Cant take it anymore.. I really want this cobra!! - Page 3

Big_V · 09-01-04, 10:48 PM

Rocketjawa-
I think a good idea would be to read an article from the first venomous issue Reptiles Magazine put out. The August 2002 issue is completely dedicated to hots and their care. The article, "Safety Tips for Venomphiles" would be a very valuable thing to read in your quest for getting into hot snakes. It touches on the In's and Out's of hot keeping, and im sure it will prove valuable to your final decision.
Ive read this article countless times by now because Ive always had the itch to get into hot snakes but after reading it many times Ive realised the huge responsibility you will have and the financial one at that too. Caging and the snake arent the only things you will be spending alot of money on. Safety is the number one issue, and cant be stressed enough because you only get one shot at life.

ChurleR · 09-01-04, 11:47 PM

Dusky Pygmies are cute and small, but not to be underestimated. Sometimes they can be picky eaters and their venom is drop for drop more potent than an Eastern Diamondback's, they just have alot less to inject. Just work with your cousin and decide which snake you want as a starter hot, even though personality varies from individual to individual. Just stay safe.

rocketjawa · 09-02-04, 12:03 AM

Hello again..
Thank all of you for the advise...

Corey.. if you have a problem with me, how about bringing it up in a PM.. unless you are being a ***** and adding useless posts just so the thread gets closed.

For the more mature members - I appreciate and respect all of your oppinions and even though the naja is my dream snake.. I am going to take ALL of your advise and start with a more beginer species once I find one more to my liking...

And for the best part.. CALIFORNIA....
Yes,, Hots are illegal.. so are almost everything... but let me explain something that you would only understand if you have lived here for your entire life like I have...

California is a state which is literally based on lowest comon denominators of sence and practicality.

the government here makes rules based literally taking into accout the person with the lowest IQ they can find... and protects them.

For instance, our 5 gallon buckets have warnings on them saying "Dont stick your head in here, you may drown".. and guess what?? theya re also in SPANISH.

Our public schools are a disgrace because California has so many non english speaking children, that instead of pushing them to learn English ( that would be taking away their culture.. blah blah.... teacher fired for racism) they teach at the SLOWEST level possible so the least capable child learns, but NO other children learn a thing.. thats why California schools rank in some of the lowest in the country.. even though California is the 6th largest economy in the world....

My point in this is: I do NOT want to live by rules by the govt. to protect me from myself. I am a responsable person with a good job, that pays my taxes.. hence, if i feel that i want a hot, i will drive to Nevada or Arizona to get one.

Like I said, unless you live here, you may not understand.. This is the state that was pro Ebonics, and where a woman can sue for burning her lips on coffee that a minute before she complained was too cold.

Sorry if that seemed like a rant.. It just bugs me A LOT.
Piranah and Snakehead fish are illegal also, but right across the Nevada border they are in any pet store for 2 bucks each.. Does the Ca. weather suddenly make them such a threat to society that once over an imaginary border they are man killers? no. It is rules put in place by people who do not understand, yet feel they have the right to speak for everyone.

I know a lot of you are very anit "keeping HOTS in non HOT areas".. but a hot is deadly whereever it is..And I would rather be a responsible owner smuggling one into Ca., than know that some irresponsable owner in AZ can just go get one through the internet.

emilsmee · 09-02-04, 12:23 AM

i apologize if i add to the negativity but there is no such thing as a responsible smuggler. if someone finds out you have these animals and tells the authorities, they can take them from you and destroy them. and you can't blame them because those laws are a warning. if you don't heed them, it's your fault, not theirs that your snake is dead and gone.
hots are illegal for a reason. they're made to compensate for the fact that yeah you're probubly responsible enough to keep them, but even the most responsible and careful people can make mistakes, they just don't want that mistake to be made with a hot snake. you're acting like you've never made a mistake in saying that the laws are bunk.
what are you going to do if that snake gets out without you knowing? (some species are MUCH smarter than any non-hot you could ever own) if it gets loose, you're responsible for whatever it does. do you want that on your head?

i just personally don't see the point to owning an animal that dangerous. you can get non-venomous snakes in every colour and shape imaginable. why put not only yourself, but your whole family and neighbourhood in that kind of danger, especially without giving them the choice to be living near that. why can't people just admire things from afar, and not own it just because they can... i can buy a tiger for $500, but i don't because i know how to use common sense and i have a decent amount of respect for those around me...

rocketjawa · 09-02-04, 12:51 AM

I understand what you are saying emilsmee..

But a hot getting loose in california is no worse than a hot getting out in Arizona, etc....
And i dont think I gave the impression of "never having made a mistake in my life"....

California laws are just rediculous... Here si a question for everyone NOT in california on this board.. What is the fine in your state for being caught with a sack of Marijuana??

In a lot of states, you get ARRESTED... Here, unless it is copious amounts.. Its barely even a small fine.. and in some cases, they just let you KEEp it.

rocketjawa · 09-02-04, 01:04 AM

Well. I have given this some more thought...

I looked into the venomous species you can keep in California due to locality..

Of the 33 native california species, only 6 are venomous.. and ALL 6 are really nasty rattlesnakes with deadly bites, save the sidewinder which just rotts your skin and probably kills you but not always..

And I dont want to be the "Bad guy" on the forum who is pro smuggling in hots... After I wrote that and thought on it, I was like.. Thats not too cool...

So in the end, My wanting of the cobra became a wanting of a lesser hot to plain old just not getting a hot at all.... Ill stick with my GTPs

Thanks everyone (almost everyone) for all the info, suport, and words of encouragement and warning. But since I dont see myself moving from California any time soon, I think my hot collecting days have ended before they began!.

I still look forward to reading about them and reading this forum, as well!!

emilsmee · 09-02-04, 01:18 AM

awesome, i'm very glad to hear that. i myself was offered a pair of het albino copperheads. i even paid for them, but after a lot of soulsearching and such, i realized i did only want it for bragging rights or to look like the cool chick who has hots. i decided that was the altogether bad if not worst reason to get them. i let the guy keep the money and told myself that losing the money was better than losing a limb to a snake bite.
i was told if you keep aggressive normal snakes like GTP's, dwarf retics, ATB, ETB....put a sticker on the absolute worst tempered one and mark on the aquarium everytime you get bit or get close to getting bit. label this sticker: "this is how many time's i could've died". keep this around for a couple years. lol. you'd be suprised how scary the results are but they're true and a very effective learning tool.

Alien_Regalis · 09-02-04, 01:31 AM

I dont see how you can equate weed to illegally keeping hots. In my opinion its very irresponsible. If you have kids and youre caught with hots, youre in danger of losing them. If your state outlaws them that is that. I for one will not condone for any reason, the breaking of any law concerning reptiles.

Alien_Regalis · 09-02-04, 01:35 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by rocketjawa
Well. I have given this some more thought...

I looked into the venomous species you can keep in California due to locality..

Of the 33 native california species, only 6 are venomous.. and ALL 6 are really nasty rattlesnakes with deadly bites, save the sidewinder which just rotts your skin and probably kills you but not always..

And I dont want to be the "Bad guy" on the forum who is pro smuggling in hots... After I wrote that and thought on it, I was like.. Thats not too cool...

So in the end, My wanting of the cobra became a wanting of a lesser hot to plain old just not getting a hot at all.... Ill stick with my GTPs

Thanks everyone (almost everyone) for all the info, suport, and words of encouragement and warning. But since I dont see myself moving from California any time soon, I think my hot collecting days have ended before they began!.

I still look forward to reading about them and reading this forum, as well!!

I didnt read through the last of your posts before posting my own response. I applaud you on your smart decision.

Mustangrde1 · 09-02-04, 10:35 AM

I might add right now that The California Department of Fish and Game is very seriously watching the importation of any and all venomus reptiles do to a recent problem. I have numerous very good friends in CA that are Wardens and the powers they have and laws are ones you do not ever want to test. If you want hots move to a state that allows them legally.

Not to be rude but after reading your post on smuggling and even though you recanted it. IMO you are by no way mature enough for a hot. As was pointed out earlier it is very much mentallity and maturity when keeping them.

If you did smuggle one and get bit your actions would further to destroy a part of the hobby myself and many hold dear. Many of us have put in years of research and our own personal expense in working and learning with these animals. Each bite even by a licensed,skilledand qualified handler harms us let alone someone who would do it illegally just for their own pleasure of " having".

rocketjawa · 09-02-04, 11:01 AM

I know I am "mature" and "responsable" enough for a hot.. I just think my excitement over the one I wanted clouded my judgement a bit at the time....

Like I said, Im happy with my GTPs....

BOAS_N_PYTHONS · 09-02-04, 01:33 PM

ROCKETJAWA:

Good to hear, there is always time to start your love and passion for a cobra. After all said here its good to hear that you saw past the smoke.

Cya...

Tony

ladyluck · 09-02-04, 01:41 PM

I think you should get it and send it to that Corey Woods guy in an unmarked box.

Matt · 09-02-04, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ladyluck
I think you should get it and send it to that Corey Woods guy in an unmarked box.

its over, lets drop it please, thanks

dave68 · 09-02-04, 03:54 PM

Rocketjawa it's nice to see the human thought proccess at work and i personally respect your decision. I have the same yearning for eyelash vipers but being dad to two young boys has put any plans on keeping them on hold for at least another ten years! LOL! As for the GTP's keep at it and good luck with them.

Dave