taking some pictures of a spectacled cobra (naja naja)

[Vermont12685]

oh my...what a wonderfull snake. Dude, that is absolutely amazing. Disgusting, but just amazing. You know what you do. Be carefull ;)

[dymi0n]

what a great looking Naja naja, and nice handling.

[hockenburyj2]

beautiful naja naja man. Question though; what was your first hot snake you ever kept? I really like naja kaouthia and am thinking about starting with one of those. I love elapids.

[christophermchale]

@hockenburyj2 an adult naja kaouthia. i should be dead. luckily it was one of the calmest snakes possible. unfortunately, it taught me fuck all about keeping venomous snakes. the only difference between cobras and ratsnakes is venom. if they arent willing to demonstrate they have it you tend to forget and become complacent, i dont care what anyone else says on the subject. its true. i would recommend something that isnt going to completely fuck you up if you get bit by it.

[christophermchale]

@hockenburyj2 they all will do damage to an extent, but some way more than others. i would hunt down some SMALL kaouthia, but they have some serious cytoxic components to their bite. digits falling off is a scary prospect. things like naja naja and naja nivea will drop you from straight neurotoxins. its all about how you WANT to spend that week in the hospital.

[hockenburyj2]

@christophermchale haha I know that is a risk that comes with the hobby.  You just have to be smart with them and make no careless mistakes. Out of all your snakes which species is your favorite, which is the best feeder, and which is the least maintenance? Thanks man,

-James

[christophermchale]

@hockenburyj2 dendroaspis polylepis have always been my favorite in captivity and the wild. ive never looked at things in the manner of "best feeder" or "easiest to care for". snakes are work and under proper conditions every animal you own should be your best feeder. as far as daily upkeep i like everything spotless, when they shit i clean it. i feed them depending on species and time of year. its a tough thing to say really.

[hockenburyj2]

@christophermchale black mambas are amazing. Ok no I understand. I like to keep my cages as clean as possible too. I was just wondering and I know every species is different. Thanks for the quick responses.

[LukeEdwardsUK]

she's looking great!