What's the deal? - Page 3

Mikoh4792 · 09-21-13, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StudentoReptile

Its funny seeing the real numbers now as that I work as an ACO. We have an average of 3 dog bites (that are reported) a week in my county, neglect cases for horses & dogs pop up every day, and the aggressive dog calls are so numerous, we're back-logged all the time. Not to mention all the unwanted strays that get dumped on our door 24/7.

And yet giant snakes are the REAL threat to public health and safety? LOL

Ban all dogs and make owning a snake as a pet mandatory. Done.

charlesc84 · 09-21-13, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pure Boa

Comparing snakes to dogs is absolutely insane. If any reptile keeper still uses this defense, they have no right to be keeping snakes and I don't want them to be associated with the actual educated individuals in this hobby.

Stating that Burms aren't widely kept because they "can kill people" is dumb. Lots of snakes can kill a human being (including everyones precious Ball Python). Quick strike to a persons carotid artery and perhaps a bit of tearing and they're dead in a matter of minutes.

How about everyone just give it up, stop blaming the snakes for idiotic people.

Rob

I disagree with your first paragraph, and completely agree with the second.
I think comparing snakes to dogs is a logical way to show a person with a misconception about them(snakes) that they're wrong.
For instance, when someone says a large constrictor(burm, retic, etc...) should be banned because of whatever current news story, or people who were killed or injured by them, etc... It is good counter argument to point out that more people are killed and injured by their beloved dogs( I love dogs to, but I'm making a point). Doing this points out their inconsistent and faulty logic.
Of course WE know that dogs are snakes are completely different. But we're not comparing their morphological characteristics and care requirements. The dog vs. snake comparison is strictly used to point out an inconsistency in a given persons argument for wanting to ban these animals.
With that said, I fully agree with your second paragraph, and I think people who keep smaller snakes should support responsible people who keep larger ones. I personally don't keep any of the large constrictors, but I support people who do.

StudentoReptile · 09-21-13, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charlesc84

Of course WE know that dogs are snakes are completely different. But we're not comparing their morphological characteristics and care requirements. The dog vs. snake comparison is strictly used to point out an inconsistency in a given persons argument for wanting to ban these animals.

Well said. All of the same arguments people use for snakes (Ex: irresponsible/neglectful care, escapes, potential danger) I can easily use against canines & livestock.

metalcopper · 09-21-13, 08:12 PM

Choosing not to keep big snakes is one's own prerogative. Judging by what I've seen on this forum from people's pictures of their snake rooms, knowledge, experience, and number of snakes they keep, I think a lot of them are perfectly capable of keeping large snakes, and handling them by themselves. If you have raised one from a baby, then you know its personality, and know if it is a safe snake to work with by yourself, if need be. It is recommended to have more than one person there when handling them, but you know as well as I do, that it is not always feasible, or necessary.

**Aaron_S** · 09-21-13, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by metalcopper

Choosing not to keep big snakes is one's own prerogative. Judging by what I've seen on this forum from people's pictures of their snake rooms, knowledge, experience, and number of snakes they keep, I think a lot of them are perfectly capable of keeping large snakes, and handling them by themselves. If you have raised one from a baby, then you know its personality, and know if it is a safe snake to work with by yourself, if need be. It is recommended to have more than one person there when handling them, but you know as well as I do, that it is not always feasible, or necessary.

This arrogant mentality is what causes accidents to happen. If it's not feasible to have someone to help you all the time then you aren't set up to care for them. Plain and simple.

As much as we love these animals you still can't trust them and "know" them. Most accidents, death or injury come from this type of over confidence. They can't be trained and if they want, they could have a field day with you.

Mikoh4792 · 09-21-13, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aaron_S

If it's not feasible to have someone to help you all the time then you aren't set up to care for them. Plain and simple.

I think this is one of the main reasons why most people are not capable of caring for such large snakes. You can't do everything by yourself and you won't always have someone there to help you.

KORBIN5895 · 09-21-13, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by metalcopper

Choosing not to keep big snakes is one's own prerogative. Judging by what I've seen on this forum from people's pictures of their snake rooms, knowledge, experience, and number of snakes they keep, I think a lot of them are perfectly capable of keeping large snakes, and handling them by themselves. If you have raised one from a baby, then you know its personality, and know if it is a safe snake to work with by yourself, if need be. It is recommended to have more than one person there when handling them, but you know as well as I do, that it is not always feasible, or necessary.

You lost all credibility when you claimed it wasn't necessary to have a second person to help while handling a giant. It is that mentality that will cause this hobby the most grief.

You should ask Shaunyboy about the time he had a carpet python incapacitate him for two hours until help arrived. All large snakes have the potential to be extremely dangerous just like all guns are loaded. If you think that your pseudo knowledge of your tame and docile burm will keep you safe then by all means have a whole house full.

As for most of the members on here being able to keep them that is also false. Just because they have nice snake rooms , knowledge, experience and a certain number of snake doesn't qualify them to keep giants. Some of the biggest collections on here are owned by fools and idiots. Just because you have a snake room qualify you. A 8'x4'x2' enclosure takes up a lot of room which mean their other species are cut back. You also forgot to mention stability when coming up with your list of qualifications. If you don't have stability then you will have to rehome it eventually. I have seen many a great keeper rehome their collection because of a spouse or the place they live in being sold.

Robin.M · 09-21-13, 09:04 PM

Handling the giants of the snake world without someone else present is asking for trouble. Sure, you could go on for years, and years, and years without an incident. You could feel like the coolest, most badass person in the world because you handle a 20+ foot 150 pound Retic by yourself, and you have awesome pictures of you being just pure awesome. Then, 20 years later after you are so cocky and arrogant, while holding your giant snake it slips off your shoulder and fearing for its life it grabs a hold of you so quickly and with so much force that you pass out within seconds, and continues holding on to you until you don't wake up.

My female Green Anaconda is just over 3 feet, and she is the most docile snake I've ever kept, or handled for that matter. BUTTTT, once she reaches 8 or 9 feet she will only be handled when my girlfriend or some other person who ISN'T AFRAID OF SNAKES is around. And if you think I'm a "panzy" because I would want someone there while handling only an 8 foot snake, then I'm assuming you've never handled an 8 foot Green Anaconda. Their strength is comparable to two 8 foot boas constricting you at the same time when they are that size.

Giants should be treated with respect. While handling my old 15 foot Retic, I lost grip a bit and she started falling and within a millisecond she had 3 wraps around my chest and was squeezing harder than anything I've ever felt. My brother in law came in to help get her off, and thankfully she just loosened off on her own and continued exploring around.

NEVER handle a giant by yourself.

Rob

metalcopper · 09-21-13, 10:30 PM

I didn't mean to come off as arrogant. I should have specified better, a 15 foot Retic is nothing to mess with by yourself. I did work with a 14 foot Anaconda at my old job, she was far to heavy and massive to do anything with without 3 people. If somebody is the type that needs to show off by posting pictures of themselves with their massive snakes to feel cool, than they probably have a lack of self esteem and need attention. Don't get me wrong guys, I, by no means, am an expert. I have enjoyed this forum and learned a lot in the short time I've been here. I mean no disrespect.