Snakes around the neck?

[StudentoReptile]

Okay...This is the only forum where I have seen people completely flip out about seeing pics of folks with snakes around their neck.

Now, I totally understand not doing this with larger constrictors because of the risk of strangulation. But corn snakes and ball pythons? I'll be honest, I have on occasion taken my elderly BP out and casually drape him around my neck while I'm giving him fresh water or spot-cleaning his cage. In 20 years, I have done this same thing with many snakes and never had an issue, although I have never done so with anything larger than a BP or an adult kingsnake.

I keep seeing the argument of pressure points being brought up repeatedly, and while I am no expert in that area, I can acknowledge the plausibility of that scenario. However, I would like for someone to explain it in greater detail for me (and any future viewers). How many pressure points are there on the neck and realistically, how possible is it for a snake to touch these? Does it have to touch them all at once for unconsciousness to occur? From my rudimentary understanding of pressure points, it would seem that the nose or tail of the snake would be be "ideal" to accomplish this, compared to the relatively flat, smooth sides of the snake's body.

Then I have to consider: what is the probability of something like this actually happening? I mean, yeah, anything can happen. Mind you, I don't really advocate that people put snakes around their necks anyway, but still, the way some people react on this forum, its like, "OMG, don't handle your ball python. It might strike you on the wrist and severe an artery!" Possible? Sure. Likelihood of happening? ...Meh...not enough to keep me from handling pythons.

I mean, I'm trying to get a grasp on this, but I just don't understand the reaction. Maybe it just needs to be explained better to me, I suppose.

[mykee]

I see it as potentially Social Darwinism at work.

[Wildside]

I see it as potentially Social Darwinism at work.


I lol'ed so freakin' hard. Here's the thing... I've never ever ever ever heard of anyone passing out or dying because their snake gave them some sort of no-fingered death slither. In every recorded incident of "Death by Pet Snake" it's a tragic incident of "Obvious stupidity is obvious" and has absolutely nothing to do with someone chillin' with their snake around their neck.

[Ivalynfyre]

I don't think it's smart to let any snake wrap all the way around your neck - I used to let my ball do so and a few times he made me lightheaded, and even if I tried to unwrap him tail-first, it was difficult to get him off. Of course I'm a weak little teenage girl, lol.
Now, just draping them across the back of your neck is fine by me - I do it with all my snakes, and over the shoulder is fine with me, too. I'm not going to get all mad and flustered if people let their snakes all the way around their necks...
When Hikari gets big in several years, she's staying away from my neck, and anyone else's, for that matter.

[Kaetlinv]

None of the comments told to me are going to make me hold my pythons any different. I'm relaxed around them and move carefully - I won't give them a reason to tense up and if I do, I really do have enough time to stick my finger behind their tail or neck and loosen them up. I've done it plenty of times, and only the bigger of my two pythons I have any concern over hurting me.

If they're relaxed, they won't tense up, therefore they can't hit any of those specific pressure points. I'm more worried about them getting caught up in my hair, before either of them hurting me.

[Wildside]

I don't think it's smart to let any snake wrap all the way around your neck - I used to let my ball do so and a few times he made me lightheaded, and even if I tried to unwrap him tail-first, it was difficult to get him off. Of course I'm a weak little teenage girl, lol.
Now, just draping them across the back of your neck is fine by me - I do it with all my snakes, and over the shoulder is fine with me, too. I'm not going to get all mad and flustered if people let their snakes all the way around their necks...
When Hikari gets big in several years, she's staying away from my neck, and anyone else's, for that matter.

Once they are that size they're much easier to drape over your shoulders or just hold in your hands. You can't walk around holding them and cleaning their cages and stuff when they're that size anyway. Has to be done separate.

[Ivalynfyre]

That's why I said my neck, not my shoulders. I'm not sure I'd be able to get a 50 lb snake onto my shoulders, though, that's half of my current weight.

[Toronto1977]

The chances of a Royal or Corn doing any real damage are VERY slim. In martial arts pressure points are very well known, and are used especially in self-defense. I'm not advocating having a snake around one's neck but a good deal of localized pressure would have to be applied to the either the side of the neck (right above the clavicle) and/or by the adam's apple, in order for any real damage to be done. Kids of course would be more vulnerable. If you've ever been headlocked by your older brother you'd know that it's not that easy to get knocked out, unless of course you use the sleeper hold on someone.

[Kaetlinv]

http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/297627_10152013200385472_283207916_n.jpg

just took this and am currently at my laptop with her roaming freely around my neck / shoulders. she's more concerned with getting off of me than staying around my neck lol

[Wildside]

The chances of a Royal or Corn doing any real damage to your neck are VERY slim. In martial artist pressure points are very well known, and are used especially in self-defense. I'm not advocating having a snake around one's neck but a good deal of localized pressure would have to be applied to the either the side of the neck (right above the clavicle) and/or by the adam's apple, in order for any real damage to be done. Kids of course would be more vulnerable. If you've ever been headlocked by your older brother you'd know that it's not that easy to get knocked out, unless of course you use the sleeper hold on someone.

Ok so then the only real threat is the one around your Adam's apple because snakes around the neck don't usually put pressure on the points above the clavicle. And just to be clear it's a threat not because your snake is intent on taking you down, it's because the detection of your pulse could trigger them to squeeze, correct?

[Toronto1977]

Ok so then the only real threat is the one around your Adam's apple because snakes around the neck don't usually put pressure on the points above the clavicle. And just to be clear it's a threat not because your snake is intent on taking you down, it's because the detection of your pulse could trigger them to squeeze, correct?

I'm not sure if the detection of your pulse would trigger a snake to squeeze. But the photo above is exactly what NOT to do with a more powerful snake, as it is fully wraped around her entire neck.

[marvelfreak]

I did have a 8.5 foot 20 + lb RTB get spooked and choke me out in under ten seconds. she was wrapped around my neck when she got spooked by my brother in law walking pass the window. I am a big boy, i am strong as hell, i always thought i could easily pull her off. When in the blink of a eye your air is cut off you no longer are as strong. I passed out and fell. When my sister in law and brother in law pulled her off of me my face was purple. when i fell she had actually tighten up even more.

I will say though power wise there is a big difference between say a 8 foot RTB and a 8 foot Carpet python. The key is always use safety and always expected the unexpected.

[Kaetlinv]

exactly, Marvel. if something happens, it happens, you just have to be prepared to deal with it. It also depends on the type of snake... I don't ever plan to have anything other than ball pythons - I prefer the small size python that I can heft with one hand easily. I wouldn't put anything bigger than a ball python around my neck - not if i'm alone anyways.

[Wildside]

I'm not sure if the detection of your pulse would trigger a snake to squeeze. But the photo above is exactly what NOT to do with a more powerful snake, as it is fully wraped around her entire neck.

So what is it they feel for when constricting live prey?

[Lankyrob]

Okay asi am the one that "freaks out" whenever i see a picture inwill explain why, again :)

Before my accident i was training as a MMA cage fighter, my sensei had the thought that in a fight situation it is quite often the case that you will be "put out" and the first reactioon is panic, in a fight situation you are A) expecting it and B) flooded with adrenaline. He therefore decided that we should all experience being put out inorder to understand our bodys reaction.

When he did we were relaxed and had barely any adrenaline pumping, we sat on the floor facing inwards in a circle and he walked around behind us and out us out, when he did it to me a had no recollection or thought about being touched, one minute i was sat, the next i woke up laid out on the floor.

NOW, i am NOT suggesting snakes are ninjas, nor am insuggesting that they are trying to knock you out. What i am suggesting is that it is POSSIBLE that the snake can accidently trigger the pressure points in order to knock you out cold.

You will have no time to grab the snake, or to catch yourself, it DOES NOT need to strangle you, this is a totally separate thing to being put out - watch UFC the fighters are unconscious fully but STILL BREATHING. To strangle someone takes a lot more pressure and a lot more time.

When you are put out you WILL hit the deck hard, then either the snake will slither off and disappear whilst you come round - this is probably best case scenario. OR you could smash your head on the way down and really hurt yourself, OR you could land onthe snake and hurt it.

The final scenario is that as you fall and hit the deck the snake panics and wraps you around the neck hard to stabilise itself, and then whilst you are unconscious it continues to hold on in which case you dont come round and our hobby takes a hit in the media.

As i always say it is YOUR CHOICE but is it worth the risk?? Not in my opinion.

[Toronto1977]

So what is it they feel for when constricting live prey?

I have no clue what a snake feels for when constricting its prey Wildside lol. That is probably a better question for a herpetologist.

[Kaetlinv]

I'm not sure if the detection of your pulse would trigger a snake to squeeze. But the photo above is exactly what NOT to do with a more powerful snake, as it is fully wraped around her entire neck.

I agree - Anything bigger than a BP, don't do this please. >XD If this one gets any bigger I won't even do it with her, haha. But she's fine, been doing this with her since she was a baby.

[Hurrok]

Honestly I have nothing against it, at all. I do it all the time with my BP's except for one whom is always tense and has no interest in human interaction LOL. But otherwise, generally speaking it's at your own risk and for me it doesn't make my views any different or my choice to put a snake around my neck. Although a BP or a snake similar to the size is the biggest I would do that with.

How exactly would a snake be able to get those pressure points around the neck? I can understand a larger snake, but they are most likely going to choke you out rather than putting pressure on those points. I would imagine that they would have to be in the same spot for a bit of time anyways for it to have an effect? You could say that a scarf could do damage....but again if you tighten it that much it's going to choke you...not hit pressure points. Again, I think it all comes down to the person, their views, and the reptile itself.

[bigsnakegirl785]

I don't let either of my snakes completely around my neck, because I like to have full mobility of my neck. My boa constrictor, I don't feel comfortable having around my neck because he's so small I can't tell if he's getting ready to fall or not. If I'm cleaning my ball python's cage or doing things that require both of my hands (such as opening the door or moving things out of my way), I put him on my shoulders. Of course, the first thing he wants to do is crawl down my back and onto the floor, then start exploring. (He's a handful :rolleyes:)

[Wildside]

I have no clue what a snake feels for when constricting its prey Wildside lol. That is probably a better question for a herpetologist.

I've always thought it was the pulse. Makes sense doesn't it?

[Toronto1977]

Okay asi am the one that "freaks out" whenever i see a picture inwill explain why, again :)

Before my accident i was training as a MMA cage fighter, my sensei had the thought that in a fight situation it is quite often the case that you will be "put out" and the first reactioon is panic, in a fight situation you are A) expecting it and B) flooded with adrenaline. He therefore decided that we should all experience being put out inorder to understand our bodys reaction.

When he did we were relaxed and had barely any adrenaline pumping, we sat on the floor facing inwards in a circle and he walked around behind us and out us out, when he did it to me a had no recollection or thought about being touched, one minute i was sat, the next i woke up laid out on the floor.

NOW, i am NOT suggesting snakes are ninjas, nor am insuggesting that they are trying to knock you out. What i am suggesting is that it is POSSIBLE that the snake can accidently trigger the pressure points in order to knock you out cold.

You will have no time to grab the snake, or to catch yourself, it DOES NOT need to strangle you, this is a totally separate thing to being put out - watch UFC the fighters are unconscious fully but STILL BREATHING. To strangle someone takes a lot more pressure and a lot more time.

When you are put out you WILL hit the deck hard, then either the snake will slither off and disappear whilst you come round - this is probably best case scenario. OR you could smash your head on the way down and really hurt yourself, OR you could land onthe snake and hurt it.

The final scenario is that as you fall and hit the deck the snake panics and wraps you around the neck hard to stabilise itself, and then whilst you are unconscious it continues to hold on in which case you dont come round and our hobby takes a hit in the media.

As i always say it is YOUR CHOICE but is it worth the risk?? Not in my opinion.

As a fellow martial artist and one who has also been "put out" by a sleeper hold I totally agree with you. I'm also a proponent of safety first and I don't put my snakes around my neck either. Although you are describing worst case scenarios, and the chances of a Cornsnake knocking one out would be extremely rare. A spooked large fully grown Royal could potentially be a different story.

[DeesBalls]

I agree with Rob, while i am not in martial arts or anything, just my schooling for nursing school i know of all the blood vessels, stuff that runs through the neck area... if blood flow gets cut off, your down. Also I know people in Martial arts, and armed servecies, and they all have been put down ( i have been too by a army friend) and you are OUT, then you dont recall anything...

we are not saying the snakes are OUT to get us... or that the bigger ones will more offen, but its a risk that can potentially happen by accident...

[CDN_Blood]

I've always thought it was the pulse. Makes sense doesn't it?

They tighten when they have the opportunity, such as when prey exhales and fights. It's only when the prey has stopped moving that they relax their grip. I don't really think they're sensitive enough to feel a pulse, and if they are, I think they're entirely too focused on the attack to think about that, lol.

[Terranaut]

My take on this ...
Should you put a snake around your neck? No!!
Do we beed to discuss it in every thread? No.
Lets stop killing the dead horse. Put this info into the forum rules or make it a sticky or whatever. I doubt people tell others not to speed on tuner forums or not to feed the bears on hiker sites.
Nobody questions your motives but the broken record is getting a bit out of hand.
Lets find another way. A sticky you can reply with. One line one link. End of discussion.

[SSSSnakes]

I'm not for putting snakes around your neck either, but lets get real, the possibility of a Ball Python doing any real damage around your neck is very slim. If we really want to get overly careful, then why don't we warn people about holding their snake when they are outside. I mean if you are holding a snake outside, a hawk may see it and swoop down to attack it and miss and rip your throat out. I think the two scenarios are both just as likely and both just as unlikely to happen. Common sense people.

[Kaetlinv]

I don't believe it's being discussed in 'Every thread', as you put it. I asked a question and it was off-topic of the thread. Someone wanted to address it further on their own and made the thread. People can make what threads they want and discuss what they want. No one 'needs' to discuss at all but we are, so we should be allowed to discuss what we wish.

Let me offer my opinion...

Should you put a snake around your neck? Ideally, no, but it mainly depends on the snake and how comfortable you are with handling the specific snake in question. In Marvel's case, Marvel chose to hold a rather large snake and it got spooked unexpectedly. I personally wouldn't put anything larger than an adult BP around my neck, and considering the growth rate of my female BP, I might not hold her around my neck if she gets much larger.

In the end it's up to the handler to take that risk. Yes, there is danger in doing so with larger snakes, however the likelihood that your snake will magically hit that pressure point with their flat, wide bellies is really not that high. I've never heard of someone getting hurt from a python hitting a pressure point. I'd only ever heard of the danger of a snake choking someone, and you can prevent a smaller constrictor from choking you. Larger, perhaps not, but it's all about the snake and the handler combo.

[Jlassiter]

I agree to never do this for another reason.....
Real keepers let their snakes be snakes....they aren't pets you can call by name and they won't do tricks.....

They are snakes......but, sure some seem to be domesticated (BPs & corns mainly).

As a breeder, I have seen the snakes that are less domesticated make better breeders, feeders and overall captives that will not become ill 'all of a sudden' nor will they have the common captive problems we all read about on the internet.

[RandyRhoads]

Some people can be asymptomatic with one completely occluded internal carotid artery. There's the vertebral arteries to perfuse the brain. I realy don't see anything like balls or corns causing enough pressure to occlude both arteries enough to cause you to hit the deck. Maybe lightheadedness and dizziness at worst? In the rare chance that one decided to constrict i'd say you have a good amount of time to unwrap it before you hit the ground. The "pressure points" like cross collar/ rear chokes are just that, points, not even circumfrential pressure.

[Norm66]

I never do it with any larger snake. Not because I truly believe one might hit on some ninja pressure point and knock me out but because a) I hate the feeling of being choked, even he very slightest bit, and b) I feel like a snake all the way around my neck has too much control over the situation and I greatly prefer to be in control at all times.

Little snakes I don't worry about. In fact I've let my carpet do it until very recently but its over now because he's over 4' and it can be murder to unwrap that tail when es anchored on. My BCI will shortly lose the privilege as well. But my SD retic still gets to do it because he's still finger-thin.

[Pareeeee]

I think it's a bad idea to say, put a full grown RTB, Retic or Boa Constrictor around your neck. I personally don't, however, see a problem with a BP or Corn (unless you're a kid or really small and frail). My husband is a Martial Artist, and he also knows how to manipulate pressure points. He helps me get rid of headaches, uses them to help me fall asleep, etc. Doing these exercises he presses harder on the points than a BP or Corn could, and I don't pass out...

I would be more concerned with being choked by a snake than having pressure points manipulated.

[Pareeeee]

Some people can be asymptomatic with one completely occluded internal carotid artery. There's the vertebral arteries to perfuse the brain. I realy don't see anything like balls or corns causing enough pressure to occlude both arteries enough to cause you to hit the deck. Maybe lightheadedness and dizziness at worst? In the rare chance that one decided to constrict i'd say you have a good amount of time to unwrap it before you hit the ground. The "pressure points" like cross collar/ rear chokes are just that, points, not even circumfrential pressure.

^^^ This ^^^

[miya]

i personally do not let my corn snakes near my face which also means the neck area as i have seen first hand how quickly a snake can become upset or tense it has nothing to do with pressure points or any of that its the fact that well i really have no urge to risk getting bit in the face it doesnt matter how long you have had your snake all it takes is one dumb move :p and i rather it be my hand then my face lol


but i dont think its up to us to give "unwanted critism" to people, if someone asks hey should i do this then by all means give your opinion but otherwise leave people be

[KORBIN5895]

http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/297627_10152013200385472_283207916_n.jpg

just took this and am currently at my laptop with her roaming freely around my neck / shoulders. she's more concerned with getting off of me than staying around my neck lol

Since you are so vociferous and unabashed about your opinion I am going to use your photo as a case in point.

This photo can easily lead to blatant stupidity. Let's be real. Most people are a very stupid and don't do proper research ( if you don't believe me look at some of the thread people start here). Someone will see this picture and say a snake around the neck is fine so let's put my two year old bci or retic around my neck or around a cholds neck. You can say no that won't happen but we all know it will just do a Google search.

Gabby my 16 month old bci is over forty inches. She wrapped around my banister last night and I couldn't not get her off u til she wanted off.

Some people may feel it is fine and they are I'm control but I think we stand to forget that snakes are not a dog on a leash. So like Jerry said use common sense please!

[red ink]

Anybody ever tried un-coiling a BP from it's prey or a corn and how hard that is to do?

I have no idea on this as I don't have any so I'll leave it up to you guys to find out.

[Wildside]

They tighten when they have the opportunity, such as when prey exhales and fights. It's only when the prey has stopped moving that they relax their grip. I don't really think they're sensitive enough to feel a pulse, and if they are, I think they're entirely too focused on the attack to think about that, lol.

I'm gonna start another thread on this because it's a genuinely interesting subject.

[Terranaut]

Great thread now people instead of discussing this subject in picture threads or any other thread for that matter can we just pm a link to this thread as a friendly reminder instead of discussing it at length in 20 different threads. Again I understand and applaud the fact that people want to warn others of potential dangers and maybe even save someone from injury or death. My beef is the amount of bandwidth I waste scrolling past yet another discussion about it.
And Kaetlinv at 29 posts and a week on here you have no clue how much this comes up. Marvelfreak had his photo thread locked over this just a few weeks ago. This topic has cluttered the site in the past and I hope we can move on to better stuff soon.
Fill peoples inbox not the thread... except this one :)

[shaunyboy]

a snake as small as a corn COULD stop the blood supply to your brain

your carotid arterys run vertically up your neck behind your ears

i taught judo and a carotid artery chock can have you blacking out and unconcious,in 3 to 10 seconds...

it takes VERY LITTLE pressure to close down a vein

the carotid supplies oxygen to the brain,this means the moment the vein is closed,the oxygen to your brain is INSTANTLY stopped...!!!

you can test this by closing the both carotid arteries down at the SAME time,by applying,pressure with your thumbs,if done properly,you will feel woozy with 3 or 4 seconds

if for any reason a snake decides to apply its full power and constrict.....

then it would have more than enough power,to kill you

DON'T confuse closing of the carotid artery with,strangulation.....

which is closing down your wind pipe...

this STILL allows your brain,to USE oxygen,that REMAINS accessible from,the lungs and bloodstream,allowing the brain to function a LOT longer than the,5 to 10 seconds stopping the air supply inches away from the brain,at your neck

^^^^^
the above is the reason some of us go on about NOT putting snakes round your neck...

there HAVE been cases in the USA,of keepers KILLED by a snake round their necks

if you think about it...

the more you try and pull a snake off someones neck,the more the snake will constrict,due to being stressed/freaked out,with you grabbing at it

imo its better to be SAFE than SORRY

cheers shaun

[RandyRhoads]

Definitely better safe than sorry. But Shaun as I said before those techniques in martial arts are a specific point you push in on, and if i'm correct by the time your carotid is to the point of your ear it turns into a cerebral artery that is not accesible to occlude.

Have you ever been choked by an open hand? It's a lot of pressure on the trachea and not as much on the carotids, unless proper technique is used to dig into them such as a cross collar choke. I'm still convinced a snake which contracts pretty consistently all around wouldn't close off the carotids unless it was strong enough to first colapse the trachea.

[Skumbo]

if, for some weird *** reason, your snake WANTED to constrict as hard as it could around your neck, it probably could kill your in a few seconds (well youd pass out then it'd choke your brain dry.)

I have a big ***, strong neck. Ive trained in MMA for years, and now, retiring from MMA have gotten more into power lifting. Even my 4"' 10 month old milksnake could probably choke me to death before i could get it off if it really wanted. Would it though? No. Probably not.

I think the general rule should be that neck is fine, but don't like it coil around you. Once around is fine (though im sure a little risky) but anything more youre asking for it.

resting a snake on your shoulders isn't going to put you at any risk, especially if its used to being held, you're so big that it'd strike at you before trying to constrict you (it doesn't understand that your neck is where to choke, think of how it kills rats, they crush their preys entire body, they don't have that option with you, do they?)

I wont do it myself, but I wont tell anyone else not to either.

editorial note:
the snake also would probably constrict where it is, low on your neck, due to it "resting" there before deciding to go at you, therefore it would have to fight a lot of muscle in your neck before actually cutting off any blood supply, nor would it hit any "sweet spots" so to speak.

A choke from a human is like a vice, ive had someone who didnt knwo where to choke squeeze and squeeze at my neck for ~45 seconds while i got out of the position, it was horribly uncomfortable, but nothing that even got me close to passing out. other times, ive had someone who knows how get around my neck and i was asleep before I knew what happened. A snake would be more like the untrained guy, give it time and youd lose but depending on you and the snake, wouldnt be too terrible to get off if I was fighting it.

[alessia55]

Whether or not you put your small snake (corn, ball python, rosy boa, etc) around your neck is none of my concern. HOWEVER, posting photos of it anywhere (on the news, a forum, Facebook, whatever) can lead people to think that if it's OK to put a ball python on your neck, it's OK to put a red tail boa on your neck, so it's OK to put a retic on your neck, etc. I know that seems illogical to us, but to most people out there, they have no idea. When I tell someone I have ball pythons, their first reaction is to shriek and ask "OMG HOW BIG ARE THEY!? 16 FEET?!" because they have no concept that some pythons are smaller than others, etc. Most people are shocked to hear that mine won't get much bigger than they already are... I often get asked if they're babies (meaning baby burmese pythons or something) because they know no better. So most people wouldn't come to the conclusion that it's OK to put a ball python around your neck, but not a carpet python. IMO, no matter how small the snake is, it gives the hobby a bad rep.

Case and point: there's a new show that started this week called Animal Practice. The trailer for the show includes a clip with a man being strangled by an anaconda. Yup.

http://i.imgur.com/bkqEJ.png

In my humble opinion, we shouldn't have photos of anyone of any age with any snake of any size around their neck. It's better to just represent proper handling that can be generalized for all snakes, than to have to explain why it's OK to put a corn around your neck but not a red tail boa.

Photos like the one posted by Kaetlinv might or might not worry those of us who are familiar with the snake. If I were to post that on Facebook right now, most of my friends would ask if that girl is about to be chocked by her own snake, why she's doing that, that it looks dangerous, etc.

I'm not worried about what you do at home in your own time with your own snakes. But I do worry about what we teach those who are less knowledgable than us. People may see you wrap your ball python around your neck and think it's acceptable, then later do it with someone else's snake and have a more frightening experience. To me, it's not worth the risk of adding more bad rep to the hobby.

[Hillsberry]

I don't think putting a snake around your neck is the best idea. Maybe a corn snake or another small snake like that would be okay, but even a ball python can have some strong power. I personally don't allow any of my snakes around my neck. My 6 foot, 12lb columbian RTB is super nervous when being handled. She spooks over everything and I have felt how strong she really is and she could easily put me in a bad place if around my neck. I just don't think people should risk it. People make mistakes all the time but it only takes 10 seconds for you to be knocked out on the floor unable to receive oxygen to your brain. If your not getting enough oxygen to your brian it can lead to brain damage. Like everyone else said, better safe then sorry.

[limey]

What we're discussing here is infact merely a mixture of opinions.

The fact is; people will be people. And people do whatever they want. I'm not saying it's right or not, but you'll still see people with snakes around their necks regardless.

[iBaman]

See, I have always put oliver around my neck, from the first time I ever held him up until now. However, Pajamas will NEVER go around my neck, merely over my shoulder. I wish people had common sense...but alas, that's too much to ask for >.>

[Kaetlinv]

I posted the picture to prove a point. Specific snakes can be handled and left alone to sit around someone's neck - not all snakes. I've said before, I would never do this with a snake that is any bigger than this that I do not know and haven't handled regularly over a long period of time. I also said earlier that I've been doing this with this particular python her entire life - if she were ever stressed out I wouldn't put her anywhere near my neck. I hardly ever put my smaller python around my neck, she is smaller and I've only had her a few months.

Both of these snakes however are more interested in roaming down my arms than going around my neck in circles. The only time they're ever coiled a much as that picture? Is when I first put them around my neck, and they're just making sure they won't fall.

I wouldn't tell someone it's okay to put every snake around their neck, honestly I think it would be a horrible idea to put certain snakes around your neck. It's up to the specific snake, and the specific handler combination.

Valentine here, if she grows much bigger, will not be allowed around my neck. As it stands, she is close to losing that privilege because of her current size. She's a big girl, and when she's around my neck I can feel the pressure she's using just to move around, and it sometimes makes me uneasy because I know she is strong enough to hurt me.

Long story short; Whether a snake should be put around depends on the size, temperament and species of the snake and how long the handler has known that snake.




as a side note; I only ever hold them like this at home... if I'm walking about they're on my shoulders or my arms / hands. The jostling of walking would disturb them too much for me to trust them around my neck.

[DOBERMAN]

As has been stated by others here in this thread it doesn't only take a closing off of the windpipe to render someone unconscious. The blood flow through the neck to the head can be constricted, and I have a case in point that happens with my BCI where she doesn't even have to have a complete circular hold around my neck to start cutting off circulation. She is a strong girl, and if she is on my shoulders, she only has to form around my neck - imagine a lululemon symbol, or the ohm symbol for electrical resistance to apply pressure on both sides of my neck. She has not even completed a one full 360 wrap - which I never intend to do by the way. I am not an MMA fighter but I have trained in Judo - and we can apply arm bar holds to the neck that do not require a full wrap to constrict blood flow - people talk of these pressure "points" like you are safe if one is not hit - no, you only need to apply pressure to the general vicinity to get results.

[Kettennatter]

Anybody ever tried un-coiling a BP from it's prey or a corn and how hard that is to do?

I have no idea on this as I don't have any so I'll leave it up to you guys to find out.

I had a 5ft king snake once consider me prey. It coiled itself around my lower left arm and started to constrict, tightening with my every move. It felt like human hands gripping me hard.

Anything larger or thicker than my corns is not going around my neck.

[StudentoReptile]

Definitely better safe than sorry. But Shaun as I said before those techniques in martial arts are a specific point you push in on, and if i'm correct by the time your carotid is to the point of your ear it turns into a cerebral artery that is not accesible to occlude.

Have you ever been choked by an open hand? It's a lot of pressure on the trachea and not as much on the carotids, unless proper technique is used to dig into them such as a cross collar choke. I'm still convinced a snake which contracts pretty consistently all around wouldn't close off the carotids unless it was strong enough to first colapse the trachea.

This is was "kinda" the main point I was getting at in my OP.
----

In any case, thanks to all who responded to this thread. Like others mentioned, I think it would be a great idea to sticky this thread and link to it whenever a "questionable" photo is posted, rather than launch into yet another "OMG! PLEASE don't put your snake around your snake for any reason." etc etc...

Good points made by all.

[moshirimon]

I don't get it, since when were ball pythons not capable of strangulation? A full grown ball python is NOT a small snake. When that 5 foot snake thicker than a small redbull can decided to go into kill mode I'd like to see anyone remove it without any trouble. Corn snakes seems less likley but they are strong snakes and can rech lengths of 6 feet (not uncommon!!) same rule should be practised for ALL snakes.

I heard they can feel a pulse in your neck with can really trigger a feeding response. A friend of mine was explaining to me how back in 99 he was knocked out COLD for absoloutely no reason, by a 13 foot green anaconda. He had this snake since it was a hatchling and he, like many of you, "trusted" the snake. he remembers the snake tightening and next minute he was waking up with a bunch of people around him. Apparently the snake "loodened up" itself , and it was easier for the people around him to remove the snake. I know an anaconda is MUCH more dangerous than a bp but just putting it out there snakes are wild whether you've had it since it was a baby or not, snakes do NOT love you, they do NOT play with you, or care about you. I hate to put it this way but it's the way it is. They are fascinating animals that some of us devote our life to. Cleaning them, feeding them, handling them does not cause them to return anything other than just being absoloutley amazing. We should respect our snakes, know their strenth, and know our limits.

[DragonsEye]

A worthwhile thread. I do think those opinions and experiences expressed here are worth considering and presenting to "the masses". The concerns are ones that many people would likely not consider if not brought up and explained.

I will admit I do allow my adult rat/corn snake or my milksnake around my neck, however that is the extent of what I would allow. Furthermore, I would not allow my rat snake to be around a child's neck even under supervision. The amount of pressure even such an unassuming snake as a corn or rat snake is able to exert is surprising for those unfamiliar with snakes. And even for those of us with snakes, I think can serve as a warning especially against allowing the thicker or larger snakes "neck privileges".

[StudentoReptile]

Sorry to resurrect the thread, but just thought I'd share:

Last night, at our herp society meeting, I went over Live Animal Protocol for whenever we do educational presentations and events, etc. Along with that subject, we also discussed responsibility and professionalism, both online and off. I specifically addressed this issue as I felt it was important that we try to represent ourselves as responsible hobbyists. I was a little hesitant when I first mentioned my "No snakes around the neck" policy, but I was surprised that nearly everyone at the meeting was in agreement. Even posting a photo of a corn snake draped around your shoulders inadvertently sends the message to someone that it's okay to do it with their RTB or retic or whatever. In all, it was great night, and we had a great time talk about responsible practices and such in our hobby.

[Kettennatter]

[...]In all, it was great night, and we had a great time talk about responsible practices and such in our hobby.

Anything else that was discussed that would be helpful to this community?

[Revenant]

I won't even do kings or corns around my neck. I have a little girl and it's important to me to reflect safe handling practices. For me, safe handling definitely includes not putting your dang fool face in a snakes' face. The last thing I need is my two year old being bit in the face because she's trying to copy me.

I also know my snakes pretty well, but always assume there is some risk of being tagged. And you know where I'd like to be tagged? Not the face. :D

[StudentoReptile]

Anything else that was discussed that would be helpful to this community?

Kinda detailed and longwinded. I may structure my notes and post it in a new thread.

[Philmul]

I did have a 8.5 foot 20 + lb RTB get spooked and choke me out in under ten seconds. she was wrapped around my neck when she got spooked by my brother in law walking pass the window. I am a big boy, i am strong as hell, i always thought i could easily pull her off. When in the blink of a eye your air is cut off you no longer are as strong. I passed out and fell. When my sister in law and brother in law pulled her off of me my face was purple. when i fell she had actually tighten up even more.

I have a 4- 5 ft boa I had. Her around my neck and she tightened up. I felt the potential power of her. But I would never let any boa bigger than her around my neck. I don't even think I would put her around my throat part again. Lol. I let my royal. Even at full size she is not strong enough to over power me.

[Terranaut]

I have a 4- 5 ft boa I had. Her around my neck and she tightened up. I felt the potential power of her. But I would never let any boa bigger than her around my neck. I don't even think I would put her around my throat part again. Lol. I let my royal. Even at full size she is not strong enough to over power me.

Either of the snakes you have could drop you like a stone and you would not be able to pull them off yourself. I mean if they got a good hold. Bigger snakes can do this just by being like a horse shoe over both shoulders. Most of the time its not a case of asphyxiation but of having your blood flow to the brain cut off. Even an out of shape slob can go 45 seconds without air. But even an athlete will be out in 5-10 seconds after the bloodflow stops and you realisticaly have about 2-3 seconds before you lose strength and body control. So don't kid yourself. It can happen even to you. But the best way around this IMHO isn't to stop putting snakes on you but to ensure you always do it with a friend. This way you get to share your snakes as well :)

When this thread was started I got the idea to have a couple drills with my kids so they knew what to do. I put my male jcp around my neck and had the kids remove him tail first as if he was choking me. I doubt we will ever have an issue but I am sure anyone killed by their snake thought the same. We also did a bite scenario where the snake would not let go. All good stuff and we had an entire afternoon of messing with my kids and our snakes.

[Pareeeee]

I don't see a Corn Snake or a Rosy Boa being able to harm you, they are a lot easier to unwrap than a heavier-bodied snake like say, Ball Pythons, which are extremely strong for their size. They, and snakes that are larger than them are what I would not put around my neck.

I do NOT however believe that they are able to manipulate pressure points to a dangerous degree, that's just bogus (ask my husband, he is a martial artist and also studies pressure points for medical purposes)

Where the danger lies is the cutting off of circulation to the head. Just slightly pressing on the right spot of your jugular can make you feel dizzy (NOT RECOMMENDED TO TRY!). It doesn't take much when those veins are cut off, to make you pass out, and if the blood supply is not regained immediately it can result in brain damage or death.

[Philmul]

Either of the snakes you have could drop you like a stone and you would not be able to pull them off yourself. I mean if they got a good hold. Bigger snakes can do this just by being like a horse shoe over both shoulders. Most of the time its not a case of asphyxiation but of having your blood flow to the brain cut off. Even an out of shape slob can go 45 seconds without air. But even an athlete will be out in 5-10 seconds after the bloodflow stops and you realisticaly have about 2-3 seconds before you lose strength and body control. So don't kid yourself. It can happen even to you. But the best way around this IMHO isn't to stop putting snakes on you but to ensure you always do it with a friend. This way you get to share your snakes as well :)

When this thread was started I got the idea to have a couple drills with my kids so they knew what to do. I put my male jcp around my neck and had the kids remove him tail first as if he was choking me. I doubt we will ever have an issue but I am sure anyone killed by their snake thought the same. We also did a bite scenario where the snake would not let go. All good stuff and we had an entire afternoon of messing with my kids and our snakes.


Fair enough. I will take care in the future, when I put the royal around my neck I always intervene when her tail goes around my Adam's apple

[Rogue628]

I've been following this thread since it started and have been pleasantly surprised at how this discussion has gone. It's been a good read.

In my honest opinion, no snake being around the neck in pictures, video, or in public should be seen by the general public who have little to no knowledge of these animals. It leads to negative points. One being that people may think it's ok to do that with every snake so if they ever get to actually handle one, they'll try it without even knowing the animal, putting trust in an animal that they have not built trust with. Another is the general public freaks because they believe these are animals that will kill anything it can. Neither promote positiveness to the reptile community as a whole nor is it generally safe.

What you do in the privacy of your own home is your business, but keep in mind that if something happens how that's going to affect your life, your animals, and every other snake keeper.

That being said, you should also know your animals, but never place 100% trust in them...or even yourself!... because things can happen you have no control over. Part of being a good handler is not putting yourself or your snake in a situation that can lead to stress for either of you.

[Snakeman8]

When I have my BP in public, I always carry her around my neck, so I don't see any problem carrying a snake around the neck.

[Gungirl]

Really Snakeman.. Open your eyes then!

[Zoo Nanny]

This has been a very interesting thread to read. Holding any snake on shoulders or neck was grounds for immediate termination at the zoos I worked. Snakeman you should think about the message that you are giving to young people. A young teen seeing others carry their snakes around the neck feel it's ok for them to also. All a teen needs to do is go on Craigslist and get themselves a snake "to be cool" unfortunetly they also may risk being cold if they allow the snake around their necks.

[Kettennatter]

I have a 4- 5 ft boa I had. Her around my neck and she tightened up. I felt the potential power of her. But I would never let any boa bigger than her around my neck. I don't even think I would put her around my throat part again. Lol. I let my royal. Even at full size she is not strong enough to over power me.

Phil, you didn't feel the potential power. Unless she was going to fully constrict, you only experienced a fraction of what is possible. I had a 5 ft. King Snake constrict on my lower arm once, trying to strike and feed. It's a snake that you can normally peel off at any time, yet in that moment it felt like the strength of a human hand gripping me hard.

This is an unlikely event, so I have the feeling that many boa or python owners have never fully experienced what their snakes are capable of.

My BCI is the most mellow thing there is, and she may hang over my shoulder, but she is not going to be around my neck.

[Lankyrob]

My adult corn was fed in a separate tub when i first got him, the process i was told was to put the rat in the tub first (f/t) and then place the snake in and close the lid.

One time the snake decided to strike the rat whilst it was still wrapped on my arm, it then proceeded to constrict the rat but didnt let me go, i was left with bruising to my arm and hand and whilst he was squeezing the rat my hand lost all circulation.

The strength we feel when our snakes "hold on" to our limbs is nothing compared to the strength they COULD bring to bear should they get spooked.

There are NO good reasons for putting any snake near your neck and MANY good reasons for not doing so!!

[Kettennatter]

@Lankyrob - My BCI can cut off the circulation in my wife's lower arm just by trying to support its own weight. One doesn't need to be a rocket scientist to figure out what that means when the snake gets startled.

[MoreliAddict]

I lol'ed so freakin' hard. Here's the thing... I've never ever ever ever heard of anyone passing out or dying because their snake gave them some sort of no-fingered death slither. In every recorded incident of "Death by Pet Snake" it's a tragic incident of "Obvious stupidity is obvious" and has absolutely nothing to do with someone chillin' with their snake around their neck.
Me either.

The deaths I mostly hear about are people getting killed by their cobra, or people getting killed by their burmese while trying to feed it.

[StudentoReptile]

When I have my BP in public, I always carry her around my neck, so I don't see any problem carrying a snake around the neck.

You really need to read this thread in its entirety. Then perhaps you will see the problem in what you are doing. It is irresponsible behavior.

And I have to ask: why is your BP out in public? Snakes don't need "walks." Other than educational presentations or trips to the vet, there really is no need for your snake to be out in public at all, around your neck or otherwise.

[StudentoReptile]

Me either.

The deaths I mostly hear about are people getting killed by their cobra, or people getting killed by their burmese while trying to feed it.

But here's the thing...people see the photos of you and your BP or cornsnake around your neck, then they think its fine to do it with their Burmese, retic or adult RTB. That's how accidents can happen (and have happened).

[Kettennatter]

Me either.

The deaths I mostly hear about are people getting killed by their cobra, or people getting killed by their burmese while trying to feed it.

Here in Ohio a man was strangled in 2006 by his burmese in its enclosure. Details vary dependng on the report.

It's an unlikely event. But even low numbers will harm our cause tremendously.

[Wildside]

Here in Ohio a man was strangled in 2006 by his burmese in its enclosure. Details vary dependng on the report.

It's an unlikely event. But even low numbers will harm our cause tremendously.

Why was he in its enclosure with it?

[Kettennatter]

Why was he in its enclosure with it?

The burm isn't talking.

A list of "anecdotes" like that was one of the main justifications for Ohio's new dangerous animal law. Ohio's herp lobby is relatively strong and reptiles weren't completely thrown under the bus, but it was close.

[Wildside]

The burm isn't talking.

A list of "anecdotes" like that was one of the main justifications for Ohio's new dangerous animal law. Ohio's herp lobby is relatively strong and reptiles weren't completely thrown under the bus, but it was close.

LOL!

Srsly though getting in an enclosure with a snake that is big enough to kill you is a stupid idea. Now I'm not talking about sticking your arm in to grab a turd or change the water. I'm talking about the other ridiculous things people do such as sticking half your body in there to wipe off the glass without removing the snake first or getting in there for a drunken cuddle :suspicious:. Putting yourself in there is trespassing imo, you've just entered their hunting grounds and made yourself a target.

[MoreliAddict]

LOL!

Srsly though getting in an enclosure with a snake that is big enough to kill you is a stupid idea. Now I'm not talking about sticking your arm in to grab a turd or change the water. I'm talking about the other ridiculous things people do such as sticking half your body in there to wipe off the glass without removing the snake first or getting in there for a drunken cuddle :suspicious:. Putting yourself in there is trespassing imo, you've just entered their hunting grounds and made yourself a target.
He was more than likely trying to feed it. The Burm probably shot passed the prey, hit the keeper (out of feeding response), and pulled the keeper into the enclosure and constricted...

Someone was killed this way in nyc by a Burmese not too long ago...

[Wildside]

He was more than likely trying to feed it. The Burm probably shot passed the prey, hit the keeper (out of feeding response), and pulled the keeper into the enclosure and constricted...

Someone was killed this way in nyc by a Burmese not too long ago...

That also seems like an avoidable situation. I'd like to know how these victims were going about "trying to feed". How can you mess up something as simple as throwing the prey in and shutting the door? Honestly, if this concept is too hard to grasp then they should have stuck with smaller snakes.

[StudentoReptile]

Probably happened because the person was feeding the snake alone. If someone else was present, I would almost guarantee the person would still be alive today.

Once again, people just being irresponsible, no matter how you slice it.

[Wildside]

Probably happened because the person was feeding the snake alone. If someone else was present, I would almost guarantee the person would still be alive today.

Once again, people just being irresponsible, no matter how you slice it.

Sometimes feeding alone is unavoidable, still if the snake is in a proper enclosure one should be able to open the door toss in the prey and then shut the door without any risk of being killed by the snake.

[Kettennatter]

In the Ohio incident in 2006 there was no indication that he was feeding. Oddly enough, boa and the burm were in the same enclosure. There were speculations that something caused him to pass out, but there is no way to know.

[MoreliAddict]

That also seems like an avoidable situation. I'd like to know how these victims were going about "trying to feed". How can you mess up something as simple as throwing the prey in and shutting the door? Honestly, if this concept is too hard to grasp then they should have stuck with smaller snakes.
Regarding the NYC story:

It was a 13 foot Burmese Python.

The victim was found at about 1:30 PM on October 9th by a neighbor lying in a pool of blood with the snake coiled around his torso in the hallway of his apartment building. He was pronounced dead at Jacobi Medical Center. An ambulance crew removed the snake from the victim and it was taken to the Bronx Zoo.

This attack may be a feeding related incident as a live chicken was found nearby, still in the box. Williams was apparently getting ready to feed the snake, out of its cage.

Thirteen Foot Burmese Python Kills Owner (http://www.anapsid.org/nyburm.html)

[Wildside]

Regarding the NYC story:

It was a 13 foot Burmese Python.





Thirteen Foot Burmese Python Kills Owner (http://www.anapsid.org/nyburm.html)

Well there ya go. Feeding a 13 ft. burm out of it's cage... DERP!

[MoreliAddict]

Well there ya go. Feeding a 13 ft. burm out of it's cage... DERP!
I know right!

What's the convenience to that??

[Wildside]

I know right!

What's the convenience to that??

Creative suicide?

[StudentoReptile]

Sometimes feeding alone is unavoidable, still if the snake is in a proper enclosure one should be able to open the door toss in the prey and then shut the door without any risk of being killed by the snake.

I respectively disagree. There is NEVER a situation where you are alone with the animal, and you HAVE to feed it right then. It's a snake! It can wait! Give me an example that contradicts this.

I do concur that proper caging is paramount, but when you dealing with any animal that strong, and that unpredictable, safety and responsibility takes precedent. The snake can always wait a few more hours or even another day until you have a another person around to call for help in case there is an accident. It's just good sense.

Same applies for crocodilians and venomous.

[Kettennatter]

The larger point is that these stories circulate through the news, and are a reason we're facing new legislation limiting what we are allowed to do. Any stupidity that is publicized in any form only amplifies that dynamic.

[Wildside]

I respectively disagree. There is NEVER a situation where you are alone with the animal, and you HAVE to feed it right then. It's a snake! It can wait! Give me an example that contradicts this.

I do concur that proper caging is paramount, but when you dealing with any animal that strong, and that unpredictable, safety and responsibility takes precedent. The snake can always wait a few more hours or even another day until you have a another person around to call for help in case there is an accident. It's just good sense.

Same applies for crocodilians and venomous.

Sure here's an example, The other night I thawed out 2 jumbo rats for my biggest boa. When I went into the living room to ask my old man for help with feeding her, his response was "GFY". The rest of the people in this house are under the age of 7 and were already in bed.

So was I supposed to just let my f/t rats sit and decompose until the next day? I'm sure that would've been healthy.

Throw them out and have my snake remain hungry until the next time I can make the 35 mile trip to the pet shop for rats they probably don't have?

I suppose I could've ate them myself to avoid wasting $15. I mean it's only $15 but in this economy it's also just a little over 3 gallons of gas. Which I need to get to the pet shop so it's actually be more like a waste of $30 or more.

Anyway my snake is in a proper enclosure therefore I managed to feed her by myself and live to tell you about it.

[MoreliAddict]

Sure here's an example, The other night I thawed out 2 jumbo rats for my biggest boa. When I went into the living room to ask my old man for help with feeding her, his response was "GFY". The rest of the people in this house are under the age of 7 and were already in bed.

So was I supposed to just let my f/t rats sit and decompose until the next day? I'm sure that would've been healthy.

Throw them out and have my snake remain hungry until the next time I can make the 35 mile trip to the pet shop for rats they probably don't have?

I suppose I could've ate them myself to avoid wasting $15. I mean it's only $15 but in this economy it's also just a little over 3 gallons of gas. Which I need to get to the pet shop so it's actually be more like a waste of $30 or more.

Anyway my snake is in a proper enclosure therefore I managed to feed her by myself and live to tell you about it.
The loss that you're refering to here is the monetary loss from wasting the rat. That has nothing to do with the snake itself.

I'm assuming that snake is healthy, if it is, it could skip a day, a feeding, even a month with no ill effects...

[Wildside]

The loss that you're refering to here is the monetary loss from wasting the rat. That has nothing to do with the snake itself.

I'm assuming that snake is healthy, if it is, it could skip a day, a feeding, even a month with no ill effects...

It could! But the bigger point is I'm not about to waste $30+ when it's possible for me to feed my snake all by myself because I'm not a complete idiot.

[MoreliAddict]

It could! But the bigger point is I'm not about to waste $30+ when it's possible for me to feed my snake all by myself because I'm not a complete idiot.
I agree, and personally I don't think feeding a snake like that alone is too dangerous, call me a daredevil. lol

I think the point that we're all trying to get at here is that it's irresponsible to buy something like a Burm, or a Retic, without having access to someone to accompany you regularly for feedings...

[Wildside]

I agree, and personally I don't think feeding a snake like that alone is too dangerous, call me a daredevil. lol

I think the point that we're all trying to get at here is that it's irresponsible to buy something like a Burm, or a Retic, without having access to someone to accompany you regularly for feedings...

I can agree with that for the most part, but still **** happens. That's why you gotta have an enclosure and feeding practices that make it virtually impossible for the snake to grab you instead of its prey. It's basic safety, the same thing as having smoke detectors.

[cossiecraig]

Great thread this 1 so i'll throw my 2 cents in ,first and foremost when you see this pic .......please for the love of God ignore my moustache ok......it was about 19 yrs ago lol......to the topic in hand though this pic was took of me and Kara purely for memories ,here she was approx 13 ft and again approx 125 Ibs .....big girl forsure ,i had it took as i knew she was going to get to a point where i couldn't physicaly hold her on my own .
what you don't see in the pic is that there was 3 grown men in the background should things get out of shape ,which they can and could've ,on the whole though i don't agree with holding big constrictors around your neck as some have allready said here regarding newcomers thinking it's okay if they see a BP or Corn snake for example ...........again i want too make this pic clear it was purely for me to have that memory of her .....i loved her very much and she was a very tame girl ,always fed in the viv and never turned a meal down from piglets,to rabbits,to hares ....she loved them all .

[StudentoReptile]

I can agree with that for the most part, but still **** happens. That's why you gotta have an enclosure and feeding practices that make it virtually impossible for the snake to grab you instead of its prey. It's basic safety, the same thing as having smoke detectors.

Even then...what if the snake grabs you and nicks an artery? I know we're talking freak accidents here, but still...an freak accident is still an accident. You're alone in the house, bleeding out all over the floor, the snake is hanging out of its cage and slowly escaping.

Don't want to lose money on wasted thawed out rats? Got a unhelpful significant other that just told you to "GFY"? Maybe find someone who IS willing to hang out and be your helper. Buy them a burger or make them a sandwich for their troubles. Again...there's ways to circumvent all those excuses in order to be safe and responsible.

Wildside, I'm not trying to pick on you personally. Just showing folks there are alternatives to taking even those small risks.

[Kettennatter]

I can agree with that for the most part, but still **** happens. That's why you gotta have an enclosure and feeding practices that make it virtually impossible for the snake to grab you instead of its prey. It's basic safety, the same thing as having smoke detectors.

The problem is that there is no virtually imposible. If things go wrong it is usually during or after feeding. Any adverse reaction to the feeding may cause you to handle the snake. I've seen anything from snakes trying to feed on themselves to attacking their reflections. I've seen snakes trying to ingest items other than their food, and I'm sure I'm not thinking of situations stupid enough. (Falling while opening the enclosure, etc)

The key here is: Feeding the snake at a specific time really isn't that important.

[Kettennatter]

Great thread this 1 so i'll throw my 2 cents in ,first and foremost when you see this pic .......please for the love of God ignore my moustache ok......it was about 19 yrs ago lol......to the topic in hand though this pic was took of me and Kara purely for memories ,here she was approx 13 ft and again approx 125 Ibs .....big girl forsure ,i had it took as i knew she was going to get to a point where i couldn't physicaly hold her on my own .
what you don't see in the pic is that there was 3 grown men in the background should things get out of shape ,which they can and could've ,on the whole though i don't agree with holding big constrictors around your neck as some have allready said here regarding newcomers thinking it's okay if they see a BP or Corn snake for example ...........again i want too make this pic clear it was purely for me to have that memory of her .....i loved her very much and she was a very tame girl ,always fed in the viv and never turned a meal down from piglets,to rabbits,to hares ....she loved them all .

It's a gorgeous snake. It's that without the context you provided the casual observer may not realize what you did to make sure you were safe.

[cossiecraig]

It's a gorgeous snake. It's that without the context you provided the casual observer may not realize what you did to make sure you were safe.

Thankyou Kettennatter ,that was a main point i was trying to present ,sure now i know 3 men would have 1 hell of a fight on their hands but all the time there i felt safe as i knew her from a baby burm ,that bieng said i also know her instinct was passed down from her elders and so fourth ,many a time i seen her power in feeding and for it to go wrong would've made all the wrong headlines and bad press ......thats why i had some form of back up and each knew what to do .

[shaunyboy]

The chances of a Royal or Corn doing any real damage are VERY slim. In martial arts pressure points are very well known, and are used especially in self-defense. I'm not advocating having a snake around one's neck but a good deal of localized pressure would have to be applied to the either the side of the neck (right above the clavicle) and/or by the adam's apple, in order for any real damage to be done. Kids of course would be more vulnerable. If you've ever been headlocked by your older brother you'd know that it's not that easy to get knocked out, unless of course you use the sleeper hold on someone.

the quickest way to render somone unconcious...

is to close the cartoid arterys,theres one either side of the neck,they deliver oxygen to the brain,close them and your out cold in roughly 3 to 8 seconds,also it does not take much pressure to close both veins

much quicker than strangulation of the windpipe,as when the windpipes closed,your lungs still feed oxygen to the brain for a good few minutes

a cartoid choke instantly stops the oxygen to the brain

this is why i don't condone snakes of any size round a persons neck

there have been deaths in the USA,when a snakes constricted their owners necks

i would rather play safe myself

cheers shaun

[rmfsnakes32]

I wear my smaller ones around my neck but my 8 footer no way she is way to big and strong

[Philmul]

Well after reading this I think I will just hold them over my shoulder. Last night my 5 ft boa decided to constrict my arm and wow it was very strong. there is no way i would have her or any around my neck anymore. Lol My snakes are in my garage my wife scared stiff of them so no one to help when I feed them. They only small now but when fully grown I will just chuck food in anyway.

[Philmul]

Now this guy is taking a big risk
21153

[Kettennatter]

He is not so much taking a risk, as much as promoting something that can be risky for no obvious reason. You don't know the snake in question and the cirumstances.

Or to put things into perspective: I think anybody riding a motorcycle is taking a greater risk.

[shaunyboy]

He is not so much taking a risk, as much as promoting something that can be risky for no obvious reason. You don't know the snake in question and the cirumstances.

Or to put things into perspective: I think anybody riding a motorcycle is taking a greater risk.

i have to disagree.....

a guy on a motorcycle is in complete control and can stop etc anytime he chooses

if that retic in the picture,decided to constrict for whatever reason,then the guy would be dead,he has NO control over what that snake will do,considering an anaconda can constrict at 900 pounds per square inch,for anything from 15 minutes or more,that much larger,more powerful retic,would have easily killed him

cheers shaun

[Kettennatter]

i have to disagree.....

a guy on a motorcycle is in complete control and can stop etc anytime he chooses [...]

I disagree on that one. The guy on the motorcycle is at the mercy of every motorist around him.


if that retic in the picture,decided to constrict for whatever reason,then the guy would be dead,he has NO control over what that snake will do,considering an anaconda can constrict at 900 pounds per square inch,for anything from 15 minutes or more,that much larger,more powerful retic,would have easily killed him

cheers shaun

Yes, but I consider most motorists to be more aggressive than most snakes. The key point here is not that the snake is capable, but that most snakes behave more consistently and less aggressively than most people operating a vehicle.

Another way to put it: I'm not riding a motorcycle because I'm afraid a truck would run me other the minute I left my driveway. I'm afraid that the odds would eventually catch up with me. Same here: The chances that something bad happens during a single event are actually slim, even if it promotes the wrong behavior.

[filthy phil]

Any snake of mine would catch a bullet b4 it choked me out. Which is one reason im staying away from the big ones for now.

[stephanbakir]

Any snake of mine would catch a bullet b4 it choked me out. Which is one reason im staying away from the big ones for now.
It only takes 3-8 seconds for you to be unconscious, if you can react, draw and fire that fast without warning you are lucky as hell, considering you won't feel it happening half the time. Also, what if you arms are tied (lol)

[filthy phil]

Great thread this 1 so i'll throw my 2 cents in ,first and foremost when you see this pic .......please for the love of God ignore my moustache ok......it was about 19 yrs ago lol......to the topic in hand though this pic was took of me and Kara purely for memories ,here she was approx 13 ft and again approx 125 Ibs .....big girl forsure ,i had it took as i knew she was going to get to a point where i couldn't physicaly hold her on my own .
what you don't see in the pic is that there was 3 grown men in the background should things get out of shape ,which they can and could've ,on the whole though i don't agree with holding big constrictors around your neck as some have allready said here regarding newcomers thinking it's okay if they see a BP or Corn snake for example ...........again i want too make this pic clear it was purely for me to have that memory of her .....i loved her very much and she was a very tame girl ,always fed in the viv and never turned a meal down from piglets,to rabbits,to hares ....she loved them all .

Awasome
She in snakie heaven I take it?:(

[stephanbakir]

Any snake of mine would catch a bullet b4 it choked me out. Which is one reason im staying away from the big ones for now.

Really wanted to avoid saying this, but it needs to be said. As the responsible keeper you are (right?) its your responsibility to not be a moron and put the animal in a situation where you might for whatever reason need to end its life to protect your own or someone elses.

[filthy phil]

Really wanted to avoid saying this, but it needs to be said. As the responsible keeper you are (right?) its your responsibility to not be a moron and put the animal in a situation where you might for whatever reason need to end its life to protect your own or someone elses.
Did you miss the part where I said im avoiding the big ones? im getting a 6' rtb. Male. I should be ok

It only takes 3-8 seconds for you to be unconscious, if you can react, draw and fire that fast without warning you are lucky as hell, considering you won't feel it happening half the time. Also, what if you arms are tied (lol)

Ive seen a man choked out and it takes a bit longer than 3 secs

[Wildside]

Phil do you intend to handle your six footer in one hand, and a six shooter in the other?

[stephanbakir]

Did you miss the part where I said im avoiding the big ones? im getting a 6' rtb. Male. I should be ok



Ive seen a man choked out and it takes a bit longer than 3 secs
Rofl. a 6 foot rtb can do some incredible damage lol.

Phil do you intend to handle your six footer in one hand, and a six shooter in the other?
*high5*

[blood_shot]

Rofl. a 6 foot rtb can do some incredible damage lol.


*high5*

I can think of one texan who can handle both those at once....

[stephanbakir]

People ask why you don't keep snakes around the neck... its kinda like this... I need to get me one of these! - Imgur (http://imgur.com/gallery/TjSjN)

It sure looks like fun, but you probably shouldn't do it.

[millertime89]

Did you miss the part where I said im avoiding the big ones? im getting a 6' rtb. Male. I should be ok



Ive seen a man choked out and it takes a bit longer than 3 secs

Did you miss the part where the real danger isn't asphyxiation but cutting off blood flow and ultimately oxygen to the brain?

[Philmul]

Having that retic around you is more like flying on a plane. Your life is in the hands of the piolot. Even if he knew what he was doing I still think he is mad. Steve Irvin was experienced with animals yet he let his guard down once and it was game over.

[Philmul]

i have to disagree.....

a guy on a motorcycle is in complete control and can stop etc anytime he chooses

if that retic in the picture,decided to constrict for whatever reason,then the guy would be dead,he has NO control over what that snake will do,considering an anaconda can constrict at 900 pounds per square inch,for anything from 15 minutes or more,that much larger,more powerful retic,would have easily killed him

cheers shaun

I agree. even a pet dog is unpredictable. At the end of the day any animal or reptile could turn and these are very large predictors

[Lankyrob]

Did you miss the part where I said im avoiding the big ones? im getting a 6' rtb. Male. I should be ok



Ive seen a man choked out and it takes a bit longer than 3 secs

In that case the person doing it was A) doing it wrong or B) it was in a fight situation where the person being "choked" was high on adrena
Ine and k ew it was coming, anyone who knows their mma can put someone out who is inexperienced in less than three seconds.

[Gregg M]

They are snakes......but, sure some seem to be domesticated (BPs & corns mainly).


No reptile is truely domesticated. That topic would make another good thread.

Anyway pressure point are not what puts a person out in a choke hold. It it the constriction of blood vessles to the brain that causes the person to pass out. I also know that it takes much more pressure to cause this to happen than any ball pyhon can dish out. That is for sure.

I must have been crazy when I took this shot. LOL

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7122/7786672080_7c3e92708b_z.jpg

[shaunyboy]

Ive seen a man choked out and it takes a bit longer than 3 secs

^^^^^
well the guy doing the chocking was NOT doing it correctly mate,unless your talking about a winpipe choke (takes a little longer)

i taught Judo for years and had people unconcious,within 5 seconds everytime using a cartoid arterial choke,it instantly stops the oxygen supply to the brain,no matter how big or strong the guy was,go get a friend to apply pressure at the same time,to both the large veins that run down both sides of your neck,if done correctly your head and eye sight will begin to go fuzzy within 3 to 5 seconds,followed a few seconds later with unconciousness;)

cheers shaun

P.S. Gregg as far as i know...

the only cases of pet snakes killing their owners come from the USA,that not tell you something mate ;):D

great pic by the way,i would love a pair of those Albino's off you mate

[cossiecraig]

Awasome
She in snakie heaven I take it?:(

No Phil ,she's still alive and well ,she's in a local zoo close to where i used to live ,we emigrated nearly 6 yrs ago ,i was very friendly with the CEO of the establishment and he offered to help us with re-locating her ,we had 1 other option with a friend but on disscusion with all we agreed the zoo would be better for her ,my mum seen her last yr and said she looked great BIG too lol .

[Snakeman8]

Really Snakeman.. Open your eyes then!

well, im looking at the screen so does that count.:)

[Jakesgirl]

I drape my lil BP over my shoulders and such sometimes, but never coiled around my neck. And he usually doesnt try. (though he does have a fascination with my boobs and my hair. perv. lol) I'm rather small, so I'm sure if he wanted to, he could at least make me a little uncomfortable, if not lightheaded.

[reptileexperts]

Not that I support or even want to acknowledge the HSUS right now with the stuff going on with HR511 - BUT, if you really want to know the death reports by constrictors check here:
http://www.humanesociety.org/assets/pdfs/wildlife/captive/constrictor-snake-attacks.pdf

Most as you'll see are from Feeding Errors, but many instances are constrictions. They are "tame" to us only when they want to be. Any moment of fear can cause a reaction that could end your life if you're in the wrong situation with one.

[Jakesgirl]

http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/74738_312969268817603_1746895152_n.jpg

He usually just curls his tail around the sleeve of my shirt to hold on. :)

[Rogue628]

Not that I support or even want to acknowledge the HSUS right now with the stuff going on with HR511 - BUT, if you really want to know the death reports by constrictors check here:
http://www.humanesociety.org/assets/pdfs/wildlife/captive/constrictor-snake-attacks.pdf

Most as you'll see are from Feeding Errors, but many instances are constrictions. They are "tame" to us only when they want to be. Any moment of fear can cause a reaction that could end your life if you're in the wrong situation with one.


I call BS on alot of those instances. They appear to be overhyped for sensationalism. About half of them are handler mistakes due to feeding or spooking the animal when going into it's home. Or it could have been a highly defensive animal, maybe wild caught, to begin with. There are reasons why we're supposed to use hooks, etc and know how to read our animals.

A couple appear to be overly exaggerated like the man who was dragged into the bushes by a large snake.

Show me the statistics of dog bites, specific breeds as well. Show me statistics of people getting trampled by their lives stock, thrown from their horses, and severely hurt by fowl.

Show me statistics of people being beaten and killed by other humans. Make those statistics specific, like being hit by a bus, or being thrown from a 4-wheeler. Show me statistics of people who are accidentally shot or hurt when hunting.

Statistics, no matter how unbiased, can always be one sided and are often void of complete and unbiased facts.

For example: if you were to buy a certain year, model, and type of car, you begin to notice more of them being driven...even to a specific color. Maybe you also begin to notice all the factory recalls, or how many maintenance or performance issues that specific vehicle has. What about all the wrecks and damages that specific vehicles has? Regardless of the statistics for that specific vehicle, it's of interest to you because you notice it and look for the information. Then compare them to a few others. But when you compare all those statistics and information with all other cars, that info may be very small when compared to all others individually.

Statistics are geared toward you seeing only what the writer wants you to see. Try comparing those instances to the several thousand keepers who successfully keep snakes. Or even other animals and wildlife.

[reptileexperts]

Hence why I pointed out that I do not support the HSUS ;-). This report is in congress fueling HR511 FYI. Lies and exagerations are all the common in people who want to ban snakes.

[reptileexperts]

Oh and I'm for banning Dihydrogen Monoxide!! That stuff has killed WAY more innocent people than snakes, and we hand it out to the poor and serve it to our guest almost daily??!! we're nuts!

[Rogue628]

I know. I was mainly putting out seeds as food for thought for others. :)

[reptileexperts]

Mortality statistics: every cause of death in England and Wales, visualised | Datablog | News | guardian.co.uk (http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/datablog/2011/oct/28/mortality-statistics-causes-death-england-wales-2010)

Good read for the bored about death stats. No snakes were on this list . .. BUT 217 people in this area alone died from DIHYDROGEN MONOXIDE in 2011?!

[Sorraia]

Too bad dihydrogen monoxide is essential for life! ;)

[Terranaut]

Trying to figure out why we are talking snake bans in the around the neck thread. There is a snake ban thread.

[reptileexperts]

simple answer? Because snakes around the necks lead to accidents which fuel bans. It's supporting the overall topic of snakes being around the neck as a bad thing for the inidviduals well being, and the continued existence of the hobby.

[Terranaut]

I see. I wonder if there are threads like this on dog owner forums? " keep your face away from eating dog" or something. I almost feel funny teaching common sense to people. When I read about people being injured by there pets and how it happened I typicaly feel the owners were dumber than the pets they keep.

[Lankyrob]

I see. I wonder if there are threads like this on dog owner forums? " keep your face away from eating dog" or something. I almost feel funny teaching common sense to people. When I read about people being injured by there pets and how it happened I typicaly feel the owners were dumber than the pets they keep.

OR .... Why do we have shows called "When animals attack" when they should be called "When stupid people mess with animals"

[Sorraia]

I see. I wonder if there are threads like this on dog owner forums? " keep your face away from eating dog" or something. I almost feel funny teaching common sense to people. When I read about people being injured by there pets and how it happened I typicaly feel the owners were dumber than the pets they keep.

Trust me, there are threads like that in other animal forums! ;)
Horse forums are pretty notorious for it even.

[Kettennatter]

I wouldn't want to put a horse around my neck, either.

[cossiecraig]

I wouldn't want to put a horse around my neck, either.

LMFAO.....i just about spat coffee everywhere......:)

[Sorraia]

I wouldn't want to put a horse around my neck, either.

Not on my bucket list either. ;)

But on that note... a lot of people will drape the lead rope around their shoulders or over their neck. Personally I think that's more dangerous than the snake!

[jennuhkins]

i want my bp to big enough to i can put her around my neck :P it would be a lot easier carrying her around like that then holding her in my hands

[Lankyrob]

i want my bp to big enough to i can put her around my neck :P it would be a lot easier carrying her around like that then holding her in my hands

Have you even READ this thread at all? Thisisthe most irresponsible posti have read for a long time :angry::angry::angry:

[Kettennatter]

Not on my bucket list either. ;)

But on that note... a lot of people will drape the lead rope around their shoulders or over their neck. Personally I think that's more dangerous than the snake!

Quite frankly, that sounds completely reckless. While I do like dogs, cats and to a certain degree horses, I would consider many traditional pets or domesticated animals more dangerous than snakes.

[Corey209]

Crushed by a Boa Constrictor - Deadly 60 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8bV_r7Uqdk)

[Kettennatter]

Crushed by a Boa Constrictor - Deadly 60 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8bV_r7Uqdk)

That is pathetic on so many levels. And the uninformed have no idea what is actually going on.

[Sorraia]

Quite frankly, that sounds completely reckless. While I do like dogs, cats and to a certain degree horses, I would consider many traditional pets or domesticated animals more dangerous than snakes.

There are definitely many more traditional pets that are far more dangerous than a constrictor snake. Many dogs may never bite a human, but when they do they have potential to do a lot of damage. Even small dogs can have serious bites. A medium sized dog or larger can knock over a person and cause injury, even when just playing. Dogs and cats both have the potential to carry very dangerous and deadly diseases, especially if not vaccinated and allowed to run at large. Some of those diseases will not affect people, but can be transferred to humans. Cat scratches and bites can be downright nasty and cause horrible infections. Just by numbers alone you are far more likely to be injured by a dog or cat than a snake. Horses are a whole new ball game. Many are large, and some people still consider them "wild" to a degree. An improperly trained horse is very dangerous and hard to handle. A horse with a poor temperament is equally dangerous. They can trample, step on, knock over, bump, bite, or kick their handler. Riders can be thrown. And reckless behavior (i.e. wrapping lead rope around body parts, crawling under the horse, etc.) opens the door wide for all kinds of injury to occur! I say these things as someone who has 2 of each of those animals mentioned.

Accidents can happen, no matter what the animal. Some "accidents" happen due to careless, reckless behavior.

[Wildside]

Crushed by a Boa Constrictor - Deadly 60 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8bV_r7Uqdk)

Steve Irwin wasn't that stupid :(

[infernalis]

Steve Irwin wasn't that stupid :(


Please don't take me wrong, I was a big Steve fan once upon a time.

He did raise some awareness, I know he cared a lot about animals, but he sparked a whole wave of people molesting wild animals because they seen him do it on TV.

It's very possible to create animal documentaries without grabbing onto the critters.

I have grown to be a real David Attenborough fan, his BBC documentaries are conducted "hands off" and I like that.

[dinosaurdammit]

Steve Irwin wasn't that stupid :(

THIS SO MUCH, how can you plan for a sting ray to impale you at random. From what I understand he wasnt harassing it or anything it just raised his tail and bam, it was nothing but a tragic accident.

[infernalis]

THIS SO MUCH, how can you plan for a sting ray to impale you at random. From what I understand he wasnt harassing it or anything it just raised his tail and bam, it was nothing but a tragic accident.

A tragic accident that could have easily been avoided with a waterproof camera on a boom, or a glass bottom boat.

Again, don't take me wrong, I grieved just as much as any other animal loving fanatic, my feelings are retrospective, as my whole outlook evolves.

Once upon a time, I used to feel the need to pick up every snake that crossed my path, Now I take photos and leave the snake to go on it's way undisturbed.

Did you ever see the movie where Steve chases the Goanna and dove on it?? was it really necessary to jump over a sand dune to grab that lizzard??

Southpark hit the nail on the head years ago "watch as I shove my thumb up it's butt hole, crikey now he's pissed"

[Kettennatter]

Steve Irwin wasn't that stupid :(

No, he wasn't. He used the shock factor of getting dangerously close to animals, but he didn't wrap something around his neck claiming it was trying to kill him. There are different degrees of stupid.

[Wildside]

Southpark hit the nail on the head years ago "watch as I shove my thumb up it's butt hole, crikey now he's pissed"

LOL Yes they did!

[Gungirl]

I never really cared for the man. I liked what he wanted to do- Educate people. I hated his method of doing so.

[Wildside]

We all learned a very valuable lesson from him... Don't hug stingrays!

[red ink]

Steve Irwin the conservationist = fantastic bloke

Steve Irwin the reptile advocate = ex poacher and money grubbing prick

Steve Irwin the media mogul/personality = total knob jockey

As with Forest... that's all I have to say about that.

[red ink]

A tragic accident that could have easily been avoided with a waterproof camera on a boom, or a glass bottom boat.

Again, don't take me wrong, I grieved just as much as any other animal loving fanatic, my feelings are retrospective, as my whole outlook evolves.

Once upon a time, I used to feel the need to pick up every snake that crossed my path, Now I take photos and leave the snake to go on it's way undisturbed.

Did you ever see the movie where Steve chases the Goanna and dove on it?? was it really necessary to jump over a sand dune to grab that lizzard??

Southpark hit the nail on the head years ago "watch as I shove my thumb up it's butt hole, crikey now he's pissed"

German tourist can't get attacked by crocs if they stay out of the rivers of Northern Australia...

Surfers in the east coast of Australia can't get attacked by great whites if they don't surf with them...

Stingrays can't kill people in khaki shorts who scream out crickey if they don't swim over them (you know like a predator)....

People can't get strangled by their snakes and die if..... well I'm sure we can see a pattern here.

[Wildside]

German tourist can't get attacked by crocs if they stay out of the rivers of Northern Australia...

Surfers in the east coast of Australia can't get attacked by great whites if they don't surf with them...

Stingrays can't kill people in khaki shorts who scream out crickey if they don't swim over them (you know like a predator)....

People can't get strangled by their snakes and die if..... well I'm sure we can see a pattern here.

Well said... Can I quote this in my sig?

[MoreliAddict]

Well said... Can I quote this in my sig?
That's gonna be a mouthful of a sig. :D

[Wildside]

That's gonna be a mouthful of a sig. :D

You should see some of my others :D

[infernalis]

I could watch this guy's documentaries all day long and never get bored...

WE4ezpbb_YY

[SSSSnakes]

I could watch this guy's documentaries all day long and never get bored...

WE4ezpbb_YY

Thanks Wayne. I was able to watch some of his other You Tube videos and they are great. As I do not have regular cable TV, I miss some of the better show like this. I stopped watching TV a few years ago, because most of what was on was trash and negative attitudes toward keeping animals. What ever happened to the good old nature shows?

[Lankyrob]

I could watch this guy's documentaries all day long and never get bored...

WE4ezpbb_YY

The BBC are currently doing a review showof his 60 years in wildlife tv, he is still as passionate and knowledgeable as he ever was.

The only other person i have watched who has a similar level of passion and knowledge is Dominic Monaghan (not just a Hobbit ;))

[infernalis]

Before we derail this thread any further....

http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/general-discussion/96840-sir-david-attenborough-wildlife-documentaries.html

I started a thread...:D

[shaunyboy]

Steve Irwin the conservationist = fantastic bloke

Steve Irwin the reptile advocate = ex poacher and money grubbing prick

Steve Irwin the media mogul/personality = total knob jockey

As with Forest... that's all I have to say about that.

i was not a fan of steve either mate,there was too much fake camera work going on,along with all of the above

i had no idea he was a poacher though mate :shocked:

cheers shaun

[infernalis]

Thanks Wayne. I was able to watch some of his other You Tube videos and they are great. As I do not have regular cable TV, I miss some of the better show like this. I stopped watching TV a few years ago, because most of what was on was trash and negative attitudes toward keeping animals. What ever happened to the good old nature shows?


They are all on BBC now.

[red ink]

Well said... Can I quote this in my sig?

No worries mate...

[Wildside]

No worries mate...

Does that mean yes?

[red ink]

Does that mean yes?

It does in Australian... I keep forgeting that I'm on an international forum lol

[cossiecraig]

It does in Australian... I keep forgeting that I'm on an international forum lol

Spare a little thought for me would ya ,i'm born & bred Englishman ,but now live in Canada......Lol

[KORBIN5895]

Spare a little thought for me would ya ,i'm born & bred Englishman ,but now live in Canada......Lol

I am really sorry to hear this. Looks like you caught it on both ends....

[cossiecraig]

I am really sorry to hear this. Looks like you caught it on both ends....

Lol ,no need to be sorry ,i'll call it a learning curve ;)

[KORBIN5895]

Lol ,no need to be sorry ,i'll call it a learning curve ;)

Well played.

[infernalis]

Steve Irwin wasn't that stupid :(

dnfn6rV4sL0

[Wildside]

dnfn6rV4sL0


All downhill from there I guess

[Snakeman8]

Steve irwin is NOT stupid!! Just because u put a snake around your neck doesnt make you an idiot! Everyone has their opinoin, but just because some people put snakes around their necks doesnt make them idiots! Whatever, if you want to waste your time argueing about what happens when a snake is around your neck, fine be my guest.

[StudentoReptile]

Steve irwin is NOT stupid!! Just because u put a snake around your neck doesnt make you an idiot! Everyone has their opinoin, but just because some people put snakes around their necks doesnt make them idiots! Whatever, if you want to waste your time argueing about what happens when a snake is around your neck, fine be my guest.

First of all, it's "was" not "is." The man died years ago.

Its really not the fact that a corn snake or a young ball python is much of a danger. But the point that many of us are making is that the idiots out there (and there are a large number of them in this hobby!) see it, and think its equally okay to do the same thing with their adult carpets, BCIs, retics, and burms. That is irresponsible, plain and simple.

That is why there is this "push" for a paradigm shift to simply discourage everyone from doing it.

And to reply to your last statement, we will, thank you...as we have for several pages now.

[KORBIN5895]

First of all, it's "was" not "is." The man died years ago.

Its really not the fact that a corn snake or a young ball python is much of a danger. But the point that many of us are making is that the idiots out there (and there are a large number of them in this hobby!) see it, and think its equally okay to do the same thing with their adult carpets, BCIs, retics, and burms. That is irresponsible, plain and simple.

That is why there is this "push" for a paradigm shift to simply discourage everyone from doing it.

And to reply to your last statement, we will, thank you...as we have for several pages now.

How do you feel now that you've crushed that child's dream? ;)

[StudentoReptile]

Guess I need to tell him the truth about Santa Claus as well.

[KORBIN5895]

That Santa is just a fat old perv? No. He isn't ready yet....

[Snakeman8]

Do u think that bothers me? No. I dont care if you call me a child, ive been called worse, and saying that i think santa is real?, be my guest, ive been told worse.
And talking about me like im not here, that doesnt bother me at all.

[Wyldrose]

I had my 500 gram ball python around my neck the other day, I had to take him off right away, he is strong even though he is little! I can't wear turtle necks and tightg neck shirts, I start to gag. So Ecko is no longer allowed up there. I'll toss an adult corn over my shoulder if I need to do something like fill up the water dish or change the paper, I don't allow them to go around my neck.

I did a photo shoot with some of my snakes(corns) and one of my rules was no snakes around the models neck. The shoot went very well, the photographer was scared at first and now wants a snake.

I have the same rule for my kids too. No snakes around your neck. They mainly want to hold the ball python because he is so calm. Of course they are not allowed to handle them without me present and within arms lenght. You have to be smart with your snakes. The public is already scared enough of snakes it's time to show them they are not the monsters they have been made out to be.

[dbank999]

I could watch this guy's documentaries all day long and never get bored...

WE4ezpbb_YY


^^This... is why my productivity at work just went down :rolleyes:

[Wildside]

That Santa is just a fat old perv? No. He isn't ready yet....


You just called Santa a perv :unibrow: You are getting reindeer poop in your stocking!

[Kettennatter]

Germany had the concept of the "evil Santa" a.k.a."Knecht Ruprecht" or "Hans Muff". His coat was black, and he carried switches to beat the naughty kids. (The whole concept is no longer quite as fashionable as it once was.)

Korbin may be a good candidate for a visit, though. ;)

[Snakeman8]

i love watching his vids, thier educational and interesting.:)

[KORBIN5895]

Steve Irwin wasn't that stupid :(

Didn't steve also hold his baby over an alligator once?

You just called Santa a perv :unibrow: You are getting reindeer poop in your stocking!

Come on! He is a fat old man giving children candy to sit on his lap!

Germany had the concept of the "evil Santa" a.k.a."Knecht Ruprecht" or "Hans Muff". His coat was black, and he carried switches to beat the naughty kids. (The whole concept is no longer quite as fashionable as it once was.)

Korbin may be a good candidate for a visit, though. ;)

Only if they are looking for him to go the way of the grave.

On a side note Hans Muff makes me laugh.... it could be the next bond girl's name.

[Wildside]

Come on! He is a fat old man giving children candy to sit on his lap!



I guess the great thing about growing up is candy turns into $$$$$

[Philmul]

I had my boa around my neck and she tightened up she is strong. I'm lucky she did not constrict other wise I would of been a goner, I won't have any snake around my neck any more. If you want a snake around your neck you can but regardless of the snake it's dangerous. And posting it on these sites gives the uneducated keepers the impression that its ok.

[BarelyBreathing]

I just want to say, when dealing with an animal as large as a burmese python or a reticulated python, if they wanted to do you in it wouldn't matter whether they were around your neck or not. This is really only an argument for those who keep smaller snakes who could only actually do harm if they could get around your neck.

[Snakeman8]

I see why not to do it with large snakes, but small snake might bite or squeeze alittle, but its not gonna harm u, except for small boas, then its not ok.

[Gungirl]

Snakeman8 even a corn snake could cause you to black out. They don't need to choke you out they just need to hit the right pressure points. It would be a freak accident but why risk it when there is no real reason to place them on your neck in the first place.

[Snakeman8]

that depends on if your pressure points are sensitive, unlike mine, and how strong the snake is. thats just two reasons.

[StudentoReptile]

that depends on if your pressure points are sensitive, unlike mine, and how strong the snake is. thats just two reasons.

Like many things, there's plenty of darn good legitimate reasons for not doing it, and discouraging others from doing it. Not really any good reasons for doing it.

My advice is that if you are going to continue to do it, don't advertise it and don't post pics of yourself doing it, to give the impression that it's fine for others to do so.

[StudentoReptile]

double post

[poison123]

Snakeman8 even a corn snake could cause you to black out. They don't need to choke you out they just need to hit the right pressure points. It would be a freak accident but why risk it when there is no real reason to place them on your neck in the first place.

im not sure if it was already posted but can you tell me one person who was choked out by a corn? ive never heard of it.

[CMRetics]

Snakeman8 even a corn snake could cause you to black out. They don't need to choke you out they just need to hit the right pressure points. It would be a freak accident but why risk it when there is no real reason to place them on your neck in the first place.
Only if you're beyond sensitive and tremendously small/frail. I've had corns, bulls, balls, small retics, burms, condas, all sorts of things wrap around my neck, never have I once felt in danger.

Man, careful it might bite, why risk it when you can wear gloves right?! Yeah, it's how I want to hold my animal, I'm safe doing it, get over it.

Like many things, there's plenty of darn good legitimate reasons for not doing it, and discouraging others from doing it. Not really any good reasons for doing it.

My advice is that if you are going to continue to do it, don't advertise it and don't post pics of yourself doing it, to give the impression that it's fine for others to do so.
Good reasons? It can sit on my neck while I do things with my hands, rather than putting it down. Usually the animal will just hold on rather than if I set it down- it's going to run for it's life.

I just want to say, when dealing with an animal as large as a burmese python or a reticulated python, if they wanted to do you in it wouldn't matter whether they were around your neck or not. This is really only an argument for those who keep smaller snakes who could only actually do harm if they could get around your neck.
^ If my retics wanted to hurt me, they wouldn't need to be on my neck to do so. ;)

im not sure if it was already posted but can you tell me one person who was choked out by a corn? ive never heard of it.
No one. I have NEVER once heard of a legit case where someone has been seriously hurt/killed by having a snake around the neck. It's an irrational fear just like the idea that it might bite your wrist hard enough to hit a vein and you might bleed to death. DONT RISK IT WEAR GLOVES.

It's silly.

[infernalis]

The wheels on this bus go round and round on this thread only please...

Absolutely no need to clutter the entire forum with the same debate, This "why don't you jump off a cliff" "you are a this and that" crap stops too.

You are all entitled to an opinion, but you WILL express that opinion politely or the hammer starts dropping.

It is completely unnecessary to include insulting blurbs into a conversation. These insulting little comments are what spells the difference between a real debate and an elementary school shouting match.

[Philmul]

I'm leaving this debate as its just going round in circles why not agree to disagree. For those who want snakes around their necks do so just don't broadcast if and for the rest of us don't do it.

[StudentoReptile]

I'm leaving this debate as its just going round in circles why not agree to disagree. For those who want snakes around their necks do so just don't broadcast if and for the rest of us don't do it.

I heartily agree.

Its kinda like posting pictures of anything regarding your animals or your set-up. People will find things to criticize, sometimes it is warranted, sometimes they're just being nitpicky. Such is the interwebs...

[Terranaut]

Well just to add one small thing. I read in another thread a comparison to NASCAR. It made me think of this debate this way.
In NASCAR a bunch of guys drive at high speeds inches from one another. Sometimes it all goes wrong and people get killed. We see it on tv. Its a known risk of the sport and as spectators we accept it. Most people watching also own cars. We know its both wrong and dangerous to fly down the hiway at high speeds but some still will. Sometimes it all goes wrong and they get killed. They knew the risks but did it anyway. Now nobody goes on a NASCAR forum asking for pics of speeding cars to be removed. We don't debate the safety of speeding and under what cinditions its ok to do so. We don't consider that new drivers may see it and go speeding down the interstate. We assume they know better.
Time to do that here. Assume that some will do it. Some will do it with safegaurds. Some will die. Some won't. If you own a snake you should know the risks. Continually posting to not post pics of this is like standing on the road with a radar gun and running down speeders to say "hey thats not safe. You could get killed"
We already know.

[Rogue628]

I never thought of it like that before. That's a completely different perspective and some food for thought.

Thanks for sharing that.

[CMRetics]

I'm leaving this debate as its just going round in circles why not agree to disagree. For those who want snakes around their necks do so just don't broadcast if and for the rest of us don't do it.
I'll post me doing what I want with my snake, it's my business. I don't feel it's a danger AT ALL. Just because some ignorant people with 0 experience dislike it doesn't mean that I'm going to change my ways for them. Have your view, express it in your own thread, but when I make a thread with my snake near my neck. I'm clearly OK with it and It's pretty obvious I think I'm safe/fine doing so, and it's not anyone's business how I handle my animal.

Simple, I would have stayed out of this thread if people didn't come into the other one and attack the backbone of our industry/hobby.

[KORBIN5895]

I'll post me doing what I want with my snake, it's my business. I don't feel it's a danger AT ALL. Just because some ignorant people with 0 experience dislike it doesn't mean that I'm going to change my ways for them. Have your view, express it in your own thread, but when I make a thread with my snake near my neck. I'm clearly OK with it and It's pretty obvious I think I'm safe/fine doing so, and it's not anyone's business how I handle my animal.

Simple, I would have stayed out of this thread if people didn't come into the other one and attack the backbone of our industry/hobby.

When did giants become the back bone of this hobby?

[Terranaut]

I'll post me doing what I want with my snake, it's my business. I don't feel it's a danger AT ALL. Just because some ignorant people with 0 experience dislike it doesn't mean that I'm going to change my ways for them. Have your view, express it in your own thread, but when I make a thread with my snake near my neck. I'm clearly OK with it and It's pretty obvious I think I'm safe/fine doing so, and it's not anyone's business how I handle my animal.

Simple, I would have stayed out of this thread if people didn't come into the other one and attack the backbone of our industry/hobby.


This is exactly the thread to do this in.
I am sick to death of people posting about it in every other thread. It needs to stay here.
As a matter of fact if you google it the only snake strangulation I could find was a 2 yr old strangled by a burm in florida. ???

[Rogue628]

IIRC, isn't that the one that happened because the animal was being ill kept and underfed? Not that it makes the tragedy any less, but it wasn't truly the snakes fault, but the keepers for not keeping and feeding the animal correctly.

[Terranaut]

Yup
I have googled a few different ways to say killed by snake and other than that haven't been able to find one. I do know a guy in Toronto was killed by his burm years ago but nothing on the net about it at all.

[StudentoReptile]

Because if it's not found on the internet, it didn't happen, right? ;)

[Aaron_S]

Yup
I have googled a few different ways to say killed by snake and other than that haven't been able to find one. I do know a guy in Toronto was killed by his burm years ago but nothing on the net about it at all.

Brampton.

It's why they aren't allowed any boids at all.

[Aaron_S]

...and it's not anyone's business how I handle my animal...

And yet, we criticize venomous keepers on this. You aren't above them.

[Terranaut]

Because if it's not found on the internet, it didn't happen, right? ;)

Look man I am not a moron I am just saying I looked.

[StudentoReptile]

I know you're not a moron, T...and i admit, I thought someone else had said that.

[CMRetics]

When did giants become the back bone of this hobby?
In the sense that we are on the front lines fighting to keep our animals RIGHT NOW. In the sense that if you take us out, the rest will fall. Not the main staple, not the biggest thing in reptiles, but the most easily targeted right alongside venomous.

Also, for the people comparing venomous to big constrictors- it's not even close to the same. A bite from a hot has a high chance of killing you. A large constrictor no, will it even have a high chance of constricting you to death? no. Will it randomly squeeze your neck out of the blue, highly unlikely. Would it go into a feeding response and attack your head and squeeze your neck, also very very unlikely.

The odds of anyone getting killed having the snake near/around their neck especially with others there is beyond slim. The odds of a hot bite killing you are substantially higher.

[Aaron_S]

In the sense that we are on the front lines fighting to keep our animals RIGHT NOW. In the sense that if you take us out, the rest will fall. Not the main staple, not the biggest thing in reptiles, but the most easily targeted right alongside venomous.

Also, for the people comparing venomous to big constrictors- it's not even close to the same. A bite from a hot has a high chance of killing you. A large constrictor no, will it even have a high chance of constricting you to death? no. Will it randomly squeeze your neck out of the blue, highly unlikely. Would it go into a feeding response and attack your head and squeeze your neck, also very very unlikely.

The odds of anyone getting killed having the snake near/around their neck especially with others there is beyond slim. The odds of a hot bite killing you are substantially higher.

Do you even know what the phrase "backbone of the hobby" means?!

Obviously you didn't use the right phrase. No, the rest won't fall if you go. Tons of laws out there already where 3 meters is the rule. We function just fine and I don't see it happening to those under that anytime in the next 10 - 20 years.

[CMRetics]

Do you even know what the phrase "backbone of the hobby" means?!

Obviously you didn't use the right phrase. No, the rest won't fall if you go. Tons of laws out there already where 3 meters is the rule. We function just fine and I don't see it happening to those under that anytime in the next 10 - 20 years.
Then you are clearly clueless how simple it is to term the word "python" and a large number of people will think it's a big scary snake. You have NO CLUE how politics or this hobby works.

I pray for everyone that you stick to your pathetic excuses for snakes, and stay the hell away from anything "dangerous" like retics. You're cancer to this hobby.

[poison123]

why are we insulting each other? cant we all just get along:D

[CMRetics]

why are we insulting each other? cant we all just get along:D
I insult him because since I started posting, along with several other retic keepers- we've been attacked by ignorant people with 0 idea what they are talking about.

It's disgusting. These people are WORSE than your average joe on the street. At least we can educate them on their ignorance, these one's are so dead set on being right they can't even see the fact they don't have any experience in the subject matter they speak on, and feel they should have an opinion and a voice anyway.

You don't see me on here telling people how to keep hots do you? I DONT KEEP HOTS, I'm smart enough to leave it alone.

[KORBIN5895]

I insult him because since I started posting, along with several other retic keepers- we've been attacked by ignorant people with 0 idea what they are talking about.

It's disgusting. These people are WORSE than your average joe on the street. At least we can educate them on their ignorance, these one's are so dead set on being right they can't even see the fact they don't have any experience in the subject matter they speak on, and feel they should have an opinion and a voice anyway.

You don't see me on here telling people how to keep hots do you? I DONT KEEP HOTS, I'm smart enough to leave it alone.

Wow! You still going on about this stuff?

I am unsure where you get off telling people who can and can't have opinions. You keep claiming to have all of this experience but no one really cares because you are just coming across as rude and foolish.

After reading the logic in your posts I think we will have to agree to disagree on that last bolder statement.

[CMRetics]

Wow! You still going on about this stuff?

I am unsure where you get off telling people who can and can't have opinions. You keep claiming to have all of this experience but no one really cares because you are just coming across as rude and foolish.

After reading the logic in your posts I think we will have to agree to disagree on that last bolder statement.
Considering you're the first one to start the name calling, I'm the rude and foolish one?

If you don't keep retics, you have no right to comment on their care, handling, or anything of the sort. You sure don't have any right to tell people who have been leaders in their field for 10+ years how to handle their animals, that's for damn sure ;)

[KORBIN5895]

Considering you're the first one to start the name calling, I'm the rude and foolish one?

If you don't keep retics, you have no right to comment on their care, handling, or anything of the sort. You sure don't have any right to tell people who have been leaders in their field for 10+ years how to handle their animals, that's for damn sure ;)

So out of curiosity who made you god and king? Since when did you get to tell me what rights I have?

Now that we got that straight let me ask you a few questions.

Would you please show a post where I actually called you a name?

How long have you actually owned giants?

Why do you feel you are the industries spokesman?

Also you should probably know people know me here so I really don't look anymore foolish than normal. I have amnesty because I am the village idiot. They really don't expect much from me.

Why do you keep making assumptions about people you dong know?

[StudentoReptile]

If you don't keep retics, you have no right to comment on their care, handling, or anything of the sort. You sure don't have any right to tell people who have been leaders in their field for 10+ years how to handle their animals, that's for damn sure ;)

If how you (not you personally, but giant keepers as a whole, the good and the bad) handle and keep your snakes can affect my ability/privilege to keep my snakes (either directly or indirectly), then YES, I do have a bit of a right to tell you how to handle them...or in the least, I have every right to voice my opinion on it. Whether you have 10 months or 10 yrs of experience makes no difference to me. If you are handling your snake irresponsibly, you obviously missed something in those 10 years.

By your own admission, giant snakes and venomous are under more scrutiny than other herps by media, animal rights and the govt. I concur wholeheartedly. So it makes sense for those who keep those reptiles to raise the standard for responsibility and how they portray themselves to others, both the general public and other herpers, because new hobbyists are always watching.

[SSSSnakes]

Also, for the people comparing venomous to big constrictors- it's not even close to the same. A bite from a hot has a high chance of killing you. A large constrictor no, will it even have a high chance of constricting you to death? no. Will it randomly squeeze your neck out of the blue, highly unlikely. Would it go into a feeding response and attack your head and squeeze your neck, also very very unlikely.

The odds of anyone getting killed having the snake near/around their neck especially with others there is beyond slim. The odds of a hot bite killing you are substantially higher.

This thread has brought the level of stupidity to new heights. I just want to say that I feel most venomous keepers are more cautious with their snakes than the people who keep larger snakes. They do realize they are more deadly and show more respect for their snakes. Large snake keepers tend to become to relaxed around their snakes and let their guard down, which leads to more incidents. I keep both venomous and large snakes, so I am not bias toward either.

[Aaron_S]

Then you are clearly clueless how simple it is to term the word "python" and a large number of people will think it's a big scary snake. You have NO CLUE how politics or this hobby works.

I pray for everyone that you stick to your pathetic excuses for snakes, and stay the hell away from anything "dangerous" like retics. You're cancer to this hobby.

You're a funny one.

I have owned retics and burms BEFORE you probably even knew that people kept them as pets so don't even think I'm a cancer or know what you're talking about. Admittedly, the only subspecies I haven't much work with are the super dwarfs as they were JUST coming out more publicly as I was getting out of giants.

Secondly, I knew I was right about all retic keepers. Snake keeping douche canoes. You consider yourself above anyone who keeps "pathetic snakes". Been where you are, done that. Got the lousy t-shirt.

There you go again assuming things about keepers you know nothing about. Seriously. You're so hypocritical.

Anyway, I know about politics and how the word "python" scares people. I just prefer not get into the politics about the giants as I'm clearly AGAINST keeping them.

I do own my own pythons though. The difference is, mine are of a stature that doesn't scare someone when they see them. They usually get over their fear.

You never did answer my question if you knew what the phrase "backbone of the hobby" means?!

I truly believe the world and the rest of the hobby will carry on quite the way it is if FOUR (4) giant species are removed from private keepers. I say 4 because there's only 4 "common" ones kept. (Burms, retics, green annies, african rocks) Unfortunately, retics make too much money right now so I would expect at least them or just their dwarf counterparts to stay around.

[marvelfreak]

Instead of bicker over if it should be done. How about we educated people on how to properly handle a snake if the decided to do it. Because we all no people are still going to do it so let's give them the tools to do it correct.

You always want to keep your hands near the head and tail. This help you control the snake and if it starts to wrap you can keep it from making a complete wrap. Now with bigger snakes you will always want to keep control of the head and have at least one person near by that can grab the tail if needed.

If you have to unwrap a snake remember the neck and tail are the weakest part of a snake. Just start unwrapping it hand over hand. Always be sure to support their weigh if the feel like they may fall the will tighten their grip. This is why you will see people with bigger snakes draped over their shoulder. Just remember to never let a snake make a complete loop around your neck. Use common since, always be alert, set safety rules and follow them and never underestimate your snakes. You should never have a problem.

[Aaron_S]

I'm going to repost this in the other thread as well.


All things aside, we'll never agree. So I'm going to leave with this last comment.

If the government is all over the giants then we all can agree that these photos can be EASILY taken from the internet and manipulated by the sensationalist media. In your own words everyone is scared of the word "python" so this media would easily have everyone on their side. No one would care to get the true story, you'd be done.

So take away your "experience", your opinion and everything you are and just keep these things away from where the media can get it. That includes social media sites like facebook. The last thing you want is to give ammo to the ones who are working against you.

[StudentoReptile]

Well said, Aaron. Which is one reason I really don't post pictures of my snakes at all anymore, especially on social media sites, save for specialty groups and forums like this.

[red ink]

Big snakes... big egos?

[KORBIN5895]

Big snakes... big egos?

And little Johnnys.

[CMRetics]

Again, you guys are terrified of something that has NEVER HAPPENED, and attacking people over "slim chance". It's silly. My pictures of me holding a retic near my neck doesn't affect any of you, nor is it dangerous for me. It's not even based in facts, it's not like you can list people who have been killed by accidental constriction.

Then you base your opinion based on NOTHING and tell those of us who own these animals what we should or shouldn't do, and what we shouldn't post pictures of us doing.

Man, if you want stupidity, there it is in a nut-shell.

[KORBIN5895]

I asked you some straight forward questions and you are ignoring them.

[CMRetics]

I asked you some straight forward questions and you are ignoring them.
I choose not to. Why should I acknowledge you? You're nobody and you're basing all your info on nothing.

[KORBIN5895]

I choose not to. Why should I acknowledge you? You're nobody and you're basing all your info on nothing.

Lol. So in other words your answers would be embarrassing to yourself.

[CMRetics]

Lol. So in other words your answers would be embarrassing to yourself.
No, just the fact that I honestly don't care about you nor your opinion of me. It's meaningless for me, why go out of my way for someone who is so ignorant and set on their ignorance? Using 0 facts and a track record of 0 snakes hurting people on accident to back up their case. Seems like a waste of time, but I'm bored tonight so why not I'll bite.

So out of curiosity who made you god and king? Since when did you get to tell me what rights I have?

Now that we got that straight let me ask you a few questions.

Would you please show a post where I actually called you a name?

How long have you actually owned giants?

Why do you feel you are the industries spokesman?

Also you should probably know people know me here so I really don't look anymore foolish than normal. I have amnesty because I am the village idiot. They really don't expect much from me.

Why do you keep making assumptions about people you dong know?

I'm not god or king, I don't tell you what rights you have, but you don't tell me what rights I have, especially what to do with my animals and my pictures of my animals, nor do you have the right to tell anyone who to care for their animals or what to do with them.

I believe either you, or that other guy keeps calling people douche, DC, and ******** w/e, haven't paid attention. There's a few idiots in here with the same ignorance/posting style.

I've worked with snakes considered giants off and on since childhood.

Why do I feel I'm the industry spokesman? I don't. I'm just one of the few who is willing/has the extra time to stand up for myself. Most of the industry laughed at this thread and you.

[Corey209]

I personally feel that it shouldn't be recommended to put a large snake around the neck but if you've worked with the snake and trust it as safe to do so then why not? You're not hurting anyone but yourself if the snake were to constrict.

[EmbraceCalamity]

Most of the industry laughed at this thread and you.Most of the industry has seen this thread? Damn. Y'all have a hell of a communication system.

~Maggot

[Lankyrob]

I personally feel that it shouldn't be recommended to put a large snake around the neck but if you've worked with the snake and trust it as safe to do so then why not? You're not hurting anyone but yourself if the snake were to constrict.

Experienced keepers taking the risk isnt the problem, the problem is inexperienced keepers seein the pictures and not realising the risk.

If an experienced keepers should get into trouble and get hurt or even killed then that is there own fault, if a newbie gets hurt or killed it is our responsibility as hobbiests for presenting bad form as safe. :)

[Snakeman8]

[QUOTE=CMRetics;798327]No, just the fact that I honestly don't care about you nor your opinion of me. It's meaningless for me, why go out of my way for someone who is so ignorant and set on their ignorance? Using 0 facts and a track record of 0 snakes hurting people on accident to back up their case. Seems like a waste of time, but I'm bored tonight so why not I'll bite.[QUOTE

FINALLY!
LOL!
i feel the exact same way wjhen it comes to that guy.

[shaunyboy]

for ALL the people who think putting a snake round your neck is harmless
vvvvvvvvvvvvvv

http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=cory+byrne+snake+death&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CDIQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Farticles.nydailynews.com%2F2010-06-11%2Fnews%2F27066930_1_constrictor-boa-pet-snake&ei=RCTPUPvaI-2R0QWmzoHwBQ&usg=AFQjCNHiNvB6gChys7EITBqokzbiU19XTw


http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=snake+keepers+killed+by+pet+snakes+in+the+usa&source=web&cd=16&cad=rja&ved=0CE4QFjAFOAo&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mcclatchydc.com%2F2011%2F01%2 F01%2F106054%2Fsnake-that-killed-florida-child.html&ei=XCXPULjAG6Oc0AWi4ICwAg&usg=AFQjCNG_lUKk5ZZx1zght057HMBwjd-ENg

cheers shaun

p.s.i'm not very good with computers and searching the internet,i'm sure some of you who are more computer savi,will be able to dig up more cases of people killed by pet constrictors

[infernalis]

Please keep this thread on the topic of snakes around the neck.

If you wish to participate in the circus....

http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/general-discussion/97166-satn-spinoff-should-we-have-these-pets.html

All of the arguing on the school bus has been moved to the above thread.

[snake_ghost]

as it says above i'm getting a bci in a few months people say that you should not have a 8 foot snake round your neck i was just wondering about every ones opinion on this matter so thanks for all of the replies.

[Donnie]

We have a thread about this

http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/general-discussion/94210-snakes-around-neck.html

[BarelyBreathing]

This is one of the most debated topics on this forum. Whatever happens, if you are handling a large snake, make sure you never handle the snake alone. Always have a spotter in the room.

[snake_ghost]

cheers mate;)

[snake_ghost]

you just got to look at wrestling with a sleeper hold or hell's gate via the undertaker.......so i will avoid having him draping over enough said lol

[Calihusker]

I never allow a snake to completely circle my neck..

I am one of those who do it every once in awhile, as I drape the snake, and allow the tail to wrap around one arm. This way the snake feels stabilized and I do not feel in any danger of being choked.

[Squirtle]

You can NEVER let a snake with great strength wrap fully around your neck, all you need to do is spook it in some way and things will go bad. However, you can have it partially on your neck if there are people around you and use one arm to guide it. Hard to explain, but take a look at the thread linked from the first poster, I'm sure there are pictures there.

[alessia55]

Merged the "boas around your neck" thread into this one.

[sws]

i think on this subject comment sense is all you need, i let my two foot BPs around my neck but only the tails in the front and i wear certain collars that make it so when they squeeze the pressure distributes out more. but i would never allow a 8ft snake fully around my neck i like breathing to much and am more finicky then most after i drowned when younger.

[Lankyrob]

Just a reminder that the threat is from pressure points causing unconsciousness NOT necessarily being CHOKED - they are two very different things!! :)

[sws]

my collar is a double thick leather collar that sits over the presser points so its pretty hard to hit them with much pressure at all my brothers like to do that kinda stuff and they always hated my leather collar cus they had to go under it but their fingers are to big to fit with how tight i wear it. Collars bring their own danger if not worn or taken care of properly though.