There are over 30 species of rattlesnakes in the United States, but you may be surprised to learn that their value as an aquarium pet is virtually non-existent. The market for them is so small that you are unlikely to find anyone selling them.
And that’s probably a good thing, because handling these animals requires special training and experience to ensure your safety while also protecting theirs. Rattlesnakes are not usually something most people want as pets, but they make great pets if you’re willing to take on the responsibilities of caring for one.
The majority of people who decide to get one do so strictly as a display piece. They don’t grow large enough or old enough to handle safely and won’t provide any services like hunting rodents or pests around the home. But if you think handling one of these reptiles is dangerous, wait till you hear how much they cost.
How Much Are Rattlesnakes Worth?
The value of a live rattlesnake depends on the species and age of the snake, as well as its condition. But don’t expect to walk into a pet store and see one on display. Most of these reptiles are imported illegally, and they’re likely to come from a breeder in Mexico. There are a few species that are bred domestically, but these are primarily kept by researchers who use them to study treatment and cures for venomous bites.
If you happen to have a rare species, you might be able to get a decent payday, but these are extremely rare and highly unlikely. A wild-caught adult rattlesnake can be worth about $100 to $300. The price of a rattlesnake is determined by its size and condition, as well as its rarity. You don’t want to sell a snake that’s too small. And you don’t want to sell one that’s too big either. Most snakes are sold by their total length, which is measured from the tip of their snout to the end of their tail.
Selling A Live Rattlesnake
A live rattlesnake is going to be much harder to sell than a shed skin. If you’re going to be dealing with people who have experience with handling these reptiles, the best way to sell one is the same way it’s done in the pet trade. If you have a buyer who wants a live rattlesnake, you’re going to have to ship it. This is going to cost you money, and you’re going to have to be careful. You don’t want to release it in your home or car. And you don’t want to release it in your buyer’s home, either. Rattlesnakes are very good escape artists and can squeeze through very small spaces. If you don’t know how to handle a live rattlesnake, don’t try to sell one.
Selling A Shed Rattlesnake Skin
Selling a shed rattlesnake skin is much easier and less stressful for both the seller and the buyer. A shed skin is a very beautiful thing. Many of them have vibrant colors and patterns, so they make a great piece to display. And a shed skin is much easier to sell because you don’t have to worry about shipping, or the seller being bitten. All you have to do is find an exotic pet seller, and they’ll take care of the rest.
Finding an Exotic Pets Seller
When you decide to sell a shed rattlesnake skin online, you’ll want to find an exotic pet seller. These are people who specialize in selling animals that are considered to be outside of the mainstream. You may have to do a bit of research to find the best one for you, so here are a few tips: If there are specific websites that you’ve heard about with good reviews, you should definitely check them out first.
If you don’t have any idea where to start, try searching for “selling snakes” or “selling shed rattlesnake skin.” These terms should pull up some relevant websites where you can create an account and start selling your skin.
If you have a live rattlesnake and you’re looking to get rid of it, you’re going to have to find a buyer who is willing to take on the responsibility of taking care of it. This can be a difficult process, so you might be better off selling the skin. If you have a shed rattlesnake skin and you’re looking to cash in on it, you’ll want to find an exotic pet seller and post a free listing.
You may get lucky and find a buyer who is willing to pay you a good price for it. There are very few people who want to own a rattlesnake as a pet, so you may have to wait a long time before someone bites. And you may have to take a lower price than you had hoped for, but it’s better than letting it sit in a drawer.