Snake Hook For A BP?

beaglegod · 02-02-04, 06:22 PM

I rescently read a very detailed caresheet called, "The Ball Python Trouble Shooting Guide". It went into everything including handling, and here is where I got a little confused. The author suggests using a snake hook to retrieve the snake out of its enclosure and than handling to prevent getting bit. What are your thoughts on this advice?

m1k3_88 · 02-02-04, 06:36 PM

I highly doubt u will need a snake hook for a bp, unless its the ball python from hell, and u rub gerbils all over your hands b4 taking it out of the enclosure.

Tigergenesis · 02-02-04, 06:59 PM

More than likely won't need.

elevation24 · 02-02-04, 07:03 PM

I've never needed one and never felt like I needed one.

blazinreps · 02-02-04, 07:25 PM

i just got 2 ball pythons a pair about a foot and a hlaf long and i use gloves to take them out of the tank. im just doin this to be safe do u think i need them or no?? i heard a python bites hurt like hell.

Invictus · 02-02-04, 07:52 PM

I think you should just know your herps. I've never used gloves or a hook with our BPs, because they are just not biters. I suppose if I REALLY stressed them out before I reached my hand in they might bite.... but I don't worry about them at all.

daver676 · 02-02-04, 08:16 PM

I wouldn't worry about a bp biting you. That's almost as possible as seeing one of Janet Jackson's boobs.....er.......again!

marisa · 02-02-04, 08:47 PM

I wouldn't worry about it biting you.

But a snake hook is something most herpers have learned they cannot live without. I cannot tell you how often I use mine and how easier it makes things now. But for your one snake, you will be fine without one.

Marisa

beaglegod · 02-02-04, 09:35 PM

I wasnt thinking about getting a hook, I just thought it odd that it was recommended in such a detailed caresheet. But Im not gonna lie, it does comfort me to hear you all speak as you do about BPs since I get my first one this Thursday if all gos well. Ill be alot less nervous now when I first open that package and reach in to take him out.:jawdrop:

jfmoore · 02-02-04, 11:31 PM

Don’t be reluctant to wear gloves if you think it might make you less jumpy when you first handle your ball python. If you’ve never had a snake with heat pits before, you may be surprised at a ball python’s reaction when you suddenly “get in its face.” Evolution didn’t exactly prepare it to be a human’s pet. So, from its perspective warm, live objects are either predator or prey. Most of the time, though, they jerk backwards, away from you.

I have one evil old ball python that I have to handle with care. Once, while being manipulating on a hook, she bit my bare leg; another time, she lunged over the gloves I was wearing and bit my arm. I’m always on my toes while removing her from her cage!

sapphire_moon · 02-02-04, 11:41 PM

Are you getting your bp from that alex hue person? If so please let me know how everything goes. I'm realling interested in his boa's.

mykee · 02-03-04, 12:20 AM

Ok, out on a limb here. I have a hook, and because I keep my adults in a large underbed rubbermaid/rack system, it's just easier to pull them off their heat WAY in the back with a hook. I love it, and would recommend it for that purpose.

Bristen · 02-03-04, 09:58 PM

I personally feel that all snake keepers should have appropriately-sized hooks for all the snakes they keep. For hatchling, or juvenile snakes, a hook makes them feel much more secure when you're picking them up. A big hand coming down from the sky to grab them out of their hide box is quite intimidating to say the least. Even though the snake might not bite, I'm convinced you can get a snake accustomed to handling much faster when using a hook.

I've also found that hooks are sometimes indispensable (i.e. not optional) when feeding doesn't quite go the way you'd want it to go. A snake during feeding can strike at anything that moves, as we all know. Sometimes having the hook close by allowed me to push the snake back into it's enclosure without having to get my fingers close.

On a normal day, I don't use the hooks for my adult ball pythons. However, for hatchlings or for feeding time, I think it's a must. Just my opinion.

Later,
Bristen.

Darren179 · 02-04-04, 02:12 PM

I dont use a hook, probably because I handle them all the time easy when you have just a few. but I am looking to expand my collection and along with that will come a hook

scalawag · 02-04-04, 03:26 PM

I've never used a hook on my balls but I can do see that there can be circumstances when one might be advisable. You can't use shaky or jerky movements. Slow and steady, be careful if you think its sleeping. Don't show fear. Prey shows fear usually gets bit. And yes you probably will get bit one day. It's all part of the game. All the balls I've fondled have and I've yet to get an offensive bite.

I think I'd like to change the previous sentance to "all the python regius I've fondled..." Have fun.