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I was just curious if anyone here keeps or knows anyone who keeps venomous snakes. And whether or not you think it's appropriate to keep a potentially dangerous snake in captivity. Also, why do you think it is or isn't okay to do so?
I know a few herp keepers who are strongly against keeping such snakes due to the dangers involved, but I personally think that with proper knowledge it shouldn't be a problem. Though there is always the chance of something going wrong, I understand. Same concept with owning a large constrictor I would suppose. But I do understand the different risks involved with handling the two different kinds of snakes. I don't keep venomous reptiles by the way, I'm just wanting to here other peoples' opinions on the matter.
the way i see it there's a few things one should do before acquiring a venomous snake.
1 get your safety gear in order
2 get experience with non-venomous species
3 know your species... mambas can strike amazingly well directly behind them even when suspended by their tail which is a trait pretty much specific to them
4 definitely get some hook and safety training
5 acquire a source of anti-venom before acquiring your intended species
6 notify your local authorities and hospital that you will have such a species and EXACTLY what species... this will allow them the ability to prepare just in case of an emergency... i know i want my local hospital to carry the specific anti-venom i would be in need of in case of an emergency
once you are familiar with the handling practices and the risks and all of the above has been taken care of i see nothing wrong with it.
in the case you have not taken these precautions i would say you would be more of a candidate for a very bad day then a very rewarding pet.
also keep in mind non-venomous snakes are much more likely to strike. venomous species are much more laid back usually and that can breed a false sense of security. once you're struck you're struck though.
as far as large constrictors it's just not intelligent to handle a burmese or larger without a TEAM of helpers nearby.
red tails are in a category of their own really. for a large snake (especially a constrictor) they're very easy to work with. also there is a considerably wide range of adult sizes. for instance pj (my redtail) is 7yrs old and just over 6' long. his mother on the other hand was 14' long at his conception time. his father was closer to 12'. he will definitely not make it to that size. this means suggesting several people to care for one isn't always a necessity. although it's not a bad practice.
I applaud your question, as I think it's very important. I think that with proper jurisdiction, you should be able to own venomous snakes. I think there should be a standard for keeping them; such as a locked enclosure, and possibly a training course.
The reason I think they should be legal is because of the question, "where do they make the line?" For example, I own two beautiful American Pit Bull Terriers and a Bull Terrier. The APBTs have been socialized and are under strict behavior. Due to irresponsible owners, my dogs are on the brink of being taken away from me. They're all my wife and I have due to no kids. Yet some people will try to ban my pit, who is scared of cats and birds, yet their dog will attack me, and they say it's ok.
The same people who say ‘you can’t have that snake, might let their dog roam without a leash, possibly attacking someone. The name of the game isn’t what you can have, but what you can take care of.
The restriction shouldn't be put on the animal, but on the owner. Harsh penalties will rule out those who abuse their privileges of owning any animal, any species.
With that being said, maybe someone should prove they have the space and money before buying a caiman alligator, or purchasing a green tree viper. And woe to those who neglect or are irresponsible with the animal at which they said, 'I will be responsible for this'.
Viv brought up a couple additional points Beck had not mentioned:
-- make sure it is legal in your area to own the critter in the first place;
-- make sure the snake is in a locked enclosure for its safety as well as everyone else's.
If kept responsibly (and legally), there really should be no issue.
Thank you all for the replies. I'm glad to hear that you're all open to the idea of keeping such animals - responsibly of course. I definitely agree that one should thoroughly prepare for keeping them, and be able to prove it to a trained professional through such things as courses and perhaps even an inspection of the intended enclosure(s) for the snake(s).
Beckdg, I wasn't meaning to say we needed several people to care for our constrictors in particular, but instead larger specimens such as anaconda/reticulated/burmese.
Viv brought up a couple additional points Beck had not mentioned:
-- make sure it is legal in your area to own the critter in the first place;
-- make sure the snake is in a locked enclosure for its safety as well as everyone else's.
If kept responsibly (and legally), there really should be no issue.
yup, good points indeed.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DeadMoose
TBeckdg, I wasn't meaning to say we needed several people to care for our constrictors in particular, but instead larger specimens such as anaconda/reticulated/burmese.
i didn't think that's what you meant. i just kinda threw that in there. it's not that redtails can't be dangerous. it's just that they're "on the fence". but anyway enough of my rant. lol
Hah it's all good beck. I just wanted to clear up any confusion. I appreciate your knowledge and input
Nice pics vivweaver. I've always found venomous snakes to be fascinating ever since I saw a gaboon viper at a local pet store when I was little. I'd love to keep one but I greatly fear being bitten even if I was properly trained and prepared for housing such an animal, especially after seeing through the years what can happen after being bitten (as is shown in that last pic). I definitely wouldn't be able to afford the hospital bill for such an incident.
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