Do I need a hook?

[trailblazer295]

Hey all

I currently just have a juvie BP and soon to have an MBK (though probably a baby). For a full grown BP an MBK is a snake hook necessary? All of the hooks I've seen locally either have really small hooks for a corn snake sized body or really big like a boa. Not a lot in the middle area size wise in terms of the width of the hook opening at the base. I don't mind buying 1 quality hook that will handle both snakes if it's required as it's the kind of thing you only have to buy once. My question is whether or not it's required for these snakes.

[D Grade]

Snake hooks shouldnt be necessary for either one of those species. Both are very docile and tolerate humans quite well after their juvenile stage. If you get a rare brat, then you might want to invest in a smaller hook. You wont need a big one for either one as their girth simply wouldnt be enough for a larger hook.

[trailblazer295]

Thanks. My BP has never tried to bite or done anything the slightest bit threatening. Just have to wait for the MBK but I'll be getting a young one so there is time for one to get used to me.

[prairiepanda]

If you want you could tap train them with a little hook, especially if your MBK has an aggressive feeding response. You shouldn't ever need a hook for handling either of them, but tap training will teach them the difference between feeding time and handling/maintenance time, if you're worried about getting bit. My pines are tap trained even though they're both sweethearts, just because when they're bigger they'll be quite strong and I need them to be nice to repti-sitters. That's up to you, though. Neither of your species would do any real damage if they did bite.

[trailblazer295]

Thanks for the tip. I haven't selected an MBK yet so I'll wait and see what his/her demeanor is like. Might end up buying a small hook for an MBK for the reasons you suggested.

[Sasha2]

I love having a hook. I used to have boas and a very unpredictable pinesnake and it was handy then. But even with a ball python that is hungry a hook to scoot them out of the way or whatever can be nice. Its just a nice tool to have around, like hemostats or tongs.

[IW17]

Hooks aren't necessary but I like to have them. For those two species a 24" hook is perfect. This is the one I have and I love it.http://www.amazon.com/24-Inch-Small-Snake-Hook/dp/B002JXOOTE/ref=sr_1_23?ie=UTF8&qid=1431641669&sr=8-23&keywords=Snake+hook

[trailblazer295]

It's not so much the length of the shaft that's easy it seems hook spacing is small or really big. No middle ground. Thanks for the link.

[prairiepanda]

For tap training the hook spacing won't matter; I use those lame extendable hooks from Petsmart. The hook is tiny and the shaft isn't particularly strong, but I never use it for actually picking up animals anyway. I only use it to tap them and to maneuver them out of my way while doing maintenance, so it doesn't need to be anything fancy. I know what you mean about there not being any real in-between sizes though. I find it odd.

[IW17]

It's not so much the length of the shaft that's easy it seems hook spacing is small or really big. No middle ground. Thanks for the link.

No I understand. This hook is the perfect size. I use it from baby corn snakes to ball pythons to SD retics and large Asian colubrids. The hook is the right size to grab a coil and it's a good length for non venomous species in enclosures. Too much length always gets in the way.

[SSSSnakes]

Having a hook is not necessary, but having the right tools make life easier. Even with a Ball Python or Corn snake, using a hook can make it less stressful for the snake.

[trailblazer295]

Having a hook is not necessary, but having the right tools make life easier. Even with a Ball Python or Corn snake, using a hook can make it less stressful for the snake.

That's kind of what prompted the question. For supporting when removing him not aggression. Right now he is small enough and usually coiled up his whole body is supported by my hand.

[Princess-dad]

Amazon.com: 24 Inch Small Snake Hook: Patio, Lawn & Garden (http://www.amazon.com/24-Inch-Small-Snake-Hook/dp/B002JXOOTE/ref=sr_1_23?ie=UTF8&qid=1431641669&sr=8-23&keywords=Snake%20hook&tag=viglink21195-20) . Handling Equipment - The Bean Farm (http://beanfarm.com/index.php?cPath=1188) <--- bought it here I bought one of those snake hooks , they are very well made and built heavy enough to lift a bigger snake than will fit in hook part . I found a long BBQ fork at my local Winco grocery store $3.00 I believe . I cut one end of the fork off at the weld straightened the other half of the fork and bent it into a hook shape , dulled the forks point and filed done the rough spots . My BCI common is now long and thick enough that he wont fit well in smaller hook . It is also short enough that if he wanted he could easily strike my hand when using it , so I made the longer one .