the snake/human relationship

I agree that there is a danger in personifying our snakes due to the fact that we forget to give them the respect and space that they need and deserve. By putting our emotions on them, we lose sight of what they really are, and the fact that they could turn on us in an instant if they so desired.

I would love it if snakes were as loyal as dogs or birds. Hell, you couldn't ask for a better "guard dog" for the house if it were possible to teach a snake, "I am master, I am safe, I am love and food and shelter. You protect the house. I will take care of you." That would be so amazing. But unfortunately, thats not the case. The reality of the situation is that a snake is a snake with basic hunting instincts. It strives to feed itself and protect itself, end of story. As much as I would like my snake to love me, I know that it either cannot or will not, and it's enough for me to know that I have a love for it instead.

However, for those that feel the need to personify their animals, go right ahead. Just dont forget that snakes can be unpredictable at times and they do have teeth which are rather ... unloving, shall we say?

This topic has always been one in which I participate in because of reasons like which Jo has stated. When the health of a snake is endangered or its ability to "thrive" instead of just survive as a result of the actions of its owner its a problem. I always try to provide a logical explanation for behaviors that people tend to give human emotional explanations for. I am always one to argue the point that we will never know for sure until the means to extrapolate that sort of information from snakes is developed or an extensive study is undertaken. Until that point all the "available" information tends to point to the direction that snakes are driven by instincts.

Hi,


Just wanted to add my :2cent: about the handling responses thing.:)

The pet shop I buy my frozen rats at had 3 medium sized ball pythons in last week so I asked if I could see them as they were all marked as female.

The new employee didn't want tot ake any of them out as all three were "vicious" and "bit at every oportunity". Naturally I told him it was ok and I didn't mind being bitten that much.

All three of them handled like sweethearts, they were in horrible conditions with retained sheds etc and not one had had a recent meal, but personality wise they all moved freely with little body tension and as long as you took head shyness into account they showed no sign of stress.

So my question is;

When we say they react differently when "we" hold them is it because they recognise us or is it because we know how to handle them without causing extra stress?

Oh and when I gave one of the snakes back to the store employee it did indeed bite him. :twisted:

The shop in question is really quite good so I'm sure they will sort the snakes out fairly quickly. Though I'm not sure that employee will last the course.:D



dr del

I definately feel that I'm actually part of the process as I tame my new JCP. Each time he reacts better and better but I also notice that I also do a better and better job of handling him and not letting him create a situation that gets him upset.

dr del, in your case I would guess the snakes simply didn't like the guy. He probably mistreats them because he thinks they're viscious. Unless you saw him doing something horrible when handling it I don't know how the snake would be able to tell the difference. Then again, you could just be Mr. Smoooooth when it comes to snakes :P

I'm not quite sure yet what this might mean but it is an interesting point.

I want someone to each their snake to do tricks. Then, I will be convinced that they can learn responses :) Imagine, a ball python that was trained to juggle! Wait, that might not work, as they have no hands and all..

Hey,


Only thing I saw him do, and corrected him on, was trying to hold them behind the head because he expected them to bite.

I may not be mr Smooooth but I am definately mr Sneaky. :twisted:

When dealing with a possible nipper I tend to try and keep their heads moving and stop them focusing on one thing long enough to get ready to strike.:P

I always think that, just before a snake strikes, it keeps its tongue out longer flicking up and down so if i see that I point it at something that isn't me.:)

I am probably totally wrong on the last point however.


dr del

isn't the neck the best place to hold a potentially unruly snake?

Hi,

It's a good place to hold a definate biter if you dont want to get bitten.

It is also however a very stressfull place to hold a snake and can turn a nervous snake into a biter.

So basically I always avoid grabbing round the neck the first time I handle a snake so I can judge its temperament when I'm not doing anything I know to cause stress reactions. If I get bit I get bit and adjust the following handling sessions as required. I try and let them anchor their tail round my arms or whatever and let the front third explore as it wants.

It's not the way everyone else does it I admit but I always figure I got 8 pints so can spare a bit for herps.:D


dr del

perhaps I need to get bit once to take the scariness out of it.

I usually only hold a snake by the head/neck if I am doing some kind of procedure (giving a shot, oral meds, inspecting mouth, assist feed, etc) they don't like it much. I just keep strikers away from my face until they chill out. I have only been bitten by hatchlings and got more hurt from slamming my hand against the enclosure trying to get away. I reached into a tank of about 30 hatchlings at a pet store and before I grabbed one they got me LOL. I was a rookie at the time. :D