Venomous vs Non Venomous

It is a question we all ask ourselves at some point when deciding on a pet snake.

Venomous vs non venomous?

Let me start by stating that although I own several hundred snakes including cobras, mambas, rattlesnakes etc, I do not keep a single venomous snake at home.
It was only once we decided to open the reptile park that we began keeping venomous snakes.

The reason is simple...Venomous snakes are not pets!

My definition of the term"pet" is a domesticated animal with which we can intereact without the risk of injury to both animal and owner.
Although snakes can become habituated, they will never be truly domesticated.
If you are a budding "herper" then the choice should be simple and keeping a venomous snake should be out of the question.If your aim is to keep a venomous snake then rather build a sound foundation first.

* Join the local herpetological association.
* Enrol in a snake capture and release course.
* If possible do some volunteer work at your local reptile park.
* Get involved in removing "problem" snakes

By doing this, you will be gaining valuable experience and insight into snake behaviour which is paramount when keeping venomous snakes.

There are several other factors to consider when deciding between a venomous vs non venomous snake.

* Snakes are renowned escape artists. Even the experts have "lost" a snake at some point. Consider this...Would you rather have a corn snake loose in the house, or a rattlesnake?
Think of the legal consequences should your venomous pet snake wander into your neighbour's home.
* Snakes bite. Accidents do happen. I do not know of anyone who keeps snakes that has never received a bite. A bite from a taiwanese rat snake, although painful, is far less severe than that of a cobra bite (both physically and financially).
* Is the antivenom readily available. There are many venomous exotic snakes available in the pet industry but hospitals will normally only keep antivenom for indigenous species. For example, here in South Africa an experienced snake keeper was bitten by his Western diamondback rattlesnake which almost cost him his life due to the fact that no crotalid antivenom is carried by our hospitals.
* Medical insurance will more often than not refuse to cover the cost involved in snakebite.

If you are keeping venomous snakes click here to read about the correct protocol for effective first aid against snakebite

Venomous vs Non Venomous?
A picture paints a thousand words.........

Puff adder bite
Venom: cytotoxic

Mozambique spitting cobra bite
Venom: cytotoxic

These are some of the risks involved when keeping venomous snakes.

Be absolutely certain that you and your family are prepared for the consequences.....
or
Rather choose a non venomous snake that you can handle without the risk.

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