Suspect Advice

vendettaseve · 02-18-11, 10:46 PM

Good eve, Herp Comrades.

I was filtering through a blog of sorts dealing with BP's and so on. My primary question however deals with some advice give on bites, he suggests that you keep a small spray bottle of vodka handy should your python decide to bite and refuse to release in a timely fashion; You then give him a brief misting in the mouth area with said vodka and they get the point.

This sounds to me to be in bad taste(the pun is intended) but Im curious if this technique is common.

NennaMeerkat · 02-18-11, 10:50 PM

I have never heard of such a thing. Seems dangerous to give an animal alcohol.

**Aaron_S** · 02-18-11, 11:27 PM

I've heard of it but I don't know how truthful it is. It might work but it might not.

Sapphyr · 02-18-11, 11:30 PM

Never heard of Vodka, but I've heard using Listerine, or any other forms of mouthwash, works fine and is safe.

infernalis · 02-18-11, 11:32 PM

I have found really cold tap water to work quite nice, I put the snakes head under the faucet and run cold water over it (the snakes head), only did it twice, they both let go. no harm done.

Sapphyr · 02-19-11, 12:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by infernalis

I have found really cold tap water to work quite nice, I put the snakes head under the faucet and run cold water over it (the snakes head), only did it twice, they both let go. no harm done.

BHB Reptiles actually tested this... They used some of their more nippy snakes to bite and latch on. Took on under the faucet using cold water and it just bit harder. I guess it honestly depends on the snake. I know someone recently posted on here about being bitten by their snake and doing the same and it didn't let go until being under the running cold water for around 5 minutes. So, it's not a 100% reliable.

BHB reptiles supposedly says Listerine works all the time. Can anyone else back up this information, for both mouth wash and water?

marvelfreak · 02-19-11, 02:32 AM

My buddy Shawn's kingsnake would let go for over 45 minutes. We had try everything from cold water to rubbing alcohol. I remember reading where someone got a Retic to release buy blowing Cigarette smoke in it's face so we gave it a try and it worked. Let go instantly. But it was a last resort. We had thought of it earlier, but held off till we had tried everything else.

Sapphyr · 02-19-11, 02:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marvelfreak

My buddy Shawn's kingsnake would let go for over 45 minutes. We had try everything from cold water to rubbing alcohol. I remember reading where someone got a Retic to release buy blowing Cigarette smoke in it's face so we gave it a try and it worked. Let go instantly. But it was a last resort. We had thought of it earlier, but held off till we had tried everything else.

Ha! Never heard of that one. Sure it's not exactly healthy, though. And can't say I can ever try this. Don't do drugs, don't drink, never will. ;c

Ch^4 · 02-19-11, 02:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sapphyr

Ha! Never heard of that one. Sure it's not exactly healthy, though. And can't say I can ever try this. Don't do drugs, don't drink, never will. ;c

Do you drink coffee? Or soda pop?

shaunyboy · 02-19-11, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by infernalis

I have found really cold tap water to work quite nice, I put the snakes head under the faucet and run cold water over it (the snakes head), only did it twice, they both let go. no harm done.

^^^^^
the above is my preffered method to get a snake to release you

cheers shaun

blindfireak40 · 02-19-11, 02:53 AM

From my understanding, the basic reaction behind all of these options is centered in the Jacobsen's organ, what snakes use to "smell". Essentially, anything that has a strong flavor or smell has a chance to inspire a release reaction. Listerine, Ethanol, Rubbing Alcohol, Cigarette smoke, what have you.

As previously stated, none of these options are particularly healthy, but probably aren't that harmful either, with the possible exception of rubbing alcohol or listerine (and I only say those because I know humans aren't supposed to consume them, so they MAY harm a snake as well, if consumed).

mld · 02-19-11, 10:00 AM

Rubbing alcohol is poisonous, cigarette smoke is unhealthy, and I wouldn't drink listerine/mouthwash it contains methanol. Vodka is drinkable for humans it contains ethanol which is safer than mouthwash or rubbing alcohol. I would just keep a small bottle of vodka near by with cotton balls just in case you need a drink after getting bit and the cotton balls to clean your wound after you get bit.

Jay · 02-19-11, 10:10 AM

i have used vinegar