Breaking Ribs While Handling

[Kettennatter]

I read somewhere, and don't quite remember where, that is is possible to break a heavy-bodied snakes rib through handling, and that just their own weight be enough when supported by a single hand. (I read similar comments about snake hooks.)

What is your thought on that?

[Will0W783]

I hadn't heard about it happening from handling, but it can definitely happen through improper use of a snake hook. Most heavy-bodied snakes (pythons, Bitis vipers, etc) need to be handled with two hooks or hook/tail method. If they are non-venomous, taming the animal is best. I suppose if you had a heavy enough snake, it could be injured from holding it with one hand, but I'd think that if the snake were that heavy, you wouldn't be able to pick it up with one hand anyway.

[SnakeyJay]

I don't use a hook to lift a snake, just touch my boas to let them know I'm there. I have heard of hooks going between ribs aswell but you can buy wide hooks (these also have flat wide surface for more support) for the larger snakes

[Kettennatter]

I don't have to use hooks with any of my snakes and use a two-handed grip with any of my larger snakes. I found it hard too believe that the width of a human hand would produce enough local pressure to break a rib. And I agree with Willow, once a snake become that heavy, you will have to handle it diferently anyhow.