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Keeping Hots
Venomous snakes are some of the most interesting creatures to behold in herpetoculture. They should also be respected, both in and out of the wild. They are not your average snake. Anybody interested in collecting them should have some strong herp skills and knowledge before considering them to be placed in a captive situation. Also it is a good idea to have some time spent with other hot keepers for good information and experience on the potential danger these animals possess. Having time handling them in the field in an outdoor and natural environment is almost surely needed. They are not something you go and buy to be "cool" or to have something to show of with, they are extremely dangerous and have killed even experienced herpers in the past.
When keeping hots, one should relize that captive situations are very different from that of the wild, and potentially more dangerous. There is less room for error. Everything has to be monitored and double-checking all safety measures is to be acknowledged. Simply placing a hot in a cage without knowing it will do it's fulfilled job is asking for death to come knock on your door. Keep the cages locked, strongly. During any feeding time forceps should be used and your full concentration must be on the task at hand! This applies anytime the snakes are to be handled (Not free hand), as in tank cleanings, etc. Being focused is a must.
Take a good amount of time and seriously consider excactly what you are doing when you invite one of these creatures to share space with you (and possibly others) in your home. This is only a task left for those with respect for the snake and the understanding that is needed to comply with the responsiblity it takes to care for one.
This is the bite account of a friend of mine. He was bit by C. l. klauberi, the Banded Rock Rattlesnake. I want folks to read this to help understand the seriousness of what can, and more than likely will happen when keeping hots. Do not believe that nothing will happen, this will be your first mistake. Take precaution and good luck if you so choose to collect a venomous species.
Beau Medlar
© 2003 Ophidia Fanaticus
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