New born rattlers

[jeanette]

Wise words indeed. What's your suggestion to those of us, who simply don't know anybody who keeps them? Well, at least not anybody who could show you how to do things correctly.

its hard to find a mentor in the keeping of venomous snakes. most hots keepers are a close mouthed group, this isnt due to ignorence, but like all sane people out there (and i think most people on here would agree) they dont want all those thrill seekers deciding handling a venomous snake for kicks would be the latest thing.
if you want to handle venomous snakes then some shops that have venomous will know quite a few keepers, this would be the best way to go. ive had offers to go and observe and then work up to handling but either im too chicken at present or im more into self preservation lol.
handling hots is always dangerous even when you are experienced all venomous keepers will tell you this. maybe one day i will take the plunge, im not ready for that step yet.

[adamanteus]

Very wise, Jeanette. I have some experience with venomous snakes, and I can honestly say the single biggest danger is complacency. Too easy to get 'cocky'.

[Garter_Gertie]

There is no way I'd ever hand a vemenous - can't even pronounce the word - snake. Those of you that do, fine. But not me. I can take non-vemenous now w/o batting an eye. But there is no way I will ever deal with a vemenous snake. And I don't think they're pretty - I am not fond of things [like those kind'a snakes] that have the propensity to kill me. More power to you guys that have and do mess with them. Have at'er.

[Loren]

Just want to point out that "handling" venomous does not nesesarilly mean touching the animal with hands, but rather working with them with the proper tools, and only as much as required to care for the animal.
There are few reasons to actually touch a venomous snake, and they are rare. Otherwise, no part of your body should ever be within their possible reach.

[Zephyr]

There is no way I'd ever hand a vemenous - can't even pronounce the word - snake. Those of you that do, fine. But not me. I can take non-vemenous now w/o batting an eye. But there is no way I will ever deal with a vemenous snake. And I don't think they're pretty - I am not fond of things [like those kind'a snakes] that have the propensity to kill me. More power to you guys that have and do mess with them. Have at'er.

VENOM-ous? :P

[Garter_Gertie]

VENOM-ous? :P

That's what I said. I can't even pronounce the word. (shudder)

[Stefan-A]

its hard to find a mentor in the keeping of venomous snakes. most hots keepers are a close mouthed group, this isnt due to ignorence, but like all sane people out there (and i think most people on here would agree) they dont want all those thrill seekers deciding handling a venomous snake for kicks would be the latest thing.
if you want to handle venomous snakes then some shops that have venomous will know quite a few keepers, this would be the best way to go. ive had offers to go and observe and then work up to handling but either im too chicken at present or im more into self preservation lol.
handling hots is always dangerous even when you are experienced all venomous keepers will tell you this. maybe one day i will take the plunge, im not ready for that step yet.

No shops here have venomous snakes. Nothing more venomous than garters, anyway. The problem isn't that I wouldn't know how to contact someone with venomous snakes, they're not that hard to find. I just don't know anybody who would be interested in teaching a noob.

[Bay_area]

No shops here have venomous snakes. Nothing more venomous than garters, anyway. The problem isn't that I wouldn't know how to contact someone with venomous snakes, they're not that hard to find. I just don't know anybody who would be interested in teaching a noob.

Then you are not in the right circles right now. Therefore, it is not meant to be. Experience goes along way. It is like someone that reads all the books on how to swing a baseball bat. Until he gets out there & does it & is coached by someone with experience, he will not master the art of swinging the bat. With venomous snakes, there is no room for mistakes.

The best book for those that want to keep Venomous snakes is; Venomous Snakes in Captivity: Safety and Husbandry, available here;
Venomous Snakes in Captivity: Safety and Husbandry by B. W. Smith (Book) in Pets Read it before you get any venomous snakes
Thanks, Jerry

[Stefan-A]

Then you are not in the right circles right now. Therefore, it is not meant to be.

I've never subscribed to that theory.

[adamanteus]

I've never subscribed to that theory.

Me neither. I think some people have the right attitude and approach.... and some.... don't.
Personal 'hands-on' (not literally) experience can't be taught, or bought. There's only one way to get experience.....
That said, some people should never try, while others should.