Hemostat easy question!

I just wanted to get recommendation for what size hemostat I should buy. I am buying it off reptile basic and I was thinking between 18 inch and 12 inch. I got 10 inch tweezer from zoomed but I use that to feed insects to my hedgehog now. I feel like hemostat would be more comfortable to feed snakes. What size hemostat would be suitable for ball python fully grown? I don't have a snake yet so I have no experience but I was afraid 12 inch would be too short and snake could easily miss strike but that is just coming from my head so.. which size would be better and easier?
Also, what is better between locking and just regular? I can only see benefits of locking is that I don't have to put much pressure on my hand when I am holding rat/mouse? does locking automatically let go of prey when snake takes it? or do I have to release the lock?
Trying to buy these asap so please!! give me some advice thanks!

I 100% prefer the NOT locking ones !! The locking mechanism just gets in the way and they do not automatically unlock.

At least 18 inch long. 12 inch may be ok feeding hatchlings, but not adults !

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Originally Posted by zina10

I 100% prefer the NOT locking ones !! The locking mechanism just gets in the way and they do not automatically unlock.

At least 18 inch long. 12 inch may be ok feeding hatchlings, but not adults !

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does it not feel awkward trying to hold mice/rat with long hemostat? like balance wise and stuff lol just wondering. Is it ever hard to hold heavy medium~large rat with long hemostat?
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I just use a regular set of 12 inch tongs. I feed small rats all the way up to XXL rats without issue to my entire collection which has some strong feeders.

Feeding small to medium rats is easy with them. The XXL rats are more difficult but I doubt you'll be dealing with anything close to that size for a good while.

I just hold each feeder by the tail and offer. This makes the 12 inch tongs seem a bit longer because you add the length of the tail. I usually grab them about half way down the tail.

I would also advise against locking hemostats. It they're locked and the snake strikes hard it will either pull them in with the rat, cause the rats tail to pop off, or get skinned. I've had all of those happen with my tongs from a fast hard strike. I know if they were locked it would be an issue.

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Originally Posted by KMG

I just use a regular set of 12 inch tongs. I feed small rats all the way up to XXL rats without issue to my entire collection which has some strong feeders.

Feeding small to medium rats is easy with them. The XXL rats are more difficult but I doubt you'll be dealing with anything close to that size for a good while.

I just hold each feeder by the tail and offer. This makes the 12 inch tongs seem a bit longer because you add the length of the tail. I usually grab them about half way down the tail.

I would also advise against locking hemostats. It they're locked and the snake strikes hard it will either pull them in with the rat, cause the rats tail to pop off, or get skinned. I've had all of those happen with my tongs from a fast hard strike. I know if they were locked it would be an issue.

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I was thinking of grabbing rat by the shoulder cause I feel like that's how most people do it. Do you think 12 inch would still work with holding on the shoulder/back for adult ball python? male

My two cents: 18 inch, non-locking.

Whether you offer holding the tail or scruff, you'll be fine with 18".

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Originally Posted by gusanr14

I was thinking of grabbing rat by the shoulder cause I feel like that's how most people do it. Do you think 12 inch would still work with holding on the shoulder/back for adult ball python? male

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Personally I do. The larger rats I'll many times grab by their back leg because of their weight. 12" has always seemed good to me.

I'm not sure how most people do it but I've always offered head down so they usually strike there and then start eating from that end.

The tongs do work well to wrangle snakes when a hungry GTP darts out the cage looking for food.