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Old 05-11-2004, 01:16 PM   #1
Mustangrde1
The Elite Myth & So you want to get trained

Seamus asked me to post this on the elite but after reading it and the thread that generated the request I thought it was a good hand in hand to another article i wrote so here is both.

THE ELITE MYTH.....

Venomous keepers have had a reputation I have heard and seen misconstrued by many people of them being “Elite”. Something I have thought about for a while and just really sunk in this weekend in speaking with a good friend.

I thought maybe a look in to some of what Venomous Keepers do and the lifestyles related to our venomous charges might help the other reptile keepers understand us better.

We are not elite or above anyone, In fact many of us started with non-venomous and still keep them in our collections. Just like many in the hobby we breed them sell them collect them. From Boa Constrictors to Corn Snakes time and effort is put in to each individual animal with the same love and compassion.

Where we stand apart in the minority of the hobby is we keep the highly deadly creatures by term of venom. I sometimes find that amusing because once you get past the mystic of venom they are but another reptile. Large constrictors as well as crocodilian are fully capable of killing a person just as dead. Large Varanus are capable of inflicting disfiguring bites. All these animals have something in common they are all capable of inflicting major damage to the keeper if certain safety protocols are not in place. Yet many people keep them and find them rather simple and harmless to work with. Many Venomous Keepers find their animals simple to work with as well. This is from the time and experience put in to them just like the time and effort large constrictor, crocodilian ball python or even corn snake keepers put in to their charges.

This by no means should encourage that anyone should go out and purchase a venomous reptile because they can handle aggressive non-venomous species. In fact I discourage it strongly to minors or persons with small children. Many venomous keepers seriously have altered their houses or at least one room to be completely escape proof and invested large amounts of time and money in the remodeling of the room and cages.

If we can use the State of Florida for an example as to the degree one must put in to learning and education they must obtain before being allowed to own a venomous reptile I think it will show some what of the cost some venomous keepers must face.

The Law in Florida is in brief that a person must have no less than 1 year not to be less than 1000 hours in the “Care, Feeding, Handling, Husbandry of the species for which the permit is sought.” With this in mind most persons who wish to go through the process and obtain their Venomous Reptiles Permit” VRL” do so as volunteers with persons who own the species that the trainee wishes some day own.

As volunteers by nature are NOT paid for their time and efforts it is done at the expense of the trainee. If one was to look at the potential cost for this training it shows a very high level of commitment and personal cost. Factoring in that the average pet shop employee is making for sake of argument $7.00 and hour then over the training period of 1000 hours it equates to $7,000.00 of the trainees time. Factoring in the for other expenses such as gas and food during training of another $1,000.00 and then looking at the high probability that the trainee purchases literature and or does web research we can easily factor in another $ 2,000.00 in time and publications. Now we can not forget caging, Venomous reptiles require locking escape proof caging and most keepers go with high dollar cages for piece of mind such as Vision, Neodesha , Precision and the like. The price on these cages and other caging needs can easily reach $1,000.00. So we are looking at a potential out of pocket expense of $11,000.00 for that first venomous snake.

Ok so some of you are saying no way. Well think about it how, much are you paid an hour at work? Or how much have you spent on caging or reptile related products and books? It is a very real number when factoring it all in to account. That is one hell of an expensive first snake and I didn’t even factor in the animals cost or actual cost for permits.

Training is always a difficult prospect in the aspect you must first locate someone to train you. This can be a very difficult task and one that may lend to the “Elite” misconception people perhaps view Venomous keepers in that light because many when approached refuse to help train. This can be explained in that the financial responsibilities if a trainee were to be bitten can be great. Also many of these people are afraid of taking on persons who may not have the right attitude for handling potentially lethal creatures. Others may just not want people knowing fully what is in their collection and are worried that if it was known animals could be stolen or the potential trainee decides to start bringing friends over to show off, which again lends to financial responsibility to the owner of the animals. Some of these people just like to be left alone as well.

Now if you are able to locate a person willing to train you. You should feel very comfortable with this person at all times. Your life is in his/her hands as their life is in yours. Unlike dealing with non-venomous where a bite be it painful it is not going to be disfiguring or fatal. Some persons who have started training have stopped do to the harshness of the trainer. The seriousness of the trainer is viewed as well as “Elite” which in fact is not. It is however from experience and knowledge of the species and their potential dangers much stricter in discipline. Working with dangerous species be them Venomous reptiles Large constrictor, Varanus species, Crocodilians or even Big Cats or other large Carnivores does require much more attention to safety and a seriousness not associated with species that are considered less dangerous to humans.

Working with all the above animals is never and should never be allowed by novice persons with no experience in the nature or habits of the animals involved. All animal have certain predictable traits within the species but each animal’s temperament and attitude can vary greatly within the same species including siblings / clutch mates. This is where training comes in with experienced persons in their prospective fields or hobbies. A good trainer can make you aware of the natural traits of similarity and prepare you for the surprises that can also be found within the species. These people have seen many things and have learned to deal with them as they arise. In speaking to many persons who have delt with animals categorized as “Dangerous” one thing I have found is the overwhelming importance of remaining calm under all conditions.

In some peoples minds a very calm attitude is perceived as “Elite” this is not true at all. It is in fact something gained over years of experience in working with particular species. In some cases however people are seen doing highly dangerous acts with very dangerous animals. Keep in mind this is not an “Elite” attitude. Many of the acts you see on television or in a circus or other amusement arena are under highly controlled circumstances. There are many safety protocols and large crews on hand for added safety. These are shows designed to gain ratings or bring in the general public for profit.

Free Handling of venomous snakes is another example of why people think of venomous keepers as “Elite” This is not a wise idea by any stretch of the imagination. In fact many venomous keepers frown on this activity. Again this is done in many cases with extreme safety protocols in place. Or devenomised reptiles being used. This action and these animals are in fact a danger to our hobby in a whole in many ways. But that’s for other discussions.

It really comes down to the keeper’s attitude as perceived by others. I have read and met many keepers of numerous species not just reptiles that do have an “elite” attitude and for myself have no respect for these people or their followers. It is these people and their mental aspect that they are “Elite” and better then everyone else that gives any hobby or group within hobby bad names. Venomous keepers are no better or worse then any other group of persons. The major difference however is the overwhelming amount of personal time and research we must for our safety put in to certain aspects of our hobby.

Not to take away from any one group or add to any one group. It is just any group of persons dealing with a potentially dangerous animal or hobby does have to put a little more in to it then a group of people not working with potentially dangerous activities.

If you look at driving for instance it is required that a person must obtain a license and pass a test under supervision. Driving is a dangerous activity and thus is regulated. Venomous reptile keeping is becoming more and more regulated. Because of these laws I see more people will soon be coming to current keepers and asking for help. Remember to respect and listen to these teachers and their advice. Remember they are not gods or “Elite” in any way but like their counterparts in other dangerous hobbies they have the experience needed.

Many people like placing pictures of them and their animals on the web or in magazines. General perception of any “Dangerous” animal and their handlers is viewed as by some crazy or persons with large egos or other opinions based on lack of understanding of the person or time they have spent learning about that particular species. You can hear it in a crowd or even read it on the net and much of what you hear or read comes off as “Elite” Again this is not true it is something anyone can do with proper training and understanding of the species. I have never bungee jumped but I am sure with proper training and advice I could.

If a person has the right mentality and the reflexes to handle and work with these animals and in some cases that sixth since to predict them before they act it does not make them better or worse the anyone else and certainly does not make them “Elite.” Venomous reptile keeping is certainly not for everyone and not everyone should own or work with them. Just like working with the large carnivores is not for everyone.

So you want to get trained....

Welcome to Hot Elementary School


Kindergarten

This is your beginning in hot keeping. Day 1 of training for keeping of venomous reptiles when you get acquainted with the tools of the trade. The snakes hook they come in all shapes and sizes from little collapsible that are no more than 6 inches to massive python hooks up to 8 feet long. Snake probes that look like your mothers knitting needless. Snake tubes plastic tubes for placing snakes in for safe handling that look more suitable for holding paper towels or toilet paper then putting snakes in. Tongs for grabbing snakes that make you think your going out picking up trash in a park rather then picking up snakes. Ha you thought on day one you would be handling the animals think again. You have to be good at the tools of the trade and comfortable with them on nonvenomous snakes before getting close to the real animals.

First Grade.

As you trainer says are you ready for some fun today and your eyes are bright and bulging starring at the hot room and dreams of working with venomous snakes are bouncing through your head. You teacher says the ball python cages are dirty and need cleaning as do all the other nonvenomous animals. Your heart sinks and your nose curls as you relies that this is not going to be a quick deal to work with venomous but a long slow process where you will be putting in your dues.
Your teacher walks out with you and says every cage needs to be cleaned and every animal needs to be treated as though it were HOT and you must use the proper tools to safely remove them out of the cage and place them in a safety container. Then you must clean the cages and replace the animal using the same safety procedures.
At this point your thinking I am this guys slave just for cleaning cages and am never going to get to handle the venomous I want to.

Second Grade.

After several weeks of properly under supervision of your trainer cleaning cages you hear him / her say OK today we work with the hots. Your heart stops your eyes bulge and you think finally I get to work with them. He walks toward the hot room you hot on his heals and he stops you at the door and says you stand here. He then walks in and opens a Cobras cage. You are thinking all right my turns coming and he says here go clean this cage and repaper it. Back to cage cleaner you go. All day long you repeat this procedure watching him over and over remove the animals himself you wish to work with and handing you the cage to clean.
This goes on for several weeks you watching him handling. You are thinking why did I even want to learn from this guy or why do I even want to be here if I cant handle the snakes myself. I am just a cage cleaner for this person but I do get to at least see the snakes.

Third Grade.

Finally after several months of cage cleaning you walk in and he says sit down we need to talk. You are wondering what is going on what have I done wrong my teacher looks so serious and is wanting to have a sit down, here goes my training I have pissed him off or something.
He says ok Joe/Jane. What have you learned in the last few months? You pause and think, You say well I have learned how to use Tongs and Hooks so many times cleaning cages that its like an appendage of my own body. I have learned how to get the snakes out of their cages without getting bit. I can smell a dirty tank at 50 paces or a regurge at 100 yards. Your trainer says OK have you been bit since you started using the tools here or at home? You think No, I no longer just reach in to a cage without thinking. Your trainer ask Are your own cages kept cleaner now? You think yes they are I can now smell them when they are dirty and IM more alert to cleaning them on site also. Your trainer ask do you just open cages now without looking first? You stop and think NO i now look for the animal in all cages before opening.
Congratulations Mr. Cage Cleaner without your knowledge your trainer broke the bad habits that could have got you killed. You now look before opening a cage. You now use the proper tools for handling. You now pay more attention in what your about to do instead of just reaching in and grabbing the animal to do what's needed.

Your keeper say OK today we need to sex some animals today you get some hands on training. Your thinking to yourself hot dog I get to get some animals out and probe them and handle them. As you and your trainer walk towards the door he stops you again and says wait here. He walks in the room and opens up an Eastern Diamond Backs cage and hooks the animal out. Your thinking OK very dangerous for two people to be in the room he is going to bring it out here for me to work with. As you watch in disbelief as he manipulates it in to a tube and then picks it up and says OK go ahead and probe it.

Fourth Grade.

Well, now you are at least getting to touch the venomous reptiles even though you have probably probed many snakes of your own. You watch your trainer get out many snakes for probing. You see him carefully open the boxes/cages they are in being sure to keep his body parts away from the strike range of the animals. You watch him take his time with the animals to manipulate them in to the tubes.
After doing this for some time he says to you OK come in the room. You are going OK now IM going to what sweep the floor mop it maybe or get clean some of the empty cages after all I am The Great Cage Cleaner.
Your thinking man I have been doing this for 4 months now and the closest I get is to their poop or the poop shoot. When out of the blue your trainer says OK open that box up over there its all yours. Your eyes light up your heart jumps a beat your thinking finally I GET TO GET ONE OUT. you go over to the box and open it up as you trainer says how did the bite on your finger feel because you stuck your fingers under the lid when opening. You look at him and say "I did not get bit." He says look in the box and you see its empty except for a plastic snake ad your thinking "What the hell." You look at your trainer and relies he fooled you! Or did he? He said how did the bite feel and you relies You did put your fingers under the lid and had it been real you would have been bit. You let your emotion and anxiousness get you in trouble. You relies had it been real you would now be on your way to the hospital.
You just received a very valuable lesson in never getting ahead of yourself because your so eager to see or work with an animal. The animal not going place so there is never a reason for you not to take things slow and matriculas with deliberate actions and purpose.

Fifth Grade

Your come in after that major eye opening experience and are wondering what is going to be next. I really blew it with that cage opening I could have been bit. I didn't look first to see where the animal was I didn't use proper technique in opening the cage. I was to excited about getting to work with the animal and broke every rule I had learned. You trainer looks at you and says what are you thinking about as he sees your thinking hard. You tell him and he says." You are now starting to show the maturity and thought needed to see your own mistakes so you do not make them again."
He tells you not to dwell on your mistakes but to learn from them now when they don't kill you. He says OK lets go back in the room. He points to a box and says it needs to be cleaned. You go over and look inside and see what appears to be a live snake in it, but the box is to cloudy to tell which species so you place it on a counter and pop the lid so its still on but never opened. you then reach for a small hook and open it. You had on your mind the disaster from before and do not want to risk it again especially knowing there is a live snake in this box! As you use the hook to open the box lid you see what appears to be Lataste's Viper "Vipera latastei". You are in heaven finally I get to work with a hot even if its just the repetition of taking the animal out and placing it in a safety holding container to clean the cage. You reach in with the hook carefully remove the viper and place it in the hold container. You go about cleaning the cage and changing the water. Then you replace the snake in the container and put the lid back on. As you do it you feel a sharp pain and relies you had your fingers under the lip of the lid and have been bit. You turn in a state of shock and look at your trainer and tell him you just got bit. He looks at you in a funny glare and says You were so excited to have been working with the animal you forgot that placing a lid on is just as dangerous as taking one off. Fortunately what you thought to be the Lataste's Viper "Vipera latastei" was just a very nice Solomon's Island Ground Boa "Candoia ssp". One though that looks very similar to the deadly Lataste's Viper "Vipera latastei."
Another important lesson learned today in patents and attentiveness. One that caused some pain and blood this time but at least it wasn't fatal.

Sixth Grade.

You have learned now how to clean cages, You have learned from your mistakes that not being patent and not thinking ahead can be painful if not down right deadly. You need to look back over these last six months or so and think to yourself is it worth it to proceed? Do I really want to work with animals that can with one mistake take my life or disfigure me?
At this point in your training you have learned much, you relies there is more to keeping venomous reptiles then just sticking them in a cage and throwing in food once in a while.
After reflection of what you have seen and learned you still want to proceed with your training. You know there is no substitute for safety and awareness of your surroundings and that you must always maintain a calm and collected thought train to what your doing never letting emotions dictate how you handle or work with the animals.

Just like in School you have to learn, sometimes learning is not fun and sometimes it is. Looking back over your grade school introduction to venomous reptiles you have learned the very basics ones you probably already had knowledge of. How to use a hook, how to use tongs, How to use tubes, How to clean cages. But now your trainer has forced you to use the tools more then you ever would have for your own collection of nonvenomous reptiles. He/She has taught you safety through repetition. Having a hook in your hand is now just and extension of your own hand. You are so comfortable with a hook or tong that is second nature. Your nose has developed in to a sharply tuned crap smeller. Your eyes have become safety tools for noticing things out of place or out of the ordinary. Your Brain now thinks about all places in a cage an animal can use to hide from site before you open it. Safety is always on your mind. You have learned all these things but more importantly you have developed a more mature and mental understanding of the animals and yourself.
Congratulation the elementary levels have been learned.

The Middle School

Seventh Grade

Today you walk in to and your trainer says its time for you to get to know the hot room. He says go one in and I will be there in a moment. You have learned from the past that training is never as simple as that and you open the door and look in and see on the floor a box that looks like a lid was popped open. What do you do? The box could have had a snake in it and now its out! You error on the side of caution and tell your trainer about what you just observed. He says good IM glad you didn't go in the room although I did place it there to see your reaction.
So now the two of you go in and he says today we go over the basics of a hot room. First thing is to make certain all cages are of a locking nature or secured to prevent escapes. The room itself should be completely escape proof with a locking door and any vents should be screened to prevent escape. You should know where all tools you need are located at all times and the floor kept clear of debris as well as the counter tops. A ll the cages should be properly marked and labeled to what species is in them. An emergency protocol book should be handy and all emergency numbers posted. Emergency lighting set up in case of a power outage.
Your trainer says familiarize yourself with everything in the room. He then hands you the protocol book for you to see what's in it.
A list of all species that is kept is list in this book along with the species is where they are from what their habitat is their prey and importantly the type of antivenin needed in case of a bite along with where to obtain it. All the phone numbers of other keepers in your area are listed as well as Miami Dade Fire Rescue and Poison Control. There are also papers in their on treatment for bites for each of the species kept. You notice a "DNR"order Do Not Resuscitate order and a living will. Also is the keepers full medical records. All of these things are important to have in this book in the event of a bite. They will help the hospital in better treating a bite when it occurs.

"My own DNR/LIVING WILL specifically states that I do not wish to be saved if I cannot live a high quality of life after a bite. I spelled out very specifically what I felt was quality of life. I do not wish to be a vegetable or burden on my spouse. I also states in there that only My wife and my best friend who is also a qualified paramedic and one of the finest snake keepers are to make any and all decisions on my medical care and wishes in the event IM not capable of making them. I know many hospitals are not qualified do to lack of understanding of snake bites to make these important determinations. And felt that it is best to leave those decisions in the qualified minds of people who understand venomous reptiles and what occurs post bite"

Now that you have done all this your trainer says OK we have a few cages need attention today. He pulls out some boxes and says OK your turn. You look around and see the animal at the far end of the cage and pop the lid and use a hook to lift it. Inside you see a small copperhead.
You use your hook to remove the snake and place it in a secure container and clean its cage and water it and place a small hopper in.
You then replace the snake and using the hook to slide the lid back on and push it down to secure it. You move on to the next cage and the next cage the same way checking each one first.
Finally your working with venomous species though they are small and relatively harmless copperheads at least you now getting hands on training. You are deep in to concentration of what your doing when you here a crash from behind after you just put the last box away what do you do? As you turn and relies that the rack holding the black mambas just fell! 12 baby black mambas just hit the ground. Scary prospects isn't it? At this point instinct should hopefully take in and you grab a hook along side your trainer and look to be certain all the containers are still in tact and no shoestrings of death got out. Yes, it was nerve racking but all is OK and no escapes happened. This is a very valuable lesson in calm and taking in what happened what needs to be done and how important it is that when working in a hot room to know your surroundings and tool placement and where other persons are. Inside that room your life and that of any person in it is in your hands.

Eighth Grade

A joyful time has arrived many news specimens just arrived and they need to be unpacked. Unlike when your at home and get in new animals these are venomous and deadly. So no reaching in with your hands. Your trainer explains to you that when you open each crate to be very careful as snakes might have escaped their bags. You open each box up and carefully with a hook move bags around to insure no escapes. Your trainer then uses a pair of tongs to carefully remove each bag and place it on a counter top. He tells you to prepare cages and fill a trash can with some water. You ask him why the trash can with water. He explains these animals need to soak and get rehydrated. after preparing the trash can and cages he pulls the bag flat with a pair of hemostats and places a hook securely between the knot and the snake and unties the bag. Then with the bag untied he uses two hemostats to pic up the bag and place it in the trash can to allow the animal to go directly in. Wow a Cobra.
After letting the animal soak its time to put it in the cage and put him away. Remember to label the cage so you know its a cobra or whatever species.
On to the next bag its obviously a heavy bodied animal that his huffing and puffing. You watch your trainer perform the same procedure with the hemostats and hook then see the bag jump and two very large fangs blow through the bags. You relies that had a part of anyone's body been on it they would now be envenomated by a viper. After the shock of what has happened your trainer dumps it in the trash can to soak and you see this outstanding Gaboon Viper. It should settle in how deadly this animal is and what would have happened had it bitten through the bag.
Though bags offer some protection a snake can and will bite through one and unfortunately people have been bit during this very dangerous time of unpacking animals.

Ninth Grade

After the day before and the mental and visual lessons you just learned with the knowledge someday you will be the one having to do these exact same procedures as yourself again "Is it worth it to keep venomous."
OK you know today the animals are going to need to be medicated and inspected for external parasites and quarantined from the general population. This is a very dangerous day as you know that oral medication mean dealing with the business end of the animals. You and your trainer are in the room and HE/SHE is getting out the animals for proper medications to be administered. You watch as he pins a cobra and inserts a tube in its mouth as it chomps down on the tube and venom starts flowing his fingers only inches from those fangs and a sure bite with one slip. He/She moves on to the Gaboon Viper pinning the head and as he lifts it bites down sending its own fangs through its bottom jaw missing his finger by millimeters. This is one of the nasty things a viper can do and improper placement of a finger will get you bit as sure as the sun rises in the East. One Hundred percent concentration is needed for dealing with animals on this level and an understanding of proper handling. It should be said that unless it is absolutely needed NEVER handle a venomous reptiles with your hands. Quarantine time!

Many people have asked me about quarantines, So I thought I would share what works for me. Hope it helps.

This is the method I have found to work best for the safety of myself and well being of my animals. Remember a new animal that is not QUARANTINED can bring in unwanted pest and disease that can be fatal to your entire collection.

Remember NEVER under any circumstances place a new arrival in the general population of your other animals.
This is very tempting for most people to do but the contagiousness of certain virus that reptiles can spread to one another it can prove fatal to not only the carrier species but also other species in your collection.
Also if an animal has external parasites such as Mites or Tic's these parasites do have legs and will travel to other members of your collection thus infesting the entire collection.

First thing I want to say is remember to wash your hands before and after you handle the new arrival for both your protection and the protection of the animal. I always Clean my hands with an Antibacterial Soap first then rinse with water then re-rinse with Alchol.I also use surgical gloves for handling the new arrival.

Step 1 Arrival. Inspect the container the animal has arrived in for mites, tick's and any other external parasites.

If any external parasites are present in the container it is safe to assume they are definitely on the animal. At this point I would take the animal out and put it directly in to a plastic container and throw out all the packaging material in an outside trash can. Also spray the trash can with some type of bug spray.
After the container has been disposed of I would take the snake and run warm water over it rubbing the animal as to remove as many parasites as possible.
After thoroughly rinsing the animal place it in clean bag and begin setting up its container.
For an animal that has been confirmed to have parasites I suggest using a product such as "Proven o Mite" this can be purchased offline or at a pet shop that specializes in reptiles.
I have found it best to spray the entire container and lid and allow to set for 10 minutes. Then place clean unprinted newspaper in the bottom and lightly spray again allow 10 minutes to pass then place the waterbowl and reptile in.

Step 2 Inspect the animal for any crust around the cloaca and mucus around the mouth.

If any Crust or Mucus is found it can be a sign of enteral problems such as an Upper Respiratory Infection or Fecal impactions just to name a few.
At this point It is best to get the animal directly to a Vet for treatment. " BE SURE TO KEEP ALL MEDICAL RECORDS" I will explain why later.

Step 3 Place the snake in a new clean Bag and take to Veterinarian.
Do this regardless if the animal looks healthy upon arrival. There can be problems that only a vet can detect through X-ray or his knowledge of reptiles.

Step 4 After the vet has given the snake a clean bill of health take the animal and put it in a sterile plastic box with paper for substrate.
Again I still recommend using the "Provent o Mite " just in case the animal had parasitic eggs that were missed.

Step 5 on the 7th day feed the animal.
I advise waiting the 7 days as to allow the animal to acclimate and adjust to its new environment and settle from any stresses the animal may have had.
Feedings will of course vary on animal and species so a best rule is to use your knowledge of the species you are working with.

Step 6 on the 30th day take the snake to the Vet for another health check.
Again keep all records of these transactions.


Remember you must clean the tank and waterbowl every day of the quarantine period. I always use the 90 day quarantine method for safety and health of my collection.

I suggest using a dishwasher for the cleaning of the quarantine tank, water bowl and food dish.

I understand this seams to be an extreme amount of work and detail but if you have a large collection the cost of not being careful in monetary value can be in the Thousands of dollars. Now think of the psychological impact on you and your family at the loss of a pet.
In my opinion the cost and time taken to protect both you and your animal is well worth it in the long run. Keeping in mind these animals can lead a long and productive life if taken care of properly from day one.

Now as to why keep all vet records. It is sad to say but their are dishonest persons in the business of selling reptiles. If you do aquire an animal that has ANY problems immediately e-mail the person you purchased the animal from. Keep all records of E-mails from the original agreement to purchase to any problems you have had. If the person is reputable they should be willing to help you with the cost of your vet bill or credit you to purchases in the future. Keep in mind that just because they have a Terms of Service" TOS" does not mean you do not have recourse. Many states now have laws regarding selling animals not in quality health. These are know as Lemon Laws and are enforceable.
However in all fairness reptiles if not cared for can have health issues surface very rapidly at no fault of the seller. If you have a Vet check immediately it will prevent most problems you may have if there are any signs of ill health.

Again the same applies to Pet Shops if that is where you purchased from, Despite some of them trying to tell you they have a NO refund or Health guarantee there are some legal precedence that you can use in certain states if they sold you a lemon. Also Pet Store Employee's are for the most part there to play with the animals and in many cases have little or no practical knowledge. Do your research first and do not let them tell you falsehoods or myths.

Reptiles if not cared for properly can and will go down hill fast. It is your obligation to them to Know everything possible before even purchasing one. You must be able to also properly care for the animal once you have received it.


High School

Tenth Grade

Wow its been 8 months of learning and seeing things that should make you stop and think a few hundred times if its worth it to keep venomous reptiles.
At this point you should be able to clean cages and work the tools like they have always been part of your body. You should have and instinct about you that heads of danger where the average person would not see it. You have developed a since of awareness of your surroundings and a calm about you and deliberate action when working with the animals.
You should be working now with the species you wish to own and reading about them constantly. Contacting other keepers and asking questions about the animal/animals. Your trainer should be instructing you on the fine points of the husbandry of the species.

Eleventh Grade

Time to start the at homework. Setting up your hotroom, Getting your cage ready. With the cage don't skimp out and get cheap you have spent almost a year of your life now studying and learning about the animal. With so much time already dedicated to this get them a nice cage. Take the time to set it up nice with hidden hide boxes water dishes lighting and "LOCKS," be sure to get your emergency protocol set up and start contacting local hospitals and find a doctor who will be willing to treat you if your bit with knowledge. Take the time to set an appointment with him and give him a copy of your protocol book and discuss it fully and always keep him updated on what species you keep. Inform the local fire department as well in case they are ever needed. It is also a good idea to meet your local police officers and let them know as well. Some may ask why your telling them but if a 911 call goes out many times police respond or if your out of town and your house is broken in to they will be responding. If the criminals have let out a venomous reptile you don't want the officer to get bit. Being responsible is a major part of hot keeping and that extends to person who may have to enter your house in an emergency.

The Senior Graduation.
Now is time to look back one last time and reflect on everything you have seen and the inherit dangers of working with venomous snakes. Ask yourself one last time is it worth it?
After 1 year and accumulating 1000 hours of training "I use Florida's permitting system" it is time to get you permit. You need to have documented proof of One full year at least with dates and times of area/areas you received your training. You need to have documented proof of 1000 hours minimum to accompany that year signed off by your trainer. You must have two letters of recommendation as well and be able to provide proof and knowledge in the Care, Feeding, Handling and Husbandry. All this has to be in triplicate and sent to Tallahassee for review.
After they review it they forward on to their field officers for an inspection of your premises. If all goes well you will now be mailed your venomous reptile license" VRL".

This is by no way meant to be a training guide for anyone. It is merely some of what a person might go through if they wish to obtain a venomous reptile. Proper training is crucial for safety. I used the school mentality as it is a simple way to keep tabs of a process.
 
Old 06-16-2004, 03:17 PM   #2
A3reptiles.com
WOW. . . thats alot of reading. . .good info though
 

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