Ahaetulla or Boiga? - Page 2

boosh96 · 12-10-11, 06:18 PM

Alright-can I keep a water snake (Nerodia spp.) as a "trainer" for a while before getting a FWC? What kind of snake makes a good "trainer" for a mangrove snake?

Gungirl · 12-10-11, 06:49 PM

The best "trainer" you can get is to get a mentor. Keeping a defensive or aggressive snake that is "like" a hot does not make you ready for a hot.

boosh96 · 12-10-11, 07:22 PM

Is there any chance you could help me find a mentor?

Gungirl · 12-10-11, 07:28 PM

No one that I am aware of would mentor a 15 yr old.. never mind a 20 yr old. I would say that your best bet would be to do a TON of research and once you are 18 start looking into getting a mentor. Being a mentor is a huge responsibility for that person. I am not looking to upset you but at your age I would hold off on anything besides research.

alessia55 · 12-10-11, 08:19 PM

You're 14, right? A mentor taking you on would have to assume responsibility for you as a minor. Your parent(s) would probably have to agree to allow you to train with the mentor, and would be present at all training. It's a huge risk for a mentor to train someone who's underage because of all the liability issues simply due to your age. It sucks, but being underage does put limits on what you can and can't do for a while. Once you're 18 and responsible for yourself and are allowed to enter into legal bindings, a mentor might be more willing to take you on. Until then, do all the research you can, and get non-venomous snakes to practice with. If I were a mentor and I agreed to take on a minor, I would probably even include contracts that remove me from being responsible for you, and insist that parents be present at all times. On that note, what do your parents think about you wanting to take on hots at such a young age?

boosh96 · 12-10-11, 09:27 PM

I'm 15, and my dad is okay with the idea of me keeping a "warm" snake, such as a hognose or a mangrove or something like that. My dream isn't necessarily to keep hots, but at least to work with them. Could you help me at least try to find a mentor?

**millertime89** · 12-10-11, 09:39 PM

where are you located? best bet is to find a local herp organization and ask them.

stephanbakir · 12-10-11, 10:04 PM

As I said... Mangroves are still pretty necrotic... careful.