hook training?

Xochiquetzal · 08-13-11, 08:50 PM

Is there a trick to hook training or do i just literally just get in there with a snake hook? I have never used one before but the dummerils boys i have went such a long time without eating and now that theyre eating again they seem to always be looking for food and im feeling i would be better safe than sorry!

KD35WIN.AS.ONE · 08-13-11, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xochiquetzal

Is there a trick to hook training or do i just literally just get in there with a snake hook? I have never used one before but the dummerils boys i have went such a long time without eating and now that theyre eating again they seem to always be looking for food and im feeling i would be better safe than sorry!

Using a stick for medium to large Pythons is a bit different then using one for Colubrids, Vipers or Elapids. But moving a snake with 2 hooks or tailing is pretty straight forward for moving any non venomous snake that is not aggressively trying to attack you directly.

Lankyrob · 08-14-11, 05:02 AM

We use our hook mainly for removing the GTP form his cage as he sees it as a new branch and will climb onto it which removes and issues with his tail being damaged.

The only other thing we use it for (very occassionally) is when our SD retic needs something done in his viv whilst he is in feed mode. I gently touch the top of his head with the hook and he will "switch off"

marvelfreak · 08-14-11, 05:22 AM

When hook training you touch the snake on the head once. (not hard) This let the snake know you are going to handle them.

Then using your hand or the hook carefully pick them up. I have a couple that i touch with the hook then i can reach right in and pick them up with my hand. Just to making sure they know my hand not food. I never use the hook when feeding. I don't want them to associate it with getting fed.

Then i got two that are kind of cage aggressive some times, so i use the hook to pick them up. Then once out i can handle them no problem.

I am working on using two hooks with my Yellow Anaconda so i can keep him away from my face easier. He always wants to climb up by my face and i don't trust him.

stephanbakir · 08-14-11, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marvelfreak

When hook training you touch the snake on the head once. (not hard) This let the snake know you are going to handle them.

Then using your hand or the hook carefully pick them up. I have a couple that i touch with the hook then i can reach right in and pick them up with my hand. Just to making sure they know my hand not food. I never use the hook when feeding. I don't want them to associate it with getting fed.

Then i got two that are kind of cage aggressive some times, so i use the hook to pick them up. Then once out i can handle them no problem.

I am working on using two hooks with my Yellow Anaconda so i can keep him away from my face easier. He always wants to climb up by my face and i don't trust him.

This, the only thing I would add is NEVER tap the snake with a hook prior to feeding, it gives mixed signals. Only when you are doing anything other then feeding.

Xochiquetzal · 08-14-11, 09:09 PM

ok thats pretty much what i gathered , just making sure i wasnt missing something ! Thanks guys!