Snake hooks

[whispersinmyhead]

Well I am new snakes. I have only really had experience with holding a couple ball pythons and they tend to be so gentle and relaxed. I am not sure how many snakes my future holds as we have only had Gella (our female pastel) for a few weeks. I am guessing as many as my wife will let me have. May not be much of a fight she loves her.

To my question. Should I bother buying a snake hook? We haven't had a bad day with her but I am sure one may come. I am not afraid of getting bit. I will be the only one removing her from the cage. I am just wondering what the consensus is for using them. I was thinking it may be good to have on hand in case we need it or to lift the hides.

What does everyone think?
Do you use snake hooks and if so for what purposes?

[Snake_Tooth]

i have one but never use it. it is more of an opinion because if you feel like you want to be careful and use a hook in certain situations, then go for it. otherwise i don't think you would really need one.

[Rob]

For a pet BP, nope no need IMO.

[Foxtuning65]

As was stated above, for a BP there is no need. But if you start getting into things like burms and retics then you should start looking into one (if they're mean)

[satomi325]

I don't use any. Balls are pretty docile by nature.

[Aes_Sidhe]

I actually never suspected I'll need one for my pets.. but My Black House female.. she is just pure evil... so.. hook Is Handy lol
Besides that I plan few trips to Jersey Pines.. and dont matter is gonna be timber rattler or northern pine snake.. I don't go there without hook.
Last thing... Think about Image.. SNAKE KEEPER without Snake Hook ......

[luvmyballs]

For me I have one. Haven't used it in a while but I got if because of a very aggressive baby pastel we got. She was a very aggressive eater and absolutely hated being touched especially if I got in her tank during a shed. That hook saved me more than once. But now ,with time, I know her behavior plus she has calmed down with age. If you snake is mellow you probably never use it. But could not hurt to have on hand especially if you plan on getting more because you never know.

[Mike41793]

I only own balls so no, theres no need for one. If i got a big snake i may consider getting one...

[Rob]

But could not hurt to have on hand especially if you plan on getting more because you never know.

I usually agree with you on most things here, but I have to disagree. Especially with a baby I see no need what so ever for a hook. Even if it's the meanest BP in the world there are ways to handle it with out a hook. Once your comfort level increases handling, even snappy snakes 9 times out of ten when you have them in your hands for a second they relax.

[Wes]

If you only plan to keep BPs then I would agree with most of these guys that it's a waste. On the other hand, if you ever happen to get a 5 foot juvi female carpet that likes to lunge at your face and doesn't show any signs of calming down, then one might come in handy.