Should I continue to hook train?
The only true hooker I have is satan’s spawn, Olivia, my Olive Python. I prefer to let her crawl out of her cage on her own rather than do battle with her. At 2 years and 6 + feet, she can do some damage. But once out of the cage she is sweet, except when on the floor. Then I must use the hook to pick her up.
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The hook is a must with this rebel.
Besides the one scaredy-cat Jungle Carpet, Sundance, the other four adult Carpets are Sweethearts. If they are in food mode a light touch on the head or boop the snoot with a paper towel roll works better than a hook. Once this is done they are tame as can be.
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Paper towel roll works best for these hunters.
If I approach my big boa from behind he responds best to rubbing him with my hand. However, if approached from the front the paper towel roll works best.
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Punch prefers a hand rub from behind.
My ways may seem inconsistent, but keep in mind that I only received two snakes at young ages. The rest were all at older stages of their life and each conditioned differently. Basically I’ve learned to read them and act accordingly.
Re: Should I continue to hook train?
I don't own any pythons sorry Craig, but I think a large snake can do damage no matter what,especially when foods defrosting so best to start off young and keep it up, all it takes is a slight drop of judgment or being startled and that's it.
I've got a hook but only use it 4 of my oldest girls due to there food response, all the boys I just use my hand and stroke them,as there normally near the glass anyway, same thing really I know, the big girls as already mentioned get a couple of strokes so not to startle them. then they fine and I just pick them straight up with my hands
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Re: Should I continue to hook train?
I figured I'd post the thread on hook training here.
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...ead-with-Video
I will also mention that the hook doesn't have to be used. I gently rub/tap my snakes with the handle. It is also advisable not to pick up snakes with the hook as it can hurt them. Better to use it to get them to understand food isn't coming and make sure they are awake and aware of your presence.
Re: Should I continue to hook train?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Reinz
My ways may seem inconsistent, but keep in mind that I only received two snakes at young ages. The rest were all at older stages of their life and each conditioned differently. Basically I’ve learned to read them and act accordingly.
I hear ya. It would be awfully boring if they were all the same! Hahahahha.
Re: Should I continue to hook train?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Craiga 01453
It seems the majority are in favor of hooks with larger species, so I'll take the advice of my trusted friends here and follow suit.
Believe me I am the first to grab a hook in the spring when my king snakes all turn stupidly foody and mistake my pinkie finger for a rat pinky...
Re: Should I continue to hook train?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
bcr229
Believe me I am the first to grab a hook in the spring when my king snakes all turn stupidly foody and mistake my pinkie finger for a rat pinky...
I must have been really lucky with my Kings. None of mine were ever like that. My boy Django is a maniac when he smells food, but otherwise he's a sweetheart. He's never once struck from inside his enclosure. I just reach in and pick him up.
But my sample size is a whole lot smaller than yours!
Re: Should I continue to hook train?
My biggest reason for using hooks/hook training is simply to avoid accidents. I've seen a snake with an abscessed tooth due to an accident - striking at a hand, missing, hitting the sweatshirt and getting a tooth caught, and then getting an infection. True, it doesn't happen often, but I like to avoid the risk if I can.
