Snake Safety Tips
Snakes are fun and most of the time safe pets if you are aware of what and more importantly what not to do. Listed below are many safety tips you should always follow when handling snakes.
1. Know what kind of snake you are about to handle and their temperament.
You should never walk in to a pet store and handle a snake without first talking to the owner and learning about the temperament, how often it has been handled and if there have been any incidents in the past. Also I would recommend that you ask the owner to remove the snake from it’s cage for you so you can judge the temperament while he/she is handling.
2. Avoid handling snakes while in shed
Most snakes do not like to be handled while they are shedding. Their eyes glaze over while in shed and they do not have the ability to see properly. Their skin/scales are irritated and their overall mood is not good. Many bites come from trying to handle a snake while in shed.
Good rule of thumb; A hungry snake is a “nippy” snake
4. Do NOT feed your snake in the same environment it lives.
If your snake gets used to the cage opening and a rat being dropped in it will associate the cage opening with feeding time and will often snap at you. I recommend feeding in a large Rubbermaid storage bin. This will allow you to then carry the bin to place the snake back into its cage.
5. Wash your hands before handling a snake.
Many times after handling food for your snake (rats, mice ext.) the odor remains on your hands. Also petting other animals such as dogs, cats and birds leaves an odor that can be mistaken by your snake for food and an accidental bite may occur.
6. Don’t ignore the warning signs
If a dog was growling at you would you begin to pet and play with it? NO! If a snake is hissing at you and jerking its body when you touch it, it does not want to be handled so don’t do it.
7. If possible use a front load habitat.
In my experiences with snakes most bites come when trying to remove your snake from a habitat from the top. This is intimidating to your snake and they feel threatened, that threat results in a bite. I recommend that you look into purchasing a Reptile Cage that is first big enough for your snake, and has access through the front.
8. Use snake hook for large snakes
Snakes such as Burmese Pythons and Reticulated Pythons warrant the use of a snake hook. It is a good idea to use a snake hook to remove the snake from the habitat then you can handle yourself.
9. Avoid the head
Snakes do not like to be touched on the head. Avoid holding by the head and letting your snake put its head by yours. The warm breath that comes from you mouth or nose could trigger a bite.
10. If bit….
Remain calm, most bites are quick and will only leave a few scratches. If the snake continues to strike (very rare) attempt to grab the snake by the neck and place back in its habitat. If the snake bites and does not let go do not pull. This will injure you and your snake more. Hold the snakes head under warm water usually 5 to 10 minutes and it will let go. Most snake bites are less painful than a cat scratch or a dog bite, but much more traumatic as it happens so quickly.
Snakes are a lot of fun and can make great pets if the proper care is given and the proper knowledge is obtained. Following these safety tips will help you achieve all you want to achieve by owning a snake. Read more about the rewards of owning snakes at http://www.notsoboringlife.com/hobbies/get-a-pet-snake/
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