Travel Enclosure???

[Klinger]

I have walked with snakes to parks on occasion, but was thinking about a Rubbermaid terrarium for longer day trips and things. Does anyone have advice on a good portable setup, or reasons not to do this??

[lady_bug87]

Why.

Why to all of this?

Any Rubbermaid would work but I think it's silly. There is no reason your animals need to be out for "day" trips. There's no reason for it to be off your property at all.

People are freaked out by snakes especially if they're large
Something could injure the snake or the snake could injure someone
the environment wouldn't be manageable without heat mats
It's a great way for non reptile people to argue in favor of bans.

So no. Not a good idea.

[backafter30]

Unlike some dogs, snakes are just fine when we leave them alone at home. They don't miss us at all. They won't enjoy an adventure into unknown territory, and many, if not most people will not enjoy seeing them out and about, either. I have to agree with Ladybug in that, if anything, it would just strengthen the prejudice of the uneducated public. I think it's best if we associate with our own and evangelize discreetly to those who express interest. Most of my neighbors don't know I have a basement full of snakes, and I would think few hobbyists advertise publicly. I can just imagine what my HOA would say... Den of Deadly Serpents undergo creepy breeding experiments in local neighborhood where innocent children play, unaware of the danger so near... film at 11.

[backafter30]

Oh, also, a Rubbermaid container outside, or any container in a car, becomes an oven to most reptiles.

[lady_bug87]

Oh, also, a Rubbermaid container outside, or any container in a car, becomes an oven to most reptiles.

^^ this

My neighbors know I have a basement full of snakes. I invite them to come see them.

[backafter30]

Some of my neighbors do know, but only a couple of their kids have come over to see them. Other neighbors are best left in the dark. I did an educational presentation at a local high school where a friend of mine teaches, and I was amazed at how many of the kids were not only unafraid, but truly interested in snakes. If we can get them accustomed to them while young, they won't try to kill them on sight as adults.

I am afraid of what might happen in public (like in a park) where people with deep-seated judgmental fears are exposed to snakes unexpectedly.

[Minkness]

Yeah, not very kind to force that kind of exposure on others honestly.

[serpentgirl123]

I have to agree with what everyone has already posted. The only time mine are out of the house, are on the rare occasions I have to take them to the vet. Even then, they out of the eye of the public. I NEVER reveal what I am carrying around because I know how most of the public views our scaly friends and I am extra cautious about keeping them hidden to not cause a "panic."

[Klinger]

I actually expected answers like this, so thanks. They would never be unsupervised, and I understand the stress factors. You've done a great service. Years ago I have seen a lizard die at a party due to poor supervision. Would never expose people to a perceived threat. Glad to know common sense prevails here.

[lady_bug87]

I actually expected answers like this, so thanks. They would never be unsupervised, and I understand the stress factors. You've done a great service. Years ago I have seen a lizard die at a party due to poor supervision. Would never expose people to a perceived threat. Glad to know common sense prevails here.

Yea it prevails here but obviously you don't partake.

It doesn't matter if you supervise or not. Accidents happen. Why risk it?

What kind of snake is this anyway?

[Klinger]

Sorry for the late reply, busy work week. I don't appreciate the rude comment, but let's not start trouble.

I have friends who regularly take their reptiles out, and have no issues. To be honest, most people who own reptiles buy them via mail, and that is risky in itself. Taking animals to schools, museums or what not is not a dangerous thing if all precautions are taken. There is always a chance, but there is in all things.

When the large enclosure in the house is finished, the travel one will be built. I'll post pics, you can love me or hate me, and the snake will be fine. Maybe it is the culture of where you live, but where I am from people proudly display their animals, and don't hide them. Educate those who are afraid, don't pander to their fears.

Have a great weekend, and I didn't mead to anger anyone.

[misskirbyd]

In my state in Australia the keeping of reptiles is quite restricted and you require a license. One of the conditions of the licenses basically says they are not to be transported anywhere outside the premise listed on your license, except to a qualified vet and back again. I know a lot of people give their snakes yard/sun time, and if you lived in an apartment a park might be a way of doing this, but I think the risks might outweigh the benefits.

[lady_bug87]

In my state in Australia the keeping of reptiles is quite restricted and you require a license. One of the conditions of the licenses basically says they are not to be transported anywhere outside the premise listed on your license, except to a qualified vet and back again. I know a lot of people give their snakes yard/sun time, and if you lived in an apartment a park might be a way of doing this, but I think the risks might outweigh the benefits.

Honestly? I agree with the licensing. I think they should do it everywhere.

[Aaron_S]

... Educate those who are afraid, don't pander to their fears...

I educate people willing to be educated on their terms. I don't surprise someone who's out for the day and don't expect one of their fears to suddenly appear. Which quite easily could/would have the adverse effect that you're trying to accomplish.

The licensing requirement I am in agreement with.

[prairiepanda]

I've heard of multiple cases where people have brought snakes(and other "creepy" pets such as tarantulas) out for educational purposes only to have them stomped to death by spectators. In all cases it came out of the blue and happened so fast that nobody could have stopped it :( I would only take my animals out to educate people who are prepared to see them and know what is coming. I would be terrified for their safety if I brought them to a public place full of unaware strangers such as a park. I totally support reaching out to those who fear snakes, but I do so by talking to them and encouraging an interest through sharing knowledge rather than scaring them by suddenly exposing them to a live animal. Scared people are dangerous people. My snakes can get exercise and sun time in the safety of my own home.

For transportation to the vet, I like snake bags as they won't overheat. If it's going to be a very long trip, styrofoam shipping boxes are good. I wouldn't use plastic tote bins because they get very hot.

[Minkness]

I use a small animal carrier that is firm but has zippers for easy access and mesh pannels for ventilation.