Taking BP out and about?

To Be Honest, I don't see the problem in taking your snake out with you, but on the other hand, you have to bear in mind how long your expecting to be out and how many people are going to be there? Because from my personal experiences not a whole lot of people are used to seeing snakes every single day and to some people it can be quite startling, I'm not saying you shouldn't take your snake out, but you'd be better off taking your snake somewhere that's going to have a lot less 'going on' as such and a lot less to worry/scare the little fella.

Hope you bear it in mind, thanks. :D

I've taken my ball pythons to my classes on several occasions (I'm a teacher). In fact, I just took my Sulfur Mojave yesterday. On all occasions they've tolerated handling very well, and on the few occasions that I've offered them rats in front of everyone, they ended up eating them... and this was after being held, screamed, and gawked at by 140 teenagers at the end of the day.

A public event like a car show however is completely different from a controlled classroom environment. All of my students know how much I love snakes and animals, and know the value of my ball pythons, and treat them with much respect. If you do plan on taking your snake with you, be selective on who touches/holds it, and bring some hand sanitizer... you can never be too cautious.

Mark

Snakes have middle and inner ears but not outer ears, correct? So they can't hear a crowd but something like loud music with heavy bass might stress them out. I'm not sure if Carlotta would like it. She is timid. Sir Hiss, however, would probably tolerate it.

If you knew how badly there are people out there in high places that want to legislate to take away our rights to even KEEP these animals, you'd probably think twice, even three times (hopefully more) before you take your snake and display it in public.

If you're relatively new to keeping these magnificent animals, I recommend a journey up to the Laws & Legislation forums and get yourself familiar with what's going on, and the climate of the political aspect of this.

First, I don't see a reason to give anyone un-necessary ammunition against us. Are the chances that you'll encounter someone who has an unreasonable fear of these animals high? I don't know. I do think it's likely, and all it takes is that person to make a complaint and then a letter to the editor, then a local interest story on the news. And then, because it's about snakes, it will likely spread. At the very least, HSUS and their team will have people looking just for local tidbits like this for their battle against our right to keep them as pets as an illustration of us as crazy and irresponsible owners. It doesn't matter that it's not necessarily irresponsible under normal cirucumstances, but it is in this political climate. But there are enough people in the general populace that are fearful of snakes or hate snakes, that a story like that and the push to pass laws to prevent it happening again would only gain those people's support.

Secondly, there's not ONE single benefit that your snake will get out of the experience. Not a single one. You put your snake in a stressful situation. And since they are so adept at hiding illnesses when they are sick or stressed, just as a survival instinct, you don't have any idea just how stressful it is to them to be not at optimal temperature for extended periods of time, not be able to sleep (you can bet they are on alert the entire time), not get water, and process all these new scents and sights.

The only benefit that I can see, if you even want to call it a benefit, is the owner feels a bit of coolness factor and enjoys a bit of the shock factor by walking around and parading their snake in public.

I would urge you to re-consider.

I occasionally take mine out into the back yard for a bit, but I never take them out in public, unless it is to an event where animals are being displayed or shown for educational purposes.

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Originally Posted by rabernet

If you knew how badly there are people out there in high places that want to legislate to take away our rights to even KEEP these animals, you'd probably think twice, even three times (hopefully more) before you take your snake and display it in public.

If you're relatively new to keeping these magnificent animals, I recommend a journey up to the Laws & Legislation forums and get yourself familiar with what's going on, and the climate of the political aspect of this.

First, I don't see a reason to give anyone un-necessary ammunition against us. Are the chances that you'll encounter someone who has an unreasonable fear of these animals high? I don't know. I do think it's likely, and all it takes is that person to make a complaint and then a letter to the editor, then a local interest story on the news. And then, because it's about snakes, it will likely spread. At the very least, HSUS and their team will have people looking just for local tidbits like this for their battle against our right to keep them as pets as an illustration of us as crazy and irresponsible owners. It doesn't matter that it's not necessarily irresponsible under normal cirucumstances, but it is in this political climate. But there are enough people in the general populace that are fearful of snakes or hate snakes, that a story like that and the push to pass laws to prevent it happening again would only gain those people's support.

Secondly, there's not ONE single benefit that your snake will get out of the experience. Not a single one. You put your snake in a stressful situation. And since they are so adept at hiding illnesses when they are sick or stressed, just as a survival instinct, you don't have any idea just how stressful it is to them to be not at optimal temperature for extended periods of time, not be able to sleep (you can bet they are on alert the entire time), not get water, and process all these new scents and sights.

The only benefit that I can see, if you even want to call it a benefit, is the owner feels a bit of coolness factor and enjoys a bit of the shock factor by walking around and parading their snake in public.

I would urge you to re-consider.

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I shall continue to respectfully disagree with this perspective.

If the handler is responsible with their snake and fulfill all of the snakes requirements with recognition of what may or may not be encountered in the public atmosphere, what is the real harm to the snake owning community?

It is possible that some will not like seeing a snake in public, but as I said its highly unlikely that anyone will flip-out.

I am an active supporter of the Second Amendment community and I think perhaps we have taken a more aggressive stance when defending our rights than this. I would not, for example, refuse to carry my Glock 23 simply because it may offend someone who may make a complaint to an editor, etc, etc. This is unreasonable!

If you are not doing anything wrong then DO NOT fear consequences. If the mere threat of impending legislation can cause you to stop that action which it intends to legislate, they have already won.

This is not intended to convince you to take a snake out and about, its intended for you to make the decision for the right and reasonable reason.

I agree 100% that there is little to no reward for the snake. However the reward for those people you may encounter (I feel) could and should significantly outweigh any possible negative repercussions.

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Originally Posted by BigByrd47119

I agree 100% that there is little to no reward for the snake. However the reward for those people you may encounter (I feel) could and should significantly outweigh any possible negative repercussions.

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And I will have to respectfully disagree with the bolded part.

Having been through several years of fighting bill after bill after bill with the Reptile Nation and USARK, I still don't believe taking a snake to a public event to show just how cool you are because you have a snake around your neck is a good idea.

There are many other controlled and better environments in which to educate.

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Originally Posted by rabernet

There are many other controlled and better environments in which to educate.

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This I will agree with you as well. Indoor environments would be more favorable but that too depends on the setting.

To the OP, have you ever taken this particular snake out into public before? It may be best to start small and work your way up. Some snakes may take to it well where as others don't even want to be out of their cages.

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I still don't believe taking a snake to a public event to show just how cool you are because you have a snake around your neck is a good idea.

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I will also agree with you here. If you take a snake out, do it for the right reasons. Expect the worst, hope for the best, and always be prepared for any situation. Perhaps most importantly, be approachable when it comes to those interested in what your carrying. Keep in mind that it may be a store representative that will approach you, and ask you to leave.

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Originally Posted by BigByrd47119

I will also agree with you here. If you take a snake out, do it for the right reasons. Expect the worst, hope for the best, and always be prepared for any situation. Perhaps most importantly, be approachable when it comes to those interested in what your carrying. Keep in mind that it may be a store representative that will approach you, and ask you to leave.

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I hope that you will receive my replies as healthy debate, and not as singling you out. That is truly not my intent (singling you out).

Besides taking snakes out to public events, I even MORE vehemently disagree with taking it into ANY retail environment that doesn't allow ANY animal (other than service animals) inside its establishment. We are not entitled to "break the rules" because we have an unusual pet.

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Originally Posted by rabernet

Besides taking snakes out to public events, I even MORE vehemently disagree with taking it into ANY retail environment that doesn't allow ANY animal (other than service animals) inside its establishment. We are not entitled to "break the rules" because we have an unusual pet.

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It really makes me mad to see people walk through a grocery store because their dog only weighs 4 pounds, and the managers be completely okay with it. This is a perfect example of "special pets"

Kinda off topic, but it crossed my mind and I had to say it lol