Wanting to learn

[Lankyrob]

I have been trying to find somewhere to study reptile husbandry/care and first aid not only to ensure the care of the snakes i own but also with a view to volunteering (back willing) at rescue centres etc in the future.

However, am finding it real hard to find anywhere that does this sort of thing without it being part of a larger qualification like a degree.

Has anyone else done anything like this that can pass on any recomendations?

Many thanks!!

[infernalis]

What I do Rob is pick the brains of the more experienced forum members, and file it away in my head.

If you really wanted to "kick it up a bit" then print out care sheets of the more common pet snakes and keep them in a folder. Make extra copies to pass out if you want.

Most of the first aid subjects are commonly covered in forum discussions as well.

[Feebo]

I`ve done that over the years and also talked a whole lot of snake with very experienced breeders I`ve come to meet, if you`re willing to listen, an experienced herper will be willing to teach you, depending on who it is of course. Another thing I`ve always done is learned from vets. Each time I`ve been I`ve asked all the intelligent questions I can concerning the problem at hand. I`ve been taught various proceedures by vets over the years including tube feeding (long tube right down to the stomach for serious malnutrition cases) and administering injections. Taking a snake to the vet every time it needs intramuscular drugs isn`t a viable option, the snake needs minimum stress, so I learned how to do all my own injections years ago. Now all I need to do is take the afflicted snake to the vet once, get a prescription and then carry out the two month course of injections or other treatments myself, thus not putting the snake through loads of unecessary travel and bother.It`s rare something comes up that I haven`t dealt with before. Short of going to college with a view to doing degrees and going on to work for National Geographic lol your best bet is to listen to those who have more experience than yourself, learn from the vet and be patient. The very best teachers are time and experience....

[shaunyboy]

Originally Posted by Feebo

I`ve done that over the years and also talked a whole lot of snake with very experienced breeders I`ve come to meet, if you`re willing to listen, an experienced herper will be willing to teach you, depending on who it is of course. Another thing I`ve always done is learned from vets. Each time I`ve been I`ve asked all the intelligent questions I can concerning the problem at hand. I`ve been taught various proceedures by vets over the years including tube feeding (long tube right down to the stomach for serious malnutrition cases) and administering injections. Taking a snake to the vet every time it needs intramuscular drugs isn`t a viable option, the snake needs minimum stress, so I learned how to do all my own injections years ago. Now all I need to do is take the afflicted snake to the vet once, get a prescription and then carry out the two month course of injections or other treatments myself, thus not putting the snake through loads of unecessary travel and bother.It`s rare something comes up that I haven`t dealt with before. Short of going to college with a view to doing degrees and going on to work for National Geographic lol your best bet is to listen to those who have more experience than yourself, learn from the vet and be patient. The very best teachers are time and experience....

pretty much covers how i learned mate.my jaguar python just had keyhole surgery on his lung 2 days ago.he has to be on a nebuliser for 2 weeks.so now ive learned all about mixing up the soulutions of medication and after 32 pages of bumph i can now work a nebuliser.local herp shop owner used to let me do voluntery shifts at his shop working behind the scenes.i learned how to tube snakes there.i learned how to inject my snakes properly from my vet.

it will come with time mate.the down side is you usually learn from your own snakes when they're sick.
cheers shaun

[infernalis]

Originally Posted by shaunyboy

.the down side is you usually learn from your own snakes when they're sick.
cheers shaun

The upside is that we are all kind enough to share what we learn with others on forums like this one.!!

[Lankyrob]

Your both totally right about picking up info from those more experienced - have a couple of books too that i keep handy - was thinkning that if some sort of course was run it would also mean being able to meet up with other like minded peeps and form some sort of social aspect and opportunity to swap experiences too.

Such a shame that they dont have the big expos here like they seem to in the states.

Guess you guys will just have to put up with all the weird quesitons that come to mind!!!

[Feebo]

Well that`s never a problem Rob It is a real shame the big shows don`t seem to happen here isn`t it. I`d love the oportunity to meet up with other herpers too but so far this is the closest thing I`ve found. It might be a great excuse to travel to germany and such to go to the big shows if it weren`t for our shared little set back. Rest assured, if I ever hear of anything that might be of interest that is doable, you`ll be the first to know.......

[Lankyrob]

Cheers mate - and on the note of shared experience i MUST pop round for that coffee!! Weeks seem to be flying by without me noticing at the moment and before i know it another weekend is here and i still havent been to see you.

[Feebo]

Yup Oooooh the joys of nebulisers ! Yeeeeah been there, it`s a sorry sight when you`ve got a snake that is having trouble breathing

[Will0W783]

I have a few seasoned keepers that I talk to a lot and share problems/experiences. They are dear friends and have been priceless to my learning so far. I also have a book that I have found to be absolutely awesome in learning about, avoiding, and treating reptile injuries and illnesses. It's called,
"What's Wrong With My Snake?" by John Rossi, DVM, M.A. ISBN 1-882770-35-8. I would try to get ahold of a copy for yourself if you can. It was only about $15USD and has really helped me. There are symptom charts and dosing charts for common snake meds and it discusses a lot of less common issues that can and do happen from time to time but you hardly ever hear about.

[infernalis]

I like to pay close attention while at the vet, view it as "first aid class 101" or advanced care class and the fee is worthwhile especially if you can then repeat the process yourself next time and avoid the Vet.

Advanced medical care is best left to them, but simple treatments are good to know rather than tossing gobs of cash at the vet all the time.

[shaunyboy]

i have to agree with willow.the book " what is wrong with my snake " imo is one of the first books you should buy.it has prooved invaluable to me over the years.i always consult it before making a decision re my snakes condition.well worth the money spent.
cheers shaun