Torn about keeping venomous....

I am so torn about getting a venomous snake. Strictly for show only i would want one. But i always said to myself i will not move over to venomous no matter if its a Vine snake or whatever. But im looking at some of these Cobras and they would be an AMAZING addition. And some of these other beauties. Rhinoceros Viper is BEAUTIFUL. Even some of these morph rattlesnakes are beautiful. A Gaboon is great. eh....i dont know....so torn about this. Not that i am planning on handling them all the time except to clean the enclosureand feed it and THATS it. I heard of venomoid snakes which is a great option but i dont see they have a huge selection of snakes that have been operated on and i hear they wont allow you to bring in your own snake. I dont know how true it is..eh...anyways....anyone jump in when you want.

The process for getting a venomous license in FL takes some time....and requires that you have a certain amount of experience. First thing to do is get the application and figure out what it takes to get there.

Yeah i know about the legalities for FL. Im just....torn about owning one.

It is often said that finding a mentor and getting some experience prior to ownership is a good idea. Plus it might give you more of an idea of the risks and responsibilities involved as you talk to your mentor.
There are many beautiful critters I could own but choose not to. I know that venomous are not for me.
It's good you are thinking it over, ownership is a commitment.

My point was that the process might help you make your decision - one way or the other. Sometimes having a cobra turn around and climb up the hook is enough to make people reconsider....then again, it could totally sell you on them. Seeing/feeling the power of a baboon strike will fill you with awe (especially when they practically flip over backwards to nail something behind them)....no telling in advance whether it will result in a "gotta have one" or "ummmm, not for me, thanks" response.

When in doubt? dont! Also, you know that fangs Can grow back, right?

Originally Posted by Cat_Eyed_Lady

When in doubt? dont! Also, you know that fangs Can grow back, right?

Venomoid is when the venom producing glands/ducts are surgically altered not the removal of the fangs. It is not always 100% effective much like a vasectomy is not always 100% effective. The fangs are in tact and venomous snakes always have a new set of fangs in development as they break off from time to time. I personally feel the procedure is inhumane (same concept as declawing a cat) and there have been studies done that indicate the procedure may have adverse affects on the snake.

Skanakis, A venomous snake is a lot of responsibility and extremely expensive if kept properly. Keeping such an animal may have many unintended consequences both legal and financial. If you have children then I would not recommend it at all. You are a long way away from being ready for such an animal. As others have stated first you need to find a mentor and garner experience working with venomous snakes. I would also recommend hitting the venomous thread and seeing if anybody has a copy of hots 101 by Allen Hunter (no longer in print) and reading that before you proceed. One last word of advice pertaining to venomous: There are no second chances, one mistake, a lapse in judgement, or becoming to comfortable with the snake can lead to envenomation. The effects of an envenomation can cause complications for you for the rest of your life.

sorry I said anything.