An aspiring keeper with many curiosities

[etc]

Originally Posted by Lankyrob

Personal insults breach forum rules and result in a ban, i have never seen Aaron insult anyone, and the fact he is still here proves that as fact.

I disagree, as he has written some of his comments with the intent of character assassination towards a particular person.

Originally Posted by Aaron_S

I do it on a regular basis. I really don't care to be cautious on how I say things to people and honestly I could be much worse with this person.

Straight from the horse's mouth.

As for him being "banned", first off that's entirely at the discretion of the administrators. Secondly, a bit melodramatic. It doesn't have to be that black and white. We can discuss openly without resorting to such ultimatums.

[Dracorex5]

Sorry for delayed replies, school keeps me on my toes for certain! But please, lets not argue. Nothing said here is being taken personally, but just remember everything here reflects the community!

Thank you etc, and i still have a long way to go! I think i need to study a bit more before contacting very serious people. I dont want to dive right in only to pull out and disappoint someone because i choose a different path. And Georgias venom laws are very vague... Though personally id like to find a place to live that actually requires a licence! It seems a little more secure and professional, and hopefully a required amount of time and exprience in order to earn it would keep me honest. As for sheds.... Id NEVER want to keep venomous creatures close to where id sleep... A shed with locks and window guards and mooooore locks sounds like a fantasticly inconviniant but most safe idea.

[Dracorex5]

Originally Posted by Aaron_S

For the OP, she was a small woman probably of similar stature to you. She is book smart about things but not hands on or even close to ready for hots (and now she's breeding gabby's and other's, or attempting to.) Don't be a statistic.

The LAST thing i want is to be a statistic! Ill barely go near a copperhead not to mention touch one at this point. I need to climb that ladder without trying to jump any rungs. I dont want this to be a learn by experiencing sort of situation.... And like i said who knows? I may completely change my mind in life and play with sand boas for the rest of my life. But i like to keep my options open and my mind an open slate. This is something im currently looking in to and hope to persue with proper influence, not ignorance. I hate to be that "trust me, im not an idiot" teen, as we all know deep doen theres an idiot in every person.... But i dont want to be that crazy "i gots a cobra" 21 year old with extensive body damage from unprotected handling!

[etc]

Originally Posted by Dracorex5

Sorry for delayed replies, school keeps me on my toes for certain! But please, lets not argue. Nothing said here is being taken personally, but just remember everything here reflects the community!

Thank you etc, and i still have a long way to go! I think i need to study a bit more before contacting very serious people. I dont want to dive right in only to pull out and disappoint someone because i choose a different path. And Georgias venom laws are very vague... Though personally id like to find a place to live that actually requires a licence! It seems a little more secure and professional, and hopefully a required amount of time and exprience in order to earn it would keep me honest. As for sheds.... Id NEVER want to keep venomous creatures close to where id sleep... A shed with locks and window guards and mooooore locks sounds like a fantasticly inconviniant but most safe idea.

Not a problem, I think you should look deeper within yourself for the real reason why you've become interested in venomous snakes. Once you've have that figured out, you'll know what to do. We all have our reasons, and many of us actually become interested despite the fact they have venom, not because of it.

As for the "arguing", there is nothing to be argued about. I've seen it happen all over the place, as soon as interest in venomous is mentioned, it becomes a witch hunt - this is what "the community at large" does. There is no reason to ostracize anyone for anyone's passion in living species. People need to learn to differentiate interest and irresponsible keeping at sequence.

[Dracorex5]

Theres something so fantastic and beautiful about these more dangerous creatures. I find myself having such a higher level of respect for what is dangerous than what i can hold in my hands. I volunteered at a "zoo" nearby for a long while (more like a rich mans animal collection). I helped out with the less deadly reptiles, tree pythons mostly. But he had a huge and beautiful rattlesnake, i want to say it was a timber. It lived in a filthy reinforced box, most people wouldnt get near it for obvious reasons, so it was neglected compared to the pedastals that other animals in the collection were put on. I went by her one day as i was walking out for the afternoon, and met eyes directly with it. They are powerful, majestic, and they know for certain they can kill you easier than you can breathe. I stood there for s long time admiring those fierce eyes, when a coworker passed and laughed. "Like the spawn of the devil eh? Close as someone like you will get to hell, enjoy the view."

Well i started keeping an eye on her for a while, she didnt move much. It took a bit of begging to get them to let me watch feeding time. From a distance of course, not even 18 yet getting bit was not my goal. When she drew i saw her full body for the first time. She was covered in scars from rat bites and a small infection of some sort was peeling at her side. She wasnt any godly animal, she was just what she was.... An animal, with animal instincts and animal needs... But no one cared because no one wanted to take the time to even think of learning how to take care of her properly. She was a damaged and abused animal who, being eo dangerous, deserved the best in respect and care and she would never get it.

That and some other things made me stop going there... But it made me realize that we stand as the intelligent ambassadors of powerful forces of nature. I want to learn the ropes so i can be one among the few who can make sure that things like this dont happen.... Ill never get to help that big girl in the wood box, but something somewhere will need my skills one day.... Whether it be a vet's hands or an inspectors eyes or a dangerous animal handler's knowledge to spread the words of safety. I want this because i want to save the creature that can kill me. It keeps me honest. And how can you expect to treat a rattlsnake's RI without knowing how to care for one at all?

[Dracorex5]

Sorry i wrote an essay there! Yikes!

[etc]

You actually sound like a coherent young lady. Just remember that it's not something that you half-step into; you must be sure whether or not you want to do it and you must know yourself and your habits. If you think that you could be content with a Kenyan Sand Boa or any non-venomous snakes then by all means.. get those instead and don't risk your life to unnecessary dangers of venomous animals.

If you are interested in the idea to begin with, just like I am, learn about what it takes and see what decision you formulate for yourself and make sure it's the right one. You did the right thing by seeking information first instead of going out and getting venomous snakes on a whim. Poke around the forum here, you will find people with friendly disposition, experience, and knowledge who I believe will be delighted to talk to you.

If you want to be proactive about the mistreatment of snakes, get in contact with some of the organizations who deal with rattlesnake roundups and see how you can help out for starters, just a suggestion.

Good luck.

[Skumbo]

Originally Posted by Slcburm

Why is a " mentor" necessary? Did you all get a "mentor" for you that own burms or retics? I didn't and I wouldn't get one for a hot either. I think you need to study, research, research etc. a "mentor" won't stop you form getting bitten or making a stupid mistake. Want my honest opinion? Don't get it. I don't understand the fatuation for a snake you can't handle and the slightest mistake could cost you or someone else their lives. What's the point of having a hot? Don't tell me it's research because you can do that online and go view them at a zoo?

I dont like the negativity of this post at all. Why check the Venomous forum if you'll reply to something in this manner?
People who are responsible should be allowed to have HOTs just the same as I enjoy a good sky dive once in a while. Risky? Yes. Makes life more enjoyable? Also yes.

Edit: Alright well, I'm all with Etc with this thread. Both Etc and Aaron had perfectly valid points but I barely wanted to read Aaron's after a few posts in because of how belittling his rants become. I'm very similar to you, Aaron, especially in person, when it comes to expressing my thoughts on a subject, but some form of respect, especially for someone just searching for information, should be given.

[Skumbo]

to the OP:
Colorado is gorgeous. Im moving there soon. I visited as a kid and have dreamed of moving there after college for years. Ive gone back a few times and love it more every time I go. I'm 22 now, and hope to be living there before 23!

[Dracorex5]

I know! Have you ever visited Durango? Its really a sight to see. Some of that town hasnt quite left the 50s, its facinating!

[Aaron_S]

Originally Posted by Skumbo

I dont like the negativity of this post at all. Why check the Venomous forum if you'll reply to something in this manner?
People who are responsible should be allowed to have HOTs just the same as I enjoy a good sky dive once in a while. Risky? Yes. Makes life more enjoyable? Also yes.

Edit: Alright well, I'm all with Etc with this thread. Both Etc and Aaron had perfectly valid points but I barely wanted to read Aaron's after a few posts in because of how belittling his rants become. I'm very similar to you, Aaron, especially in person, when it comes to expressing my thoughts on a subject, but some form of respect, especially for someone just searching for information, should be given.

Earn my respect and you shall receive it.

[MoreliAddict]

Originally Posted by Skumbo

I dont like the negativity of this post at all. Why check the Venomous forum if you'll reply to something in this manner?
People who are responsible should be allowed to have HOTs just the same as I enjoy a good sky dive once in a while. Risky? Yes. Makes life more enjoyable? Also yes.

Thing is, there's a certain amount selfishness involved in keeping a hot, which isn't present in skydiving.

When you're skydiving, you're only risking your OWN life.

If you get killed by your hot, someone else has to come and risk their life wrangling a deadly snake which is loose in your house. Or if the snake escapes your house, your neighbors are then at risk of getting bit by a hot too!

So the fact that you like to look at these animals and a zoo won't cut it justifies putting people around you at risk?

[Aaron_S]

Originally Posted by MoreliAddict

Thing is, there's a certain amount selfishness involved in keeping a hot, which isn't present in skydiving.

When you're skydiving, you're only risking your OWN life.

If you get killed by your hot, someone else has to come and risk their life wrangling a deadly snake which is loose in your house. Or if the snake escapes your house, your neighbors are then at risk of getting bit by a hot too!

So the fact that you like to look at these animals and a zoo won't cut it justifies putting people around you at risk?

Bingo! My favourite point exactly.

[Skumbo]

I completely agree with you Moreli. But I will raise an every day happening as a sort of comparison. Many people go out and drive when tired, go 10-20 over the speed limit, drive huge trucks/suv's etc for various reasons from "I want to go to work and make money even though Im exhausted" to "I wanna go grab a coffee". We all make decisions for our own small benefit that put others at a technically needless risk.

That said, I completely agree with your stance, I was merely using a risky behavior as an example.

As for Aaron - Youve preached a "you must earn my respect" mantra since I started reading this forum, yet Ive never seen a reason to want to earn your respect. Everyone else in this thread? yes. You? Im going to look for an ignore feature in my settings. Ive never seen you contribute a valid point without a negative angle slapped on for seemingly no reason.

[etc]

Originally Posted by MoreliAddict

Thing is, there's a certain amount selfishness involved in keeping a hot, which isn't present in skydiving.

When you're skydiving, you're only risking your OWN life.

If you get killed by your hot, someone else has to come and risk their life wrangling a deadly snake which is loose in your house. Or if the snake escapes your house, your neighbors are then at risk of getting bit by a hot too!

So the fact that you like to look at these animals and a zoo won't cut it justifies putting people around you at risk?

Finally, a reasonable and intelligent response.

This is something that every venomous keeper must consider. For people who do keep venomous snakes regardless of its inherent danger; a bite protocol set in place in case that something that should go wrong is very important for not only your life but also those who may come in contact with the animal in the near future. Securing the snake should always be the first step, always.

Good drivers fail, people get struck by lighting, and it's not unreasonable to expect the worst of outcomes if the possibilities are there. It's up to the responsible person to expect and prepare for the worst of all situations.

Deciding whether or not keeping venomous snakes makes one a social deviant or not is up to your interpretation. I'd say there's a clear distinction between an Eyelash Viper being kept properly with extreme care and caution vs. a Black Mamba in an enclosure that's weighted down with heavy items. The difference in their respective scale of outcomes and its discernibility of the worst case scenario is great.

It's not that venomous keeping is for the self-righteous or the otherwise around, but rather - we should keep the portal of knowledge open to those who are becoming interested in these species to let them be aware of all its aspects for them to make the most intelligent decision for themselves. This is a much more sensible way of going about it instead of talking down to them with the influence of your own judgement in the subject that may or may not coincide with others.