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whats a good snake

Carpet Python sub species:

M. spilota cheynei : Jungle Carpet Python
M. spilota harrisoni : Irian Jaya Carpet Python
M. spilota imbricata : South Western Carpet Python
M. spilota mcdowelli : Coastal Carpet Python
M. spilotes metcalfei: Inland Carpet Python
M. spilota spilota : Diamond Python
M. spilota variegate: North Western Carpet Python
 
wickedpayara said:
Dude. All snakes are awesome. It depends on what's right for you. I'm a drymarchon guy with non venomous and hots, pygmy rattlesnakes are my favorites. They can be tamed and held but I do suggest taking diluted venom injections to build up your immunity. But use thick welding gloves to get them used to handling and they are cool. As for drymarchon. They are high strung snakes but with some frequency in handling and taming they are super smart and make some super cool pets. Just my opinion to whether you wanna test your herp skills
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:rolleyes::NoNo:

Handling venomous snakes for the shear purpose of taming or handling them is asking to get hurt and equates out to chambering a round in a handgun and putting it in your pocket. You may get away with either for awhile but sooner or later you are going to get hurt. If you feel the need to handle "hots" for pleasure this is a good sign that you are not mature enough to keep them. At the very least please don't go on a public forum and suggest such behavior to others, least of all a beginner.
 
Pmsayi said:
:rolleyes::NoNo:

Handling venomous snakes for the shear purpose of taming or handling them is asking to get hurt and equates out to chambering a round in a handgun and putting it in your pocket. You may get away with either for awhile but sooner or later you are going to get hurt. If you feel the need to handle "hots" for pleasure this is a good sign that you are not mature enough to keep them. At the very least please don't go on a public forum and suggest such behavior to others, least of all a beginner.
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Darn right!
this is why hot keepers get such bad press!
A few people can ruin it for all the responsible keepers.
 
I take diluted venom injections the same as tom Crutchfield and many others. I also use venom defender gloves as well. I've worked with and handled hots as well as some very big crocadilians and other dangerous animals. The people that get hurt by hots are the morons that think they have a tame viper or elaphid. I have been bitten 11 times as any body with my experience knows it's gonna happen. But thanks to those injections I take it never got serious enough for me to be hospitalized. You people can think what you want. It's you that are unprepared that get injured by these animals and give us all a bad name. So when you do get bit and are laying in ICU. Thank about your little article's . I'll be sitting at home healthy and enjoying my snake collection. And if your scared of these animals. Don't keep them.
 
Let's not turn this into a pi$$ing match over venomous reptiles, or the debates about freehandling or venom injections...it's a thread started by a budding hobbyist, looking for first snake suggestions.
 
I think she should Prolly get like a carpet python or children python. They make good beginner snakes. You're right though. People need to keep their negative opinions to theirselves. It's to each his own.
 
There's no problem with those discussions (other than than the fact that all they do is fan the flames of controversy, as there is no answer that is absolutely correct for everybody; but there are many strong opinions...and too many people can't have constructive debate without turning it nasty); they simply don't belong in this thread
 
Harald, if you feel the need to move this into another thread I completely understand and my intent with what follows is not to aggravate or upset you or anyone else. I will not comment on this beyond this post whether you move it or not.

Joe, I was unaware that Tom took diluted venom injections but I am very well aware of his past as a convicted smuggler as well as his antics handling venomous snakes. I would venture to say there are far better mentors out there for you. I consider what he does to be foolish and of no service to the community in general. The last thing this hobby (profession for some) needs is more bad press. I was aware of the practice you cited in general started by Bill Haast (1910-2011). He handled venomous snakes for the purpose of milking them and scientific research as to the benefits of venom to cure human ailments as well as for anti-venom production. He did not handle these animals to show off or to attempt to "tame" them.

I would point out to you that others who have exposed themselves to venomous snakes have developed severe allergies to both the venom and anti-venom as a result bites as well as exposure to venom residue in the enclosures. I sincerely hope you are working closely with a medical care provider that is well versed in venomology. In my opinion the fact that you have been bitten 11 times brings into question whether you should be interacting with these snakes in the manner that you are. I have a good friend who worked with and bred venomous snakes for a long time (20 years) and was never bitten. What he always impressed upon me was these are not animals that you will get a second chance with, one mistake, under the right circumstances, could be your last mistake. He also said time and again when you get comfortable to the point you even consider risky behavior when dealing with venomous snakes it is time to quit keeping them.

If you had made your comments in a thread related to "hots" I would not have bothered commenting on it. The reason I commented was because this thread was started by a novice with no experience keeping snakes of any kind. I felt (and still do) your recommendation of handling venomous snakes was reckless and sets a bad example to someone new to the hobby. I am grateful the OP seems to understand that this is risky behavior and not accepted by everyone. I am also grateful that Jon took the time to voice his opinion on this as well. I personally feel that it is the responsibility of those who are more experienced to set a good example for those beginning. This includes (IMO) proper husbandry and safety protocol (when applicable), making sound and ethical recommendations reflective of the persons skill set, providing as accurate information as possible, answering questions (even if it is the same one 10 times over), and where appropriate personal experience with species in question as well as what to expect when keeping said species.
 
I have over 30 yrs. Exp. Breeding and handling snakes. Pygmy bites are no worse than a wasp sting. Those bites were from neonates may I ad. Anyone that breeds pygmies know how delicate the youngster's are. I'm not talking about death adders and cobras. Or even edbs. People handle tarantulas wich some are really nasty. I have a good friend that all she does is spiders. She's had far worse bites than I have. Occupational hazzards. I have friends that breed Gilas. They are careful but have been bitten. I shouldn't have suggested that to a novice. So I apologize. As for you. Keep your opinions to your self.
 
wickedpayara said:
As for you. Keep your opinions to your self.
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This is a public discussion area; any registered member is welcome to participate. You are welcome to your own opinions, and free to express them (within the policies/rules of this site)...as is the rest of the membership. If you can't handle people disagreeing with you, it would probably be better for you to avoid controversial topics (though there was nothing controversial about this thread before you choose to participate).
 
I offered my opinion on what's a good snake. You guys got bent outta shape over it. I'm outta this discussion. I graduated 3rd. Grade along time ago.
 
Wickedpayara ...why in the world would you offer that and randomly start talking about something so freakin random...also I may, be a beginner but im 16 and am not irresponisible as you are venomous snakes are dangerous I would NEVER handle one maybe a mildly one like a asian vine snake or something but the likely hood of me even getting a mildly venomous one is also HIGHLY unlikely you had no reason randomly commenting on something thats off topic -_- ....im serious about it to

everyone else, thank you for the help for a beginner snake and what would make one ^^ I'm getting a coastal carpet python and I already am buying one from someone (going to be shipped after aug. 9th) thank you very much I really appreciate the help very much and how kind this community has been on here :) I really appreciate it very much so
 
Any medium to large python can be very dangerous also. Just for those who haven't done their homework. Coastals get bigger than what the little care sheets usually suggest. You asked what's a good snake. I offered my opinion from the best of both worlds. And also carpets are under consideration on the new breeds to be added to the Lacy Act. Look that one up before you attack someone for offering advice that you asked for. Pythons of any breed are good escape artist also so before you have children. Study up on constrictors. I love pythons but they can be very dangerous and unpredictable especially around small children. And if you think that one won't bite the crap out of you. Wait til it's full grown and feeding time. I'm not trying to be mean but you people should not attack anyone for an opinion they give. Make sure you look at the whole picture. Venomous or not. All snakes bite and are capable of doing alot of damage with their teeth and secondary infections
 
xXBlueLipsXx said:
Wickedpayara 'm getting a coastal carpet python and I already am buying one from someone (going to be shipped after aug. 9th) thank you very much I really appreciate the help very much and how kind this community has been on here :) I really appreciate it very much so
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Great! Hope you really enjoy your snake - post some pictures once you have it. :thumbsup:
 
wickedpayara ...im not that stupid now and im not attacking you I was wondering why you would recommend venomous snakes to a newby... and I know they get big I like big snakes and i've already done my homework from here, from talking to the seller that has givin me fantastic advice and info, along with me going online... obviously anyone on here are usually asking questions that nearly what makes up the percentage of this site the other are the sales -_- not trying to be mean but seriously... making me feel like im some sort of dumb person or im beneth you

Helenthereef thank you, and I shall do so c:
 
The worst, most painful snake bite I ever suffered was at the teeth of an imported adult ball python; the whole bite and squeeze routine; took 30 min to get it off my hand.
While I have been bitten more often by carpets, they always released quickly; a quick "love tap."
I would not consider putting myself in a position that would get me bitten by a hot by choice; I would rather use my head instead of my hands to move them around. I only deal with them in the wild anyway.
Most serious injuries from a snakebite (non-venomous) are from pulling back; it causes the teeth to slash. It takes time to fight the reflex, but try not to pull back if the snake strikes.
Common sense would keep the handling of a snake by a young child supervised and restricted in both time and snake temperament... just don't give a kid a snake to play with and walk away.
 
j_dunlavy alright then also I dont have anyone young in my house lol only a cousin, but she never comes over at all. I have nothing to worry about at all whats so ever. also is a coastal considered a hot snake? or no not really
 
xXBlueLipsXx said:
j_dunlavy alright then also I dont have anyone young in my house lol only a cousin, but she never comes over at all. I have nothing to worry about at all whats so ever. also is a coastal considered a hot snake? or no not really
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the main thing I always tell people is that any snake can bite, just like any dog can bite; does not mean the snake will.
I just supervise all handling regardless of species, until the kids are old enough and experienced enough to be left alone with the snake (for small snakes, say, under 6 feet, that is).

A coastal is not hot, lol
"hot" is just a slang term referring to venomous species.
I didn't know what it meant either when I started in the hobby :thumbsup:
 
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