Listerine

[chris-uk]

When we were younger we all did some dumb things. Milking the venomous snake I owned was one of them. I was going to try to use the venom to create a venom-resistant mouse. Before I get criticized for doing that, I know it is a dumb idea and almost definitely would have failed. And to answer your question, no you also need to be licensed to keep venomous snakes in NJ. That's why I will not start up with hots again until I can live in PA, because in PA, anyone can keep hots.

My advice would be to go to university (when you're old enough) and learn how to safely and ethically perform that sort of experiment, rather than just trying it at home because a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.

Given that you've had a number of garter escapes wouldn't you be better off keeping hots in a state where a veterinary inspection of your facilities and a licence are required? After all, imagine that the proximus you recovered yesterday was a cottonmouth, or something more dangerous.

[Greg'sGarters]

My advice would be to go to university (when you're old enough) and learn how to safely and ethically perform that sort of experiment, rather than just trying it at home because a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.

Given that you've had a number of garter escapes wouldn't you be better off keeping hots in a state where a veterinary inspection of your facilities and a licence are required? After all, imagine that the proximus you recovered yesterday was a cottonmouth, or something more dangerous.

No, keeping hots is not the only reason I am moving to PA. Land is cheaper, it is much less crowded, I know people there, more reptile shows, more likely to catch a garter or see cool wildlife, etc. Plus when I do start up with keeping hots again, I won't be using the same cages I use for garters. I would use a different type of cage, one that is much more secure. And just to let you guys know, I plan to major in herpetology in college, and I will not keep hots again until after that.

[Greg'sGarters]

And guys, I do have some experience with handling aggressive snakes already. I started out catching water snakes and working in a pet store with full grown burmese pythons. It's not like I'm just some guy who feels like keeping hots. I wouldn't do it if I didn't think I was ready. And vets don't inspect the house, New Jersey Department of Fish and Wildlife does. And I just don't feel like getting involved with them.

[thamneil]

That isn't "experience". I've spent plenty of time around nippy snakes and wouldn't even dream of keeping a "hot". The only snake that can get you ready for venomous are other venomous. Grow a little older, have a stable career and accommodations, and find a mentor. Working with someone else's specimens is the only preparation that's worth anything. Learn from their mistakes and try not to duplicate them.

[Greg'sGarters]

Well, I've already had a copperhead, I learned to...

1. Not milk it for venom
2. Use a snake hook
3. Always keep my eye on the snake
4. Handle it as little as possible and to only do so when ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY
5. WATCH OUT

And I don't know anybody else with venomous snakes except for my friend John.

[Greg'sGarters]

That isn't "experience".

I don't see how it isn't experience.

[Spankenstyne]

Not the right kind. Ideally you should apprentice under someone experienced (or at a lab/facility) where you will learn the proper procedures and protocols for caging, handling, and what to have ready in the case of emergency. Here's a very limited example: http://pub.extranet.fsu.edu/sites/sa...e%20Safety.pdf

[guidofatherof5]

Not the right kind. Ideally you should apprentice under someone experienced (or at a lab/facility) where you will learn the proper procedures and protocols for caging, handling, and what to have ready in the case of emergency. Here's a very limited example: http://pub.extranet.fsu.edu/sites/sa...e%20Safety.pdf

Agreed.

[thamneil]

Not the right kind. Ideally you should apprentice under someone experienced (or at a lab/facility) where you will learn the proper procedures and protocols for caging, handling, and what to have ready in the case of emergency. Here's a very limited example: http://pub.extranet.fsu.edu/sites/sa...e%20Safety.pdf

Absolutely positively agreed.

[CrazyHedgehog]

What worries me here is:
Your occupation:Head of Reptilian Department at Wild Discoveries.

But you are 15? Shouldn't you be at school?
I know it sounds like everyone is on your back, but they want you to be safe, I am 45, been keeping snakes for nearly 30 years and I still make mistakes, with some snakes there is no room for mistakes!