My custom cage pics - Page 2

BP_okay · 05-21-09, 09:48 PM

In all seriousness...

How old do you think your son will have to be b4 you are comfortable with him handling your brb? I ask this bc mdh is so worried that I will build up my collection with big snakes, and one of the kiddos willl get hurt. Obviously, he's just one of "those people" who does not understand responsible snake ownership. Maybe I could get him to look over the final copy of the letter re: HR669...

Will0W783 · 05-22-09, 07:28 AM

There isn't really anything inherently wrong with being concerned, as long as he takes steps to ensure the children understand the snakes, and doesn't just make them afraid of snakes. Snakes are solid muscle and, as such, can pose danger to small children- large ones pose danger to adults- but that doesn't mean they shouldn't be kept. Dogs can pose a danger to kids as well, especially a playful large dog. Just as with any animal, you need to explain to the children not to antagonize them or to play with them without supervision. Get good tank locks that your children won't be able to get open, and teach them about the snakes; start early. There is no reason you all shouldn't be able to coexist happily, just so long as you are careful and responsible.

Chu'Wuti · 05-23-09, 12:03 AM

I taught my sons how to hold snakes (under my supervision) when they were 3 or 4 years old. I also taught them how to identify venomous snakes (important where we live) and how to catch snakes safely, both for themselves and for the snake. They were catching them for themselves outside only a few years after that.

Nearly any pet can be dangerous if handled improperly. I knew a family that had a small dog--around 25 pounds--that went berserk and mauled their 3-4 yr. old son. Turned out the little boy had jammed a pencil deep into the dog's ear canal. Children should not be left unsupervised with pets until they are old enough to be responsible for ensuring the pet's safety, which will, in turn, ensure the child's safety in most circumstances.

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start early. There is no reason you all shouldn't be able to coexist happily, just so long as you are careful and responsible.

I completely agree.

Furthermore, being paranoid about snakes and trying to tell your children to stay away from them (or a lot of other things) is going to backfire, I can almost guarantee. I'm a perfect example of what I mean: My mother hated snakes and I was ordered to stay away from them. By the time I was 7, I was catching them--I just didn't tell her.

Would you rather know what your children are up to, or would you rather have them hiding their activities because they know you will disapprove? You're probably going to get enough of the latter behavior when they are teenagers anyway. If you start out openly discussing risks & safety measures of _______ (name that behavior--climbing a tree, snake handling, motorcycle riding, smoking pot, etc) in a way that makes your children feel you will really listen and not just react negatively, you will increase the likelihood that your children will talk with you when they get older and think about engaging in some really risky behavior.

I had three sons whom I mostly raised alone, and I knew that they were highly likely to engage in risky behaviors. I wanted to ensure, as much as I could, that they would always feel they could talk to me about anything and that I wouldn't just react but would think & respond thoughtfully and in a way that encouraged them to think for themselves. I wanted to help them learn how to make good decisions for themselves. They are now nearly 26, 23, and 20, and while I don't always agree with every decision they make, they are doing pretty well for themselves. They are intelligent, caring, & strong young men, and I am pretty darned proud of the way they're turning out.

Kmef07 · 05-23-09, 07:44 AM

I would be comfortable with my son holding my brb now if i didn't think he would drop it on accident or hurt it. He is in the terrible 2's and he is not very gentle with anything right now....working on it though..... Brb's are slender boas and are not very thick. also my snake is about 3 ft long now which is about 3in longer than he is but I think he is stronger than her for now. Obviously in the next 6 months or so she will probably be stonger but in my supervision if something were to happen i would be able to get her off fairly quickly. when she is full grown she might be a little harder to get off but we will have more precautions then. My brb is really docile though and never seems to be pissy unless she is in shed. Im not big on shying my son away from anything but being open with him like sandy is talking about. If he wanted to hold a full grown anaconda now that would be a problem. lol but if he is mentally able to understand how to properly do things then he can under my supervision.

Chu'Wuti · 05-23-09, 10:56 AM

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If he wanted to hold a full grown anaconda now that would be a problem. lol but if he is mentally able to understand how to properly do things then he can under my supervision.

Sounds pretty wise to me! And you're right that twos are unable to understand their own strength--he could easily squeeze your BRB too hard at this stage. I can remember saying "Be gentle, stroke this way, be gentle" many times when mine were that age! Along with demonstrating how to stroke gently numerous times! So for now it's "Daddy will hold the snake, and you can pet it--like this" [demonstrating gentle strokes].

Kmef07 · 05-23-09, 11:04 AM

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Daddy will hold the snake, and you can pet it--like this"

Yep that is exactly what i do. he has a bad tendancy to push really hard and poke.

Will0W783 · 05-23-09, 11:49 AM

Sounds like you guys are doing a great job teaching your kids to understand and enjoy snakes. If I ever have kids, I'll try to do the same.

SavannahMon!tor · 05-23-09, 02:54 PM

is that the peice that goes in the back or the sides any way good job!

Chu'Wuti · 05-23-09, 04:41 PM

Thanks, Kimberly! I wanted my sons to appreciate all life for its beauty and respect life-forms for their strengths, not just fear due to lack of knowledge.

Kmef07 · 05-24-09, 10:39 AM

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is that the peice that goes in the back or the sides any way good job!

The big piece goes on the back and the smaller piece goes on the side.

UPDATE!!!

They are all painted now with the grout and im in the process of applying all the coats of sealer. water based and reptile safe. then i will finally be able to start the big build. im getting really excited as my snake is starting to outgrow her aquarium.

Chu'Wuti · 05-24-09, 03:36 PM

New pics! New pics!!!

Kmef07 · 05-25-09, 01:46 PM

They really dont' look any different. just all painted im hoping this week to have the walls put together and the floor in. My son hasnt let me really work on it he has wanted to play so not much progress...

coastalNY · 05-25-09, 07:40 PM

im looking to construct a waterfall made from mostly styra-foam so i have a quick question, what did u use to cut the foam nd make it look like rocks? (im kinda goin for the same look)
-Thanks

Kmef07 · 05-26-09, 02:50 PM

I just used a foam scrapper. it can also be used for wood and it is just kinda like a cheese grater. i don't know how to explain it. and then you get "sanded" grout and just take the styra-foam (i used home insulation foamboard from Lowes) and shave it to round out the edges (this part really sucks!!!!!!) and then paint it with the grout and you will want a couple coats and make it the consistancy of soup. Im also making a waterfall to go on the inside of this cage im building so let me know how urs turns out. also make sure you seal it and used a waterbased sealer. the grout after painted on is really really brittle but after you seal it it becomes awesome and it is really light after it all dries.

BP_okay · 05-27-09, 12:21 PM

Sorry it took so long to respond re: the kiddo handling thing. I've been away. I really agree and that's what I have been explaining to mdh. I completely agree, it all starts with responsibility. Hopefully after some convincing with solid arguments(and maybe a little nagging

), I'll eventually get my ball or woma.