handling

[Neo]

i need 50 hours of service learning for my highschool and i found this museum near me that has some reptiles. they say i can volunteer feeding animals and stuff helping around. now i only keep lizards so i was wondering if u ppl could give me some tips for how to handle snakes if i have to get them out of the enclosure (or back in) for some reason. thanks!

[SCReptiles]

venomous?

[ohh_kristina]

uhh..just pick them up? I don't understand the question. If they are aggressive and such, you can use a hook to get them out. It's best to support the snake in two part of it's body, with both of your hands.
Is that what you were asking?

[lolaophidia]

A hook is a great tool when you don't know if the snake you're working with will co-operate. For constrictors, you can use the hook to lift them up and then use your hands to grasp the snake once it's out of the cage. Like Kristina said you want to support their bodies so they aren't thrashing about. You can also use the hook to point a snakes head in a direction away from your reaching hand. For smaller constrictors that strike in the cage, I find covering their heads gently or otherwise blocking your reaching hand from view will allow you to lift them out of the cage. Some snakes can be defensive in the cage but calm down once out. Then just watch the head. I've got a few snakes that I wouldn't want to bite me in the face- call me timid. It really depends on the types of snakes you'll be working with...

[Neo]

yeah thats basically wat i wanted to know, where to hold it and stuff sry i was vague. i dont think i'm gonna be working with venomous snakes. just cause i'm too inexperienced with snakes in general. thanks a bunch.

[rynwilliams]

It is normally best to just pick the snake up as soon as you see it, dont hesistate or the snake will see you as a threat and may become defensive, pick it up and it will realise you dont mean it any harm.

[Tim_Cranwill]

Here are some more tips....

Most snakes don't enjoy it when you touch their heads or their tails. Both come across as a threat (unless they are super tame :D) so avoid that. Support their body by holding them at about the 1/3 mark and the 2/3 mark. Try not to restrain them either. Let them slide through your hands.

When you go to pick up a snake, reading their body language will help you avoid being bit. It's not too hard to identify a snake holding a striking pose. :D

Over time you'll get used to which ones react badly to handling and which ones tolerate it. Like ryn said, picking them up sooner than later is better. If you have to corner the snake it will get more defensive. Some snakes will just sit there and you can grab them no problem.

Have fun though. Snakes are awesome animals! :D

Any idea what species you'll be working with?

[Tigergenesis]

The place where you volunteer will show you the proper way to handle - at least they should.

[UpscaleBoas]

neo..best advise is read all you can...watch the keepers intent on learning... and as long as there not venomous or over 8' in length dive right in......you have a blast and i bet before your 50 hours are done you'll have a couple of snakes in your house..............best of luck to ya

[Neo]

thanks for the advice! the place i'll be working for has a site: http://www.ncmls.org/exhibits/exhibits.asp i was browsing through it to try to find what kinda snakes they have under their exhibit section and all it said was See the best collection of living North Carolina wildlife in the area including alligators, bats, snakes, turtles, owls, fish, an opossum, and a skunk.

they also have a section i remeber from my childhood with a few black bears and wolves. maybe i'll get to hang out with them too.

[JD@reptiles]

hmm, most places i know would never let a volunteer hold a hot or a snake 10' + unless they have known you for a long time and they know you know what your doing. so i would say just go with Tim's advice.

Take care

Jordan

[Neo]

yeah i wouldnt let me handle a hot either