Exotic Pets

[Mozziekatz]

Hi I have been catching and collecting snakes since 1992 and I have been keeping venomous snakes since 1997. I lost the passion as I got older since I was more into having display enclosures mimicking the reptiles natural environments and I stopped keeping venomous due to the fact that I could get bitten and I felt that I could be testing Jehovah by keeping them. But as time went on and keeping reptiles became more popular so did reptiles products and equipment and the prices for these products were not only more easily available. But they were also much cheaper than in the past. So keeping reptiles became more practical and convenient and it also became more safer keeping venomous snakes  due to the amount of videos and information available online and the easy access to safety equipment. Due to the information above I recently got back into reptiles and into keeping venomous snakes like vipers that I have experience with. I know some brothers and sisters keep reptiles as pets but I decided to get rid of my venomous snakes once they are fully grown. Due to the fact that I haven't  heard of any brothers or sisters  keeping venomous snakes. I also would not encourage brothers and sisters who keep snakes as pets to start keeping venomous snakes that's one of the other reasons. Do you of any brothers that kept venomous snakes or keep venomous snakes 

[Ahuvah]

We don't have snakes in NZ, and weirdly, I'd love one. 

[Wanda Hill]

Here in the U.S. we have many snakes. I like them, am not really afraid of them but have a healthy respect for them. Many people hate them and will kill them just because they want to. We hear "the only good snake is a dead one', but they are beneficial and since they were created by Jehovah, I think they serve a purpose. I belong to a couple of FB pages that identify and show pictures so we can learn how to tell the difference. Where I live in the eastern part of Tennessee, we only have copperheads and Timber rattlers that are venomous, but there are several ones that aren't. I am getting ready to go to Florida for 3 weeks and am excited to have the chance to see several I've never gotten to see, venomous and non venomous ones! 

[Mozziekatz]

I always wanted to visit Florida I hope you have a wonderful visit . The 2 vipers I have are a  western diamond back rattle snake and a broad banded copper head . I am from South Africa I relocated from Cape Town to Durban so the only common viper we come across is the common night adder.

[Hope]

My son has a ball python he's had for several years. He eats a medium sized rat about once per month. 

 

They are very interesting pets. No bother, cheap to feed and look extremely cool. When he was a kid he had a python too. We used to do The Ritual: wear a bathrobe with a hood on it, light candles, and present the living sacrifice at feeding time.

 

Ours is a macabre family at times.. 🐍🐁☠️

[dljbsp]

Snakes? I’m their biggest fan… from a safe distance. I’ll watch every documentary, admire their every move, and even defend their misunderstood reputation. But if one slithers my way? Nope. That’s a hard pass on the touching part. I’m an “appreciate but don’t participate” kind of guy.

[Qapla]

In Florida, a Venomous Reptile Possession Permit is necessary to possess any venomous snake, regardless of whether it's for personal pet ownership, exhibition, or sale. Florida has six species of venomous snakes: the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, the Timber Rattlesnake, the Dusky Pygmy Rattlesnake, the Eastern Copperhead, the Cottonmouth (also known as the Water Moccasin), and the Eastern Coral Snake.

 

The Eastern Diamondback is the largest of the rattlesnakes. Eastern diamondbacks can grow to be quite large, long and heavy bodied - some reaching over 30 pounds.

 

The black indigo snake (Eastern Indigo Snake (Drymarchon couperi)), is a large, non-venomous, bluish-black snake that is the longest native snake in North America also native to Florida. The Eastern Indigo Snake is classified as a Threatened species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). It is illegal to kill, harm, or harass Eastern Indigo Snakes. Violations can result in civil fines up to $25,000 and criminal penalties up to $50,000 and/or imprisonment. Handling Eastern Indigo Snakes is only permitted with specific authorization from the USFWS. 

 

So, while Florida is home to several species of snakes, it is also home to a diverse array of reptiles, like alligators, turtles and lizards. Some of these critters are protected so, before you start catching them, it is best to find out if it is legal to do so.

 

[Mozziekatz]

The reason I would like to visit Florida is to experience the wildlife and natural environment I never said I would like to go catch snakes as I know it illegal even in certain provinces here in South Africa.As snake enthusiast I am fully aware of the above information provided. 

[Wanda Hill]

I did see an Indigo snake many years ago when I lived in Florida, beautiful!!..I think the Gaboon Viper is the most beautiful snake, but probably will never see one till the new world. On my last trip to Florida, I saw the largest soft shell turtle slowly crossing the road..always on the lookout for things..

[Mozziekatz]

Qapla I see that you know alot about snakes have you worked with snakes or kept snakes as pets.Thats the reason I shared this post. I wanted to see if there are any brothers or sisters that share my interests as here in South Africa I never met a brother or sister who kept snakes as pets

[Qapla]

I have lived in the rural area for 65 years. I have seen many reptiles. I have encountered numerous snakes, alligators and turtles. My wife has a snake and a lizard.

 

For reference - I also have been around cows, horses, chickens and other animals domestic and wild.

[myvalk]

I’ve always had snakes growing up. Either bought or captured. Lately I had a Chilian tarantula who was great having and handling. She died. Now they’re so expensive. 

[Jwanon]

On 6/23/2025 at 7:24 PM, Ahuvah said:

We don't have snakes in NZ, and weirdly, I'd love one. 

 

Nothing weird about wanting to enjoy closely Jehovah's creations

[Ahuvah]

6 hours ago, Jwanon said:

 

Nothing weird about wanting to enjoy closely Jehovah's creations

No no 😆 , it's weird because I want something in one of the few countries I can't have.

[Pabo]

We have snakes at home, eastern brown snakes, red belly black snakes both in the top 10 deadliest snakes in Australia. But there are in the natural habitats in our backyard (we have a big back yard).

[Qapla]

If we are counting the wild ones in the backyard - we have eastern diamond backs, cottonmouth moccasins and coral snakes among the venomous

 

 

as well as red rat snakes, yellow rat snakes, black indigo among the constrictors and several types of grass and brown snakes.

 

 

 

Of course, we also have turtles and tortoises and a wide variety of lizards and frogs ...

 

 

and the Florida alligator

 

 

as well as these Florida Gators

 

 

Edited Saturday at 11:12 PM by Qapla

[Kitty]

When my son was a preteen we used to go 'snake hunting'. One day we saw 11 different snakes. I let him keep one he caught for 2 weeks.

I love snakes. We live in the NE USA. My brother in Florida regularly encounters snakes.He has found Pigmy Rattlesnakes and Coral snakes on his property. He's found 6 Pigmy Rattlesnakes in his house. That doesn't thrill me.

I know friends with snakes. But no venomous ones.

 

[Dustparticle]

 

 I could be exotic pet if I have my belly rubbed or scratched by a female most of the day. 

Edited Monday at 05:05 AM by Dustparticle