snakes and kids

[tigerlily]

I was thinking about establishing rules for the animals in my house, and instead of 'just don't touch'. I remembered a post from awhile ago where Jeanne mentioned posting rules about her animals. Anyway, since I have started having neighborhood kids coming into the house I thought this would be an excellent idea. Jeanne would you be willing to lend me your bp rulesheet? Anyone else have any ideas on what would be essential rules and interesting facts I could use? All help welcome!!! (even if it's just a format idea )

[Shelby]

I would say rule no 1 is no touching the snake without you there!

2) do not touch head/neck

3)no trying to grab/touch the tongue! (you'd be surprised at the number of kids who try to do this when I'm at work holding the snake)

4)keep a close eye on the little kids. Many want to pinch the snake.

[Python-77]

I agree with shelby, I have a 4 y/o and all her friends love to see my stuff and I have to lay down some ground rules much like what shelby just wrote, but I also add
no fast movements
everybody must wash their hands before and after.

[tigerlily]

Yeah I had handwashing before and after, and no fast movements. I never thought to worry about the tongue and pinching. I never have to worry about my kids, they pretty much leave them along (for now). It's the neighborhood kids and other assorted friends that I worry about. So far no problems, but I like to stay ahead of the game if I can. Thanks so much you guys!!!

[Shelby]

Make sure they don't stick their fingers in their mouth after petting the snake too.

[tigerlily]

Yeah I'm a stickler for the handwashing. I even keep antibacterial lotion by the cage if I don't think they'll make it to the sink before touching something. I'm a freak ... I know it. I completely freaked out my husband's coworker!! Apparently he would not have entered my house if he knew I'd had a snake. Cool ... no Christmas parties at my house!!!!

[Shelby]

Hehe.. yes I'm the anal retentive type with the handwashing thing. 'Cept for me, it's for the snake's sake more than mine. 30 seconds scrub scrub with hot water and antibacterial soap before touching ANY snake at ANY time. No exceptions!

Freaks my friends out.

[frankykeno]

Great to read this thread Christie! Good for you! Mike and I really like to get our kids (ages 17-4) involved in all aspects of our pet's care (other than Mikey the 4 year old does not witness the snake feeding as he doesn't understand the difference between a feeder mouse and our pet rats yet).

We've found over the years and the kid's, that funny enough they need to be told that animals feel things. That they hurt just like we do and can feel pleasure from touch or a nice clean home or good food and clean water, just like people do (simplistic concept for a small child). That they need to be left alone sometimes just like people do. This has been a huge help in the kid's understanding that the animal has limits and is not some sort of glorified toy.

Also the concept that caged pets are "stuck" and that it isn't much fun being stuck in an enclosure if nobody gives you good care and reasonable attention. They wouldn't much like being stuck in their room with no tv or x-box or snacks and drinks, so it isn't fair that any of our family pets be left like that. They can relate to that concept and learn to respect the animals needs must be met every day.

As far as house rules we keep it simple.....no caged pets out w/o permission and supervision if taking the pet out around a visiting friend (kids tend to show off and pets can get hurt/lost also a great time for parents to educate the friends)....hand washing of course....no face licking by anything that can lick it's own butt....specific to the snake....all kids must be seated while handling the snake so they can't possibly drop it if it squirmed or nipped them....no sudden hand movements especially around the head area....when returning the snake a parent must double check the enclosure is clipped down properly....if something comes up you deal with the pet first and make sure it's put away safely BEFORE running to gab on the phone with a friend (important for the 2 teens LOL).

We just make it simple and straightforward. If the kids don't wish to comply, they don't play with the pets for a few days. Around here getting to feed the BP is a major deal, so they all want to be in the "good books" by feeding day LOL.


~~Jo~~

[LadyCrow]

Here's something I tried w/my niece the first time she pet my snake, & also something we saw when we visited a local museum "mystery animal show" (where we got to pet a snake):

The "two finger rule"; the child can only pet the snake/lizard/etc with two fingers only, & of course no fast movements, etc.

Seems to work pretty well, & she was good about it too.

[tigerlily]

I like the two finger rule! That's a definite addition to the list! Thanks!!!!