Some pointers pls

[Randolph]

Now i have been herping for 13 years, but only dealing with snakes for about 2 years. The one thing i would like to get into is venemous snakes, however I research everything alot, actually too much before i get into it. It took me 6 months to buy a BP after i decided to get one. So i would like any info. that anyone could offer to me, since i would like to start looking for possibly gaboons within the next 5years. It'll take at least 3 years of research and dealing with my current to snakes before i will even begin to start looking. But why not start looking up things now. Thank you for any help you can give me.

P.S. if anyone suggests a venemoid, bad things will happen...

[Mustangrde1]

Best advice is get in with a Hot keeper and have him teach you what he can. Book smart is ok but only hands on experiance will teach you safety and the subtle signs of a pending strike.

By the way Venomoids in no way shape or form get you ready for the real deal.

[C.m.pyrrhus]

I think it is wise to know that keepng hots in captivity is far from dealing with them in the wild, and you should be able to deal with wild hots far before keeping any in a captive situation. Getting some time in with a good hot keeper is a great idea as well. Then of course is the detail you must follow in caging and how you approach tasks of husbandry. Just learn as much as you can first, have a few years of basic snake care under your belt and use your head. There is never such thing as to much experiance or study before getting into anything, and it is a wise idea that you plan to think everything through before you deside to get into hots. Good Luck.

[snake_lover]

Best advice i can give is Don't start with hots if you only have 2 years of experience with snakes ,, I have seen what cobra bites (etc etc ) have done and trust i woudln't mess with hots.

[cantil]

I might suggest not starting with a gabby but rather with a copperhead for several reasons...

1) the bite is FAR less likely to kill you
2) something wiry and alert will keep you on your toes; something placid is more likely to breed complacency
3) antivenin is readily available
4) gabby's are more problematic to keep healthy (soaking, feeding regimes, humidity requirements, et al.)
5) gabby's get REALLY big, and a big 10kg gabby is nobody's friend and can be a pain in the @$$ to manipulate

Definitely have someone show you the ropes.

[jay72]

It is very important that you work under somebody who already has hots. It takes alot of experience. You will have to learn what to expect from different species and even then you will always have to expect the unexpected. As you said you have plenty of time, you should take advantage of that and get all of the experience you can at your own pace.

Good luck,

Sloane Russeck

[ETET]

After you work with a hot keeper and get some experience, then you will know when you are ready to get you first ven or ready or not for a gaboon.

ETET :)

[Gregg M]

Gaboons are not a good hot to start with........ Nothing you have ever delt with can prep you for a gaboon........ Take a look at some of my photos in the venomous gallery, then ask your self if you are even close to ready for them........ My guess is you are not........ Gaboons are a serious snake to deal with and are far from tame...... I do not care what you have read about them....... They are fast and more agile then they look...... Think you can handle a 10 pound venomous snake??? If you are not well versed in handling hots a big gaboon can out muscle you in a second........ Besides they are not the easiest snake to care for in captivity....... They need alot of attention and can die if they are kept too hot and can dehydrate fast....... Get more experiance before getting into a snake like gaboon vipers........ I know it is tempting but is it worth your limbs??????