Wanted LOOKING FOR

[aidan0616]

Unfortunately ladies and gentlemen all we can do is sit back and wait. He will prove us right or wrong. Either he will have his come to Jesus moment, be another fly by nighter and sell off or stick with it. He already has animals and regardless if we all ban together to not sell to him, someone else will. Not everyone uses Fauna, Facebook or other apps for animal sales. Remember people sold Jeff animals even though he free handled.

True

 

[SymbaCat]

True

I really appreciate Titan Exotics for keeping things real and helping me grow through this. If we’re all calm here — you mentioned you’d have done it differently. I’m curious, if you were to move on from rattlesnakes and copperheads, what would you suggest moving to next? Always looking to learn and improve. and not just something less spicy lol Id like specifics Ill do my homework

And other then more time working with what I got for longer its an honest question...
I’m here to be real if you are. If you’re willing to reason and talk, I’m all ears — not here for accusations, just honest conversation and growth.

 

[aidan0616]

I really appreciate Titan Exotics for keeping things real and helping me grow through this. If we’re all calm here — you mentioned you’d have done it differently. I’m curious, if you were to move on from rattlesnakes and copperheads, what would you suggest moving to next? Always looking to learn and improve.

And other then more time working with what I got for longer its an honest question...

Dude you’ve kept them for 3 months you said - that’s not even past a quarantine stage …. You NEED time with them before jumping to a lancehead or a naja. Theres no shortcut for time. There’s such a difference between what you’re keeping now to what you want to keep.

 

[Chris25080]

Unfortunately ladies and gentlemen all we can do is sit back and wait. He will prove us right or wrong. Either he will have his come to Jesus moment, be another fly by nighter and sell off or stick with it. He already has animals and regardless if we all ban together to not sell to him, someone else will. Not everyone uses Fauna, Facebook or other apps for animal sales. Remember people sold Jeff animals even though he free handled.

True but also, we can do our part to make sure his name is known far and wide throughout the community so no one sells to him ever again, at least in the open. Already drafting a FBI post for on Facebook, here and other places to warn sellers of this idiot.

 

[SymbaCat]

Dude you’ve kept them for 3 months you said…. You NEED time with them before jumping to a lancehead or a naja. Theres no shortcut for time. There’s such a difference between what you’re keeping now to what you want to keep.

No, that’s exactly why I’m asking — besides just “give it time,” what specific species would you recommend moving to after that period? I’m not looking to jump straight to a lancehead, gaboon, or even a Naja (definitely not interested in Naja — I know elapids are way out of my league). But something like a cottonmouth? Something native to work up to the kind of snake I ultimately want? I’m serious about learning and progressing safely, so I’d appreciate some real, practical advice.

I still want a lancehead someday, but maybe you were right about having some kind of watchful eye over me so far. I’m really serious about sticking with this, learning properly, and responsibly acquiring more snakes as I grow. I’d appreciate any guidance or advice to help me do this the right way.
I really love snakes again they are kinda the reason Im still here

 

[aidan0616]

No, that’s exactly why I’m asking — besides just “give it time,” what specific species would you recommend moving to after that period? I’m not looking to jump straight to a lancehead, gaboon, or even a Naja (definitely not interested in Naja — I know elapids are way out of my league). But something like a cottonmouth? Something native to work up to the kind of snake I ultimately want? I’m serious about learning and progressing safely, so I’d appreciate some real, practical advice.

I still want a lancehead someday, but maybe you were right about having some kind of watchful eye over me so far. I’m really serious about sticking with this, learning properly, and responsibly acquiring more snakes as I grow. I’d appreciate any guidance or advice to help me do this the right way.

NOW you want to learn… after all these threads lmao. You say you’re “not looking to jump to a lancehead or gaboon” - yet you literally just pissed money away on one that died. After everyone told you it would. Yes. The first thing you’ve said that you might be correct on - maybe a cottonmouth would be good for you. I’m a believer in getting something you actually WANT tho (within reason). But nothing you want - except maybe a cottonmouth is within reason for you. You need to realize that we aren’t trying to come off as dicks. Your “experience” with keep a retic has absolutely nothing to do with hots. None of that transfers over. Your arrogance and unwillingness listen and learn is going to prevent you from growing in this hobby. People have been doing this way longer than you (and me too lmao) and you should always be open to learning. Most of us actually enjoy giving proper advice on the animals we care for. As long as people aren’t arrogant and ignorant to said advice….

 

[SymbaCat]

NOW you want to learn… after all these threads lmao. You say you’re “not looking to jump to a lancehead or gaboon” - yet you literally just pissed money away on one that died. After everyone told you it would. Yes. The first thing you’ve said that you might be correct on - maybe a cottonmouth would be good for you. I’m a believer in getting something you actually WANT tho (within reason). But you need to realize that we aren’t trying to come off as dicks. Your “experience” with keep a retic has absolutely nothing to do with hots. None of that transfers over. Your arrogance and unwillingness listen and learn is going to prevent you from growing in this hobby. People have been doing this way longer than you (and me too lmao) and you should always be open to learning. Most of us actually enjoy giving proper advice on the animals we care for. As long as people aren’t arrogant and ignorant to said advice….

You’re absolutely right — I’ve been stubborn, and I let my eagerness get ahead of my experience. I own that. I know I made mistakes, especially with the Bothrops, and it sucks because I did want to do right by that animal. I’m not here trying to play victim or argue anymore — I really do want to learn and do this the right way moving forward.

You saying “get something you actually want (within reason)” — that stuck with me. That’s exactly what I’m trying to figure out now. Maybe a cottonmouth is the next right step. All I ask is, if you’re willing, help me get on the right track. I’m listening now — genuinely. And I appreciate you taking the time to say that.

Even if that snake was out of my league, I won’t lie — it looked absolutely immaculate. That’s part of what drew me in, but I’m learning that wanting something and being ready for it are two different things. I’m trying to find that balance now — pursuing what I love while actually being prepared for it.

 

[Titan Exotics]

Get yourself a coach whip with a nasty attitude and a crebo or indigo that is the same way. Go a year without a single bite incident, find yourself a mentor to train you with mild hots in the meantime and then maybe work up to a foot long copperhead. THATS A START IN A DIRECTION, but first you need to ask yourself is this really what I want to do. Is venomous what I really want or is it an ego/pride thing that you can say I own a really dangerous animal just because I can. People say they think it through and I really don’t think they do, no disrespect. What makes those hots so unique and special that you just have to have them. You have to be honest with yourself and not tell yourself BS for pride/ego. Those things will get you killed faster in this hobby then tracking through Afghanistan by yourself. If you must keep hots then keep native stuff. Do not keep exotic and get tagged and deplete our already strained AV reserves.

 

[aidan0616]

Get yourself a coach whip with a nasty attitude and a crebo or indigo that is the same way. Go a year without a single bite incident, find yourself a mentor to train you with mild hots in the meantime and then maybe work up to a foot long copperhead. THATS A START IN A DIRECTION, but first you need to ask yourself is this really what I want to do. Is venomous what I really want or is it an ego/pride thing that you can say I own a really dangerous animal just because I can. People say they think it through and I really don’t think they do, no disrespect. What makes those hots so unique and special that you just have to have them. You have to be honest with yourself and not tell yourself BS for pride/ego. Those things will get you killed faster in this hobby then tracking through Afghanistan by yourself. If you must keep hots then keep native stuff. Do not keep exotic and get tagged and deplete our already strained AV reserves.

Agreed 100%. Get a really pissy coachwhip or black racer. Or a mangrove if you want something more “exotic”

 

[SymbaCat]

Agreed 100%. Get a really pissy coachwhip or black racer. Or a mangrove if you want something more “exotic”

So just to make sure I’m understanding — you’re suggesting I get a pissy, non-venomous species and work it strictly on a hook, with zero bites, just to build that discipline and control? That actually makes a lot of sense.

 

[SymbaCat]

Get yourself a coach whip with a nasty attitude and a crebo or indigo that is the same way. Go a year without a single bite incident, find yourself a mentor to train you with mild hots in the meantime and then maybe work up to a foot long copperhead. THATS A START IN A DIRECTION, but first you need to ask yourself is this really what I want to do. Is venomous what I really want or is it an ego/pride thing that you can say I own a really dangerous animal just because I can. People say they think it through and I really don’t think they do, no disrespect. What makes those hots so unique and special that you just have to have them. You have to be honest with yourself and not tell yourself BS for pride/ego. Those things will get you killed faster in this hobby then tracking through Afghanistan by yourself. If you must keep hots then keep native stuff. Do not keep exotic and get tagged and deplete our already strained AV reserves.

And yeah, I want to be clear — I’m very serious about this. I love the snakes themselves, not the attention. I don’t need validation from anyone — I already take pride in how I care for Ace and Dottie, and I feel like I’ve given them solid homes. I'm not perfect, but I’m putting in the work and always trying to improve. I appreciate real guidance like this.

 

[aidan0616]

So If im understanding you want me to get a pissy non-venomous snake handle it on a hook only and not get bit?

Yes. I love my black racers. Fast, always angry, and great display animals. At least a coachwhip or a racer translates over more to hots than a big, slow retic. Also, a lot of people underestimate what a mangrove bite can do to you - if you’re allergic to its venom it’ll fuck your week up.

 

[SymbaCat]

Yes. I love my black racers. Fast, always angry, and great display animals. At least a coachwhip or a racer translates over more to hots than a big, slow retic. Also, people underestimate what a mangrove bit can do to you - if your allergic to it it’ll fuck your week up.

Funny enough, my girlfriend’s actually been wanting one — but if she ends up holding him all the time, it won’t stay pissy for long So yeah, might have to go with a racer for that challenge, and maybe a mangrove for her since that’s more her vibe. Either way, I like the idea of building skill with something fast, reactive, and smart before touching hots again. Appreciate the insight — it’s giving me a better path forward.
never had a racer before either lol

 

[SymbaCat]

Yes. I love my black racers. Fast, always angry, and great display animals. At least a coachwhip or a racer translates over more to hots than a big, slow retic. Also, a lot of people underestimate what a mangrove bite can do to you - if you’re allergic to its venom it’ll fuck your week up.

While I’m working on building better habits and experience with something non-venomous, what would you recommend I do with Ace and Dottie in the meantime? I want to make sure I’m being responsible and doing right by them too. Should I keep working with them under stricter guidelines, or take a step back completely while I get more handling time with other species?
i wont get rid of them though.

 

[Titan Exotics]

One of the most important tools and knowledge for venomous is hook work, once you learn how to handle one of those non venomous animals on a hook, taking them in and out of cages and all the other necessities without a incident then you will begin to understand why you need to have experience with a fast ass non venomous snake with an attitude. I don’t think you understand just how fast one of these venomous slugs can move. I have had over 25 adult Gaboons, Puff adders and Rhinos over the years in my facility for breeding projects. You think they strike fast, wait until you spook one and it flys across the room at Mach F#ck speed and then you will see what I mean by hook work with fast snakes. This hobby is a marathon not a sprint, it’s not a race to the finish line and you need to be prepared for years of your life being dedicated to this the right way if you want to live to see tomorrow without major repercussions.

 

[SymbaCat]

One of the most important tools and knowledge for venomous is hook work, once you learn how to handle one of those non venomous animals on a hook, taking them in and out of cages and all the other necessities without a incident then you will begin to understand why you need to have experience with a fast ass non venomous snake with an attitude. I don’t think you understand just how fast one of these venomous slugs can move. I have had over 25 adult Gaboons, Puff adders and Rhinos over the years in my facility for breeding projects. You think they strike fast, wait until you spook one and it flys across the room at Mach F#ck speed and then you will see what I mean by hook work with fast snakes. This hobby is a marathon not a sprint, it’s not a race to the finish line and you need to be prepared for years of your life being dedicated to this the right way if you want to live to see tomorrow without major repercussions.

That really puts things into perspective, and I appreciate you breaking it down like that. You're right — I don’t fully understand yet just how fast or unpredictable things can get, but that’s why I’m here trying to soak this up. The way you explained hook work and how those fast non-venomous snakes help prepare for that kind of chaos really hit home.

I’m in this for the long haul, not just trying to collect trophies. I want to earn the skill, not fake it. I know I’ve got a long way to go — but I’m willing to put in the years and do it right, so I can really be ready when the time comes.

Thanks again for sharing real experience — it’s exactly the kind of hard truth I needed to hear.

 

[SymbaCat]

One of the most important tools and knowledge for venomous is hook work, once you learn how to handle one of those non venomous animals on a hook, taking them in and out of cages and all the other necessities without a incident then you will begin to understand why you need to have experience with a fast ass non venomous snake with an attitude. I don’t think you understand just how fast one of these venomous slugs can move. I have had over 25 adult Gaboons, Puff adders and Rhinos over the years in my facility for breeding projects. You think they strike fast, wait until you spook one and it flys across the room at Mach F#ck speed and then you will see what I mean by hook work with fast snakes. This hobby is a marathon not a sprint, it’s not a race to the finish line and you need to be prepared for years of your life being dedicated to this the right way if you want to live to see tomorrow without major repercussions.

I’ve always been drawn to cottonmouths — something about them really interests me, and I like that they’re native and still present a real challenge. That said, I’ve already started looking at racers on MorphMarket. If building my skills with a fast, defensive non-venomous snake is the right step, I’m all for it. I’d rather take the proper path now and be truly prepared later than rush into something I’m not ready for. I really do appreciate the advice — it’s helping me look at this with clearer perspective.

something like this though?

 

[Titan Exotics]

Before you buy another snake you need to understand and have some other things done first. Do you have any bite protocols for your current venomous? I don’t mean some crap on the internet. I mean Joe Pitman kind of protocols…Do you have any kind of quarantine protocols? Not a month or 3 month. I mean 6 month to over a year quarantine protocols. Do you know what mites and ticks are and how to treat them on your current and future animals? Do you understand how many various parasites there are and how to quarantine/treat them? Do you know how many viral and bacteria contagions there are and how to quarantine/treat them? This is a whole bunch of basic stuff people don’t even know about but that all needs to be researched and understood clearly first before you bring anything else into your current collection. Do you have snake tubes, do you have someone in the room that is able to help you to the hospital in case of bite (if your allergic you got roughly 30-90 seconds to get help and on the way to the hostpital before going downhill quickly). Do you have proper hooks, you will need multiple of different sizes. Do you have a sanitizing area for your tongs, hooks, tubes or other equipment?

 

[Lachdanan]

No this kid shouldnt own hots period. I've already reached out to all the vendors and breeders I know to blacklist this idiot. Dont enable him.

Nice.

 

[SymbaCat]

Before you buy another snake you need to understand and have some other things done first. Do you have any bite protocols for your current venomous? I don’t mean some crap on the internet. I mean Joe Pitman kind of protocols…Do you have any kind of quarantine protocols? Not a month or 3 month. I mean 6 month to over a year quarantine protocols. Do you know what mites and ticks are and how to treat them on your current and future animals? Do you understand how many various parasites there are and how to quarantine/treat them? Do you know how many viral and bacteria contagions there are and how to quarantine/treat them? This is a whole bunch of basic stuff people don’t even know about but that all needs to be researched and understood clearly first before you bring anything else into your current collection. Do you have snake tubes, do you have someone in the room that is able to help you to the hospital in case of bite (if your allergic you got roughly 30-90 seconds to get help and on the way to the hostpital before going downhill quickly). Do you have proper hooks, you will need multiple of different sizes. Do you have a sanitizing area for your tongs, hooks, tubes or other equipment?

Yes, I do have bite protocols. However, I don’t currently have formal quarantine protocols in place. I do know how to identify and treat mites and ticks, and I’m learning more every day. I’m working on getting proper tubs for quarantine, and I already have a 4ft and a 2ft hook, with plans to add more. We also use disinfectant wipes regularly—since that lancehead was wild caught, I’m extra cautious because I don’t want to risk the health of my other animals.

Western Diamondback (Ace) Bite Protocol​

1. Stay Calm
Minimize movement of the bitten person to slow venom spread.

2. Call Emergency Services Immediately
Inform them it’s a Western Diamondback bite — time to antivenom is critical.

3. Immobilize the Limb
Keep the bitten arm or leg immobilized and slightly below heart level. Use a splint if available.

4. Remove Tight Items
Take off rings, watches, or tight clothing near the bite site to allow for swelling.

5. Do NOT:

• Use a tourniquet or ice packs.
• Cut or try to suck out the venom.
• Give alcohol or caffeine.

6. Monitor Vital Signs
Track pulse, breathing, and consciousness.

7. Record Time
Note the exact time of the bite.

8. Prepare for Transport
Get to a hospital with antivenom as soon as possible. Have someone accompany the victim.

Have this printed for my Gf in case something happens but I still feel I need help with it