Hook Training ?

[TheFrogman]

Ive read many articles, Pro and Con about Hook Training, basically what I get out of it all is this; Hook training is rubbing a snake hook along a snakes body and gently around the head as a way of telling the snake you are about to handle it, it is used to limit a feeding response bite. You do not use the hook during feeding time so the snake will start to accociate hook with not being fed.

Do you agree or disagree with hook training?

Do you have anything to add to this?

[Mikoh4792]

I've never really taken the time to systematically hook train a snake, but I do often take snakes out with the hook and they seemed to be more at ease then if I just go and reach in with my hand.

[TheFrogman]

I use the hook for my Rosy Boa just because I don't like to startle he and she seems to react well with it.

[Terranaut]

You don't even need an actual snake hook to train with. A dowel or piece of bamboo work just as good. The idea is to seperate open and handle from open and feed. Not all snakes need hook training but not all snakes will learn it either. My king attacks the hook on sight so I just grab and lift him.

[Mikoh4792]

My king attacks the hook on site so I just grab and lift him.

Lol! my king would do the same. Tried eating the hook once actually after striking and constricting.

[TheFrogman]

Lol! my king would do the same. Tried eating the hook once actually after striking and constricting.

Im still letting mine settle before I attempt to handle and up grade his enclosure, ill let you know how I make out lol

I bought a King because everyone told me how friendly they are...WTF ??? LOL

[Mikoh4792]

Im still letting mine settle before I attempt to handle and up grade his enclosure, ill let you know how I make out lol

I bought a King because everyone told me how friendly they are...WTF ??? LOL

Well....LOL. They're as friendly as any snake, but I don't know any snake that has as crazy a feeding response as kings. They really like to eat everything.

[TheFrogman]

Well....LOL. They're as friendly as any snake, but I don't know any snake that has a crazy a feeding response as kings. They really like to eat everything.

LOL, a friend of mine refers to them as "Garbage Disposals" Which brings me to another question, Im not sure what to feed her when im ready, Again I don't know her weight, shes a biggin, 44 inched and nice girth.

A mouse, a Rat?

[Mikoh4792]

I'll wait till a breeder/long term keeper chimes in. I'm not too knowledgable on king care.

[SSSSnakes]

I never hook trained any of my snakes. I use a hook as it was meant for and that is hooking the snake to move it. I find snakes react calmer if you lift them with a hook first and then use your hand to hold them.

[TheFrogman]

I never hook trained any of my snakes. I use a hook as it was meant for and that is hooking the snake to move it. I find snakes react calmer if you lift them with a hook first and then use your hand to hold them.

Awesome, thanks and that's what I do now.
Im having issues finding a feeding chart for Brooks...what and how often ?

[SSSSnakes]

Awesome, thanks and that's what I do now.
Im having issues finding a feeding chart for Brooks...what and how often ?

Sorry, I can't help you on a feeding chart. My Brook's are my garbage cans. They eat on a 2 week schedule and will also eat anything that that my other snakes do not want to eat.

[mclund]

I don't think I even owned a hook until I started working with venomous. I bred corns and kings for 7 years. I can't even begin to count the times I have been bitten by non venomous. I would say 90 % of the bites were from feeding response. If you have never had a big king grab and hold on, it can be a little intimidating, but trust me it's no big deal. I was always more worried about them ripping teeth out. If it happens, relax and don't pull away. They will eventually let loose. Often times a rinse under some cold tap water will bring the stubborn ones to there senses.

At 44 inches, I would say the brooks is closer to 3 or 4 years old. A large adult mouse every 7 days is fine. It may be able to handle small rats, but kings short mouths don't stretch out like the rat snakes or larger constrictors.

[TheFrogman]

I don't think I even owned a hook until I started working with venomous. I bred corns and kings for 7 years. I can't even begin to count the times I have been bitten by non venomous. I would say 90 % of the bites were from feeding response. If you have never had a big king grab and hold on, it can be a little intimidating, but trust me it's no big deal. I was always more worried about them ripping teeth out. If it happens, relax and don't pull away. They will eventually let loose. Often times a rinse under some cold tap water will bring the stubborn ones to there senses.

At 44 inches, I would say the brooks is closer to 3 or 4 years old. A large adult mouse every 7 days is fine. It may be able to handle small rats, but kings short mouths don't stretch out like the rat snakes or larger constrictors.

Thank you, thanks you, thanks you

[SSSSnakes]

I don't think I even owned a hook until I started working with venomous. I bred corns and kings for 7 years. I can't even begin to count the times I have been bitten by non venomous. I would say 90 % of the bites were from feeding response. If you have never had a big king grab and hold on, it can be a little intimidating, but trust me it's no big deal. I was always more worried about them ripping teeth out. If it happens, relax and don't pull away. They will eventually let loose. Often times a rinse under some cold tap water will bring the stubborn ones to there senses.

At 44 inches, I would say the brooks is closer to 3 or 4 years old. A large adult mouse every 7 days is fine. It may be able to handle small rats, but kings short mouths don't stretch out like the rat snakes or larger constrictors.

I agree it is no big deal for the person to get bit by most non venomous snakes. But why put the snake threw extra stress and possible teeth loss, when using hook could prevent this. I never understood why anyone who has a snake, does not have a hook. But that is just my opinion.

[MDT]

I always enter my enclosures with a hook first. My carpets would likely be fine if I just reached in. My retics, not so much. I just make it a habit.

[TheFrogman]

I agree it is no big deal for the person to get bit by most non venomous snakes. But why put the snake threw extra stress and possible teeth loss, when using hook could prevent this. I never understood why anyone who has a snake, does not have a hook. But that is just my opinion.
I for one totally agree and I use mine all the time.

[Tsubaki]

I always hook train all my snakes. They associate the touch of a hook with -Something other than 'food' is going to happen- Pretty fast as long as you are persistent. Important to not stop touching until they go out of 'feeding mode'. Some take longer than others, and some will always lunge first before you manage to touch them.. But persistence is the clue..!

That and i do not like getting bit, i have not been bitten in 9 years :) My camera and hook both have scars tho :D