could be very high so you have to consider that.

Random Hero · Joined: 18 Dec 2007 Posts: 20 Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan

The guy I spoke with over the phone at the department of wildlife said I did not need a permit for them unless it was a native species that was endagered. As for money wise I just ment for the snake, I wouldnt go cheap on anything that would risk me getting bit. Thanks for the reply, the Pygmy is one of the snakes I thought about getting but wasnt sure if it was a good starter.

jparker1167 · Joined: 09 Feb 2008 Posts: 26

yea i though you was talking about not paying alot for the snake, but i wanted to make sure lol. a pygmy would be ok they are not huge snakes and you wouldnt need to tail it but cobras are really fast and they usually dont sit still so tailing is usually needed. just stay away from elapids, bitis and from what have heard most arboreal hots.

Random Hero · Joined: 18 Dec 2007 Posts: 20 Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan

Alright thanks alot, I think Im gonna get a Carolina Pygmy. A def. a cage with a lock on it.

**Justin** · Site Admin Joined: 13 Dec 2007 Posts: 96 Location: PA

pygmy rattlers can be fairly pugnacious, but stay small and are relatively easy to care for. As far as arboreal vipers, i have heard that most aren't to bad as starters due to the fact that they "ride" hooks very well.

This information is coming from work i have read, and word of mouth i have heard from other people...none of this is of experience. Yet that is.
_________________
1.1 ribbon snakes
1.1 albino checkered garter snakes
1.1 white sided rat snakes
0.1 ball python
0.1 blood python
0.0.1 savannah monitor

jparker1167 · Joined: 09 Feb 2008 Posts: 26

yea they ride a hook well but also climb up at your hand, people tend to under estimate the strike range of arboreals is why i was told they dont make great first hots

**Eric** · Site Admin Joined: 12 Dec 2007 Posts: 334 Location: Pa

Another issue with the aboreal vipers is getting them off the hook. They hook and ride great but when it comes time to get them off can be challenging at times.

I also agree with the strike range comment they have a very impressive reach at times.
_________________
My collection...
2.3 (Trimeresurus albolabris)
1.1 (Bitis gabonica)
1.1 (Naja siamensis)
1.1 (Agkistrodon contortrix phaeogaster)
1.1 Red Eyed Leucistic (Naja kaouthia)
1.1 Leucistic (Naja kaouthia)
1.1 Naja karachiensis
0.1 Bitis arietans
Stop by and check me out...
www.easternpareptilerescue.org
www.myspace.com/eparr_1
www.myspace.com/easternpareptilerescue

chaosad · Joined: 03 Jan 2008 Posts: 32 Location: northeast ohio

I recomend this to everone, but start off with a rearfanged snake, even if you dont want to keep it forever they can teach you a lot without all the risk. I suggest a mangrove snake, false water cobra, mussarana's stuff like that. After your abilities and experience grow with the rear fanged species, then i wold suggest a southern copperhead, they can be a bit wiggly and fast but they are not usualy fatal. i good bite will remind you to never get bit again, so there is more risk involved, then move up from there to maybe a sidewinder or some smaller more docile reattler or an arboreal viper like a wagler or popes tree viper, those wont neccisarily kill you but a hospital trip would be appropriate. see what you like and go for it. Also there are other things than a cage, lock and hook. there are certain protocal you should follow, make sure other pets and family members are not at risk in the case of an escape, keep a list of what venomous snakes you have, keep the cages clearley marked...etc. oh yeah, dont get bit.
_________________
<a><img>

**Eric** · Site Admin Joined: 12 Dec 2007 Posts: 334 Location: Pa

Great Advice Dan
_________________
My collection...
2.3 (Trimeresurus albolabris)
1.1 (Bitis gabonica)
1.1 (Naja siamensis)
1.1 (Agkistrodon contortrix phaeogaster)
1.1 Red Eyed Leucistic (Naja kaouthia)
1.1 Leucistic (Naja kaouthia)
1.1 Naja karachiensis
0.1 Bitis arietans
Stop by and check me out...
www.easternpareptilerescue.org
www.myspace.com/eparr_1
www.myspace.com/easternpareptilerescue