Re: An aspiring keeper with many curiosities
Sorry if my answer overlaps I didn't sit and read all of them but had some inputs on your question. First, as far as Im aware GA's main law is that you can only have hots native to the state. I live in SC so Im not 100% on that just something Ive heard a few times. I would also do like mostly everyone else said and seek out a mentor if you can even though its not always an option. but at 17 you have some time to dig. As far as a good first hot, thats up to you. Every snake has its ups and downs. Copperheads usually have a decent temperment once they get older and arent considered deadly (eventhough ive seen several news reports of death by copperhead) However, as babys in my experience has been that they are very nervous making them hard to feed f/t, and hard to ride on a hook without trying to run on you. No hot can be trusted. assuming you might take all the proper steps, and be as prepared as you can be when you make the leap, I also recommend starting with a baby. One old enough that eats well on its own but small enough you can grow with it as it matures. you really dont want to be inexperianced and trying to force feed a baby, and the bigger the snake the bigger the venom glands and larger the strike distance. But a good way to find a mentor is getting to know people. At the shows, venomous websites, or anywhere else. make someone your friend, they will help you out. But just asking for a mentor might be a little harder for the fact a ton of people want one and some of those people shouldn't be allowed to have dogs muchless an animal that can kill anyone that it comes in contact with. Watch some youtube videos, ive seen several where people freehand hots (which is ******** if ive ever seen it). it only takes one mistake and you could be killed or someone else can be killed. If your not killed you might wish you were dead, loose an entire limb, or have to live with the guilt that you caused one of those to someone else. Just be smart. When you think your minds made up, do more research anyways.
|