BillowyArachnid0803
New member
I’m looking for a mentor in PA. A little bit about me - I’m an invertebrate “breeder.” I breed jumping spiders (multiple native and non native species) Latrodectus, feeder insects & isopods and I’m looking to get into tarantulas soon. I’ve been working with spiders for over 10 years. I also keep reptiles. I’m very particular with care even with the smallest members of my collection and do my best to replicate their natural environment. I have four (non-venomous) snakes and two bearded dragons. I have a whole list of reptiles and snakes I’d like in the future and my biggest goal is to start a reptile rescue when I feel that I am ready.
I’ve never thought about keeping venomous snakes until the past 12-18 months. I’ve been doing a ton of research, watching videos and lurking on some venomous subs/online communities and have become quite interested in keeping them in the future. I’m mostly however interested in smaller species like bush and pit vipers but would be thrilled to learn to work with just about any of them.
Being in PA (as far as I’ve seen) I believe I can just get a venomous snake without any permits/licensing/experience but that’s absolutely not something I believe is a smart move. I know the venomous community can be pretty closed off and for good reason… there are a lot of people that don’t understand the respect venomous animals deserve and get into this type of thing to show off or for their own egos and I’m sure it ends badly every time.
I know venomous spiders are not the same as snakes but working with them has at least taught me to give them the respect they deserve and to have a healthy fear of and relationship with them. I don’t do anything stupid or quickly. I’d absolutely love the opportunity to be mentored by someone with a lot of experience. The wisdom and experience of a mentor would be absolutely invaluable to me and I’d be willing to do anything to help out just to gain some experience as well. Would love the chance to work with an experienced keeper/breeder so if anyone in PA (or close surrounding areas like MD/DE/NJ) needs extra help or would like to mentor, I’d love to talk! I’ve been fortunate enough to turn my hobby into a working business so I control my schedule and have the time.
Thanks!
I’ve never thought about keeping venomous snakes until the past 12-18 months. I’ve been doing a ton of research, watching videos and lurking on some venomous subs/online communities and have become quite interested in keeping them in the future. I’m mostly however interested in smaller species like bush and pit vipers but would be thrilled to learn to work with just about any of them.
Being in PA (as far as I’ve seen) I believe I can just get a venomous snake without any permits/licensing/experience but that’s absolutely not something I believe is a smart move. I know the venomous community can be pretty closed off and for good reason… there are a lot of people that don’t understand the respect venomous animals deserve and get into this type of thing to show off or for their own egos and I’m sure it ends badly every time.
I know venomous spiders are not the same as snakes but working with them has at least taught me to give them the respect they deserve and to have a healthy fear of and relationship with them. I don’t do anything stupid or quickly. I’d absolutely love the opportunity to be mentored by someone with a lot of experience. The wisdom and experience of a mentor would be absolutely invaluable to me and I’d be willing to do anything to help out just to gain some experience as well. Would love the chance to work with an experienced keeper/breeder so if anyone in PA (or close surrounding areas like MD/DE/NJ) needs extra help or would like to mentor, I’d love to talk! I’ve been fortunate enough to turn my hobby into a working business so I control my schedule and have the time.
Thanks!