A piece of news has come along from one of my relatives who loves reptiles, as he has just gotten a new venomous snake. As he is hoping to tame it after much research and studies of biology, I will soon add a photo of his new king cobra, Damascus.
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I mean, the snake sure is gorgeous. I just hope your relative knows what they’re doing. What sort of experience do they have with snakes?
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He has been caring for venomous reptiles for 14 years, with animals such as rattlesnakes, gaboon vipers, and a boomslang.
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Great name and a beautiful snake. They are definitely a smart species for sure.
So glad to know your relative has experience as well. I will admit my first response to ‘tame’ was ‘oh no’. I hope that by that they mostly mean to calm Damascus down enough for proper safe handling and maintenance reasons…and not for the freehanding craze that has really reared its head again the last couple of years. Judging from the title for this post though… Good luck biting your tongue I suppose? That’s definitely not a position I want to be in.
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You are absolutely right! He just wants to be able to safely handle her for cleaning and transportation, with little to no risk of getting bitten. This is his goal with all his reptiles, and has been successful to about 85%, and the boomslang is still a work in progress.
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Whoa. It’s a beautiful snake, but not one I’d be comfortable handling.
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Whew, that’s a relief! I was worried someone had impulse-bought a king cobra as their first snake. 
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As someone who has kept various species of hots I can tell you that keeping them is not much different than keeping any other snake. They calm down and learn to trust you just like any snake. I
However, ball pythons and cornsnakes won’t kill you when you f@#$ up.
First off, he needs a locking enclosure. With clear labels stating the common and scientific names and number of animals. A bite protocol is also needed. Who do I call? Where is the antivenom located?The name and contact info for your doctor. Before the animal comes home. Second,a supply of antivenom is an absolute must have along with a doctor that is well versed in it’s use. My doc was trained at SAIMR. I would recommend lyophilized antivenom. It keeps longer than liquid. I had a crash cart with my name on it at the local hospital. You cannot keep it at home. (In Canada). Get it before the animal comes.
Tools. He will need trap boxes of appropriate size. Garbage cans work great. Tongs, hooks for feeding and handling. Boots and gloves. Just in case. BEFORE THE ANIMAL ARRIVES!
A lockable room. Having an unexpected visitor can lead to a negligence causing harm or death charge. Know your laws. You are responsible.
Lots of room to work. You don’t want to be digging through a cluttered room trying to capture a scared death sentence.
Signs on the exterior of the room detailing what will be found upon entering. Emergency personnel don’t like surprises.
Someone with skills that match or exceed yours. A mentor, in other words. Fyi, my mentor died from a bite. 30+ years experience. Truth.
Most importantly, a reason. Why are you keeping these animals? Research? Ok. Breeding? Ok. Venom production? Not likely. Because there is a lot of criteria that need to be met before that happens. Because it’s cool? Really? Give your head a shake.
Having kept multiple venomous snakes, I would whole heartedly recommend against it.
I know harsh words will not deter some people but they need to be said.
There are a few well known hot keepers, I would get a hold of them. Jim Harrison at Kentucky reptile zoo comes to mind.
If I think of anything else, I’ll post it.
Good luck.
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That’s exactly what I thought at first
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It really sounds like this person knows what he’s doing.
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Ok. I was too busy writing to see that he has 14 yrs experience. Good to know.
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I just don’t understand why anyone wants to keep hots. I don’t get the draw. There are soooo many non-venomous species with such varied, beautiful morphs that can’t kill you. I’m not against it, to each his own, as long as they’re skilled, trained and have their ducks in a row. I just don’t get it.
Is it the adrenaline rush similar to skydiving or racing cars?
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Gorgeous snake!
I have a friend that works with very similar, if not more dangerous hots. I get the stress, but if he has 14 yrs experience working with hots alone I’m more than confident your relative will be ok with this Cobra especially if he has already worked with a Boomslang snake 
As they say to each their own.
Here’s my friend’s Protobothrops jerdonii (Red Spotted Pit Viper)
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Update! Damascus is doing amazing and got a small Christmas tree for a bit in her enclosure. She is very curious and surprisingly friendly, rarely striking at anything unless a bell is rung indicting food. Plus, she knows that he is not food from the bell idea. I’m flying out tomorrow to meet her, through glass of course.
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