I know theres always a risk in dealing with venomous animals, but I think if you have a healthy dose of respect and knowledge you'll be fine.
Hopefully I will be able to find a breeder, or just an average hot keeper to take me under there wing and mentor me in the ways of keeping hots.
I dont think there is really any true hot to start with, because there isnt. It is best to be mentored with variouse venomous species until you feel confident with owning one, and then choose one that you feel best suites your ability. But, If you really must start with a first hot, I would choose a Copperhead rattlesnake as there venom is easily treatable...
My "first" hot will most likely be a Puff adder, then a gaboon viper, and will continue with vipers after that. Maybe after a few years of keeping vipers move into elapids...
Hopefully I will be able to find a breeder, or just an average hot keeper to take me under there wing and mentor me in the ways of keeping hots.
I dont think there is really any true hot to start with, because there isnt. It is best to be mentored with variouse venomous species until you feel confident with owning one, and then choose one that you feel best suites your ability. But, If you really must start with a first hot, I would choose a Copperhead rattlesnake as there venom is easily treatable...
My "first" hot will most likely be a Puff adder, then a gaboon viper, and will continue with vipers after that. Maybe after a few years of keeping vipers move into elapids...
getting bitten by 2+ inches of venoumous fangs............at least with arboreal vipers you can at least judge (sort of) stiking distance as the animal will most likely be perched!!!!