JCP Handling Question

[Ch^4]

Hello all! I just read through Willow's thread on her Moluccan Scrub (beautiful snake!) and someone's post made a light click in my head.

I've owned small snakes for many years and recently I acquired a female JCP. I was wondering if an adult, female JCP is a 2 person snake, or if I will be able to handle her on my own once she is full grown? I'm an athletic 6'5" man, but my girlfriend is much smaller and she is my main concern once my JCP reaches adulthood.

Do any of you Carpet for life ladies and gents handle your adults alone? I'm guessing a large Coastal would be a mistake to handle alone, but wanted confirmation on an adult female JCP. Thanks!

[Lankyrob]

Personally i would always have someone with me with anything over five foot or so just in case. I think over eight foot or so you are looking at two person handling, just my opinion.

[marvelfreak]

I have a 8' 4" 9lb female Jungle, and me or my 15 year old daughter can handle her no problem. This is on the big side for a Jungle. Now a Red tail boa of the same link is a different store. I had one of the same size get spooked an choked me out. Jungles stay on the slim side, but anything over 7 feet you should have some there just to be safe.

[Ch^4]

Thanks lanky and marvel! Wow, thats a big JCP marvel! But, it sounds like she's puppy dog tame if your daughter has no problem handling her (or your daughter is an experienced handler like her father with nerves of steel).

I guess I have a couple of years until she will get into the 6+ foot range, but I just had to ask. Thanks again!

[Xanafein]

A rule my breeder freind taught me was once a snake hits around 6 feet, its good to have an extra person per 3 feet of snake or so, although as i recall he liked to be on the safe side

[percey39]

Jungles for me are not a snake that would pose too much threat unless blantently asking for trouble and putting them around your neck whilst alone. I for one have my partner around all the time when im handling and i think my snakes almost know when she is home LOL. Different snakes require many different protocols to be taken. With my larger snakes like my scrubs and olives i only handle while some one is home. With my hots my partner has the emergency number on her phone ready to go, first aid kit in arms reach, car key's on her and a checklist available to tick which species i have been bitten by if that unfortunate event ever happens.
A snake around 7 foot can always pose a threat and should be treated that way.

[marvelfreak]

Thanks lanky and marvel! Wow, thats a big JCP marvel! But, it sounds like she's puppy dog tame if your daughter has no problem handling her (or your daughter is an experienced handler like her father with nerves of steel).

I guess I have a couple of years until she will get into the 6+ foot range, but I just had to ask. Thanks again!
Nerves of steel and built like a Amazon warrior. Plus i have snakes since before she was born. So she's grown up around them. She also very good at reading their mood like me. On the headshot thread there's a pic of her holding a Alligator.

[shaunyboy]

i have no issues with handling adult carpets alone

the only time i need help is when giving medication i feel its easier with 2 pair of hands

the one time i was glad my wife was at home was when a subadult jungle decided i was food.she got me on the hand and wrapped up my other hand like i was in hand cuffs.i needed my wife to unravel the snake so i didnt hurt it.

so maybe in some circumstances its better to have a spare pair of hands

for the record im only 5ft 4 my wife 5ft 5

cheers shaun

[Ch^4]

i have no issues with handling adult carpets alone

the only time i need help is when giving medication i feel its easier with 2 pair of hands

the one time i was glad my wife was at home was when a subadult jungle decided i was food.she got me on the hand and wrapped up my other hand like i was in hand cuffs.i needed my wife to unravel the snake so i didnt hurt it.

so maybe in some circumstances its better to have a spare pair of hands

for the record im only 5ft 4 my wife 5ft 5

cheers shaun

Thanks Shaun! And everyone else who has responded!

[Will0W783]

I've heard two different rules of thumb on single-person snake length limits. Some say a 6-foot snake is the limit for one person, others say an 8 foot. I would think an adult JCP would be fine for one person. I routinely handle my 8,5 foot SD retic by myself, but mostly out of necessity. My fiance doesn't really help with the collection, so they are solely my responsibility. I have coaxed a 15-footer out of his enclosure and into a tote with my fiance in the next room, but that was one time, and I wouldn't do it again if I can help it. It was not fun, and took forever, and I was decidedly nervous, even though my fiance was only a yell away. The snake does not like him, and gets agitated and flighty whenever he is in the room.

[Will0W783]

Sorry, for some reason my post got cut off. Here's the rest of it:

Basically it all comes down to your personal comfort level and experience. If you feel comfortable handling your adult JCP on your own, go ahead. If not, have another person in the room. I would never suggest anyone go by a book rule over their own gut and instinct. Generally though, if you cannot control the animal by yourself, it probably is not a good idea to try to handle it alone.