Put Deposit down on Eastern Indigo!

[Mister Internet]

FWIW, discrediting the words of an actual experienced person in a particular field in lieu of "stuff you've read" is almost never going to produce the best knowledge for you. If you truly want to learn the best you can, the words of those who actually do the work that contributes to that body of knowledge are quite strong sources of real data... not "data" in the empirical sense, but data sufficient to the task of helping you increase your personal knowledge.

If their manner is off-putting, it only means that you'd rather they weren't right, it has nothing to do with whether or not they actually are. Just some simple thoughts that will help you through life.

Oh, and documentaries almost always have an agenda... they are not unbiased sources of info.

On topic: I gave up trying to acquire an Eastern Indigo after three years of being on Rob Carmichael's waiting list here in IL. Not wanting to deal with the interstate paperwork, and life circumstances making a high-maintenance snake untenable at the moment have put my quest on hold.... they are gorgeous though, been a "Dream Snake" of mine since early childhood...

 

[UrbanJungles]

Well put Mr. I.

If you don't want to commit to an indigo, some of the Central and South American Cribos are becoming more frequently available as CBB animals. Although they are slightly cheaper than indigos, there's none of the permit hassles involved but they are still labor intensive albeit very rewarding.

 

[ThomasH]

FWIW, discrediting the words of an actual experienced person in a particular field in lieu of "stuff you've read" is almost never going to produce the best knowledge for you. If you truly want to learn the best you can, the words of those who actually do the work that contributes to that body of knowledge are quite strong sources of real data... not "data" in the empirical sense, but data sufficient to the task of helping you increase your personal knowledge.

In this circumstance, I would have to agree with UrbanJungles regarding the irrationality of KyuZo's claims.

But as far as that paragraph goes minus the "one time trivial readings v. true expertise" note, I'd have to disagree with you. Never confide or patronize one's very being based on their perspective title/education/occupation. Thus far into my short, yet eventful life, I have the experience required to beg to differ.

I have met fully accredited doctors that have made incredibly irrational claims, I was at the national zoo speaking to a biologist that kept complaining about the Mangrove snake [B. dendrophila.] "killing all of the birds in Guam", I've met a public biology educator that claimed that black racers and black rat snakes were "virtually the same species and had no 'real' distinctions that could differenciate them," and the list goes on. Long story short, there are likely to be hundreds of herpeticulturists more knowledgable regarding these creatures than the one with the degree. I have never looked at any one in a different light due to a degree, it means nothing to me in the most absolute of form. The only thing a college education proves, is that one could successfully obtain it. Some of the world's most incredible and knowledgable people, more specifically herpiticulturists and arachnohobbyists have absolutely 'nada' in the way of education regarding their selected captives, it means nothing.

Although UJ is correct to the best of my knowledge in this case, it had nothing to do with his occupation/education.

TBH

 

[Galapoheros]

Oh, and documentaries almost always have an agenda... they are not unbiased sources of info.

...

Man that's true! Usually I think the agenda is to get you to simply watch, entertainment, advertisements. It seems to be more about getting you to watch than how true what they say is. I remember a show about the claim that Noah's ark might have been found. Some guy in a vid that said he worked on the set of the show, said that he asked the producer if he thought they had really found Noah's ark. He said the producer smiled a little and said, "Hey, this is just entertainment..."

 

[burmish101]

yea, that's true, they do get really big. plus it is illegal to own venomous that are non natives in CA, i think.

but i always wanted one. I heard that they are really smart and recognize their owner. also heard that they will stand between a new cobra and their owner in order to protect him.

I seen plenty of videos on kings kept by viperkeeper on youtube. I dont think any of his kings ever hesitate to rush at him and try to nail him. Snakes being smart might be confused with their good eyesight. Just curious but what does a snake do that people think they are very intelligent, watching things that move around when the species in question has good vision?