Are there any negatives to using a snake hook?

I have always used a snake hook to get my snake out. I find it seems to stress him out less. Any reason it would be better to grab him with my hand?

There really isn't any reason to use a snake hook with BP's. They aren't aggressive and even if they do bite generally the bite is relatively minor.

Are there any negatives to using a hook. I can't really think of any, but as I said above it just isn't necessary.

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Originally Posted by The Serpent Merchant

There really isn't any reason to use a snake hook with BP's. They aren't aggressive and even if they do bite generally the bite is relatively minor.

Are there any negatives to using a hook. I can't really think of any, but as I said above it just isn't necessary.

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Same.
I've heard of people using them with larger snakes, like retics. But as stated above using them for a bp just isn't necessary.

Hooks for a BP is not necessary unless you have an unusually defensive BP that does bite.

Mine is a baby and I just didnt know if it would make it feel less threatened if i used a hook.

If anything I think a hook might be slightly more stressful as they require more maneuvering than simply going into the cage and picking the snake up.

I use my hook on feeding day so he doesn't associate my hand with food. :)

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Originally Posted by DeathByDabs

I use my hook on feeding day so he doesn't associate my hand with food. :)

Sent from my PG86100 using Tapatalk 2

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Also not necessary as a BP can easily tell the difference between a rat and your hand.

yeah never used a hook, but im new:D. dont see any reason too, I can pick him up on feeding day or any other day. But he never wants to bite me. BUT i wash my hands and use hand sanitizer before and after i handle him or anything in his cage.

The only negative that I see is that people will laugh at you for using it on a ball python.

Having said that though, I actually do use one on feeding day. I've got a few large girls that will grab anything warm when the smell of rats is in the air and will come shooting out of their tubs trying to latch on to anything as soon as there is an opening of a couple of inches when I pull their tub out of the rack. I don't actually use the hook on the snakes though, I use it to pull the tub out with one hand while dangling the thawed out rat in the other hand at the end of 12" hemostats. If I didn't use a hook, I'd end up bleeding every feeding day.

So, the answer to your question is 'Use one, IF you need one.' just don't tell anyone as they're liable to laugh at you for using one on a ball python.

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Originally Posted by MarkS

So, the answer to your question is 'Use one, IF you need one.' just don't tell anyone as they're liable to laugh at you for using one on a ball python.

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This is one of those "Do as I say, Not as I do" :rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

I have a couple hooks and have only used them with one girl to get her off of her eggs. She wanted me dead and was willing to fight till the end over those eggs.:O

If it makes you comfortable go for it. You're going to end up comfortable enough with your BP that you will feel you don't need it in a while. I can pretty much guarantee that. Alternatively, you may find snake keeping is not your thing. BPs are a good snake to figure that out with.

GL

I have a small Nic boa that is extremely fiery; I use a snake hook with her simply because I will get tagged if I don't.
I would say hooks are actually less stressful than being handled by hand because hooks have no heat signature. My Nic will rear, hiss and strike if I get anywhere within a couple feet of her, but if I use my hook and stand back she watches me and ignores what I am doing with the hook. She also doesn't hiss or strike when I am using a hook. That would lead me to believe she doesn't find the hook stressful, rather, my giant heat signature is what she finds stressful.

For balls, it sounds kind of funny, but the need to use a hook is on a snake by snake basis.

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Originally Posted by MarkS

The only negative that I see is that people will laugh at you for using it on a ball python.

Having said that though, I actually do use one on feeding day. I've got a few large girls that will grab anything warm when the smell of rats is in the air and will come shooting out of their tubs trying to latch on to anything as soon as there is an opening of a couple of inches when I pull their tub out of the rack. I don't actually use the hook on the snakes though, I use it to pull the tub out with one hand while dangling the thawed out rat in the other hand at the end of 12" hemostats. If I didn't use a hook, I'd end up bleeding every feeding day.

So, the answer to your question is 'Use one, IF you need one.' just don't tell anyone as they're liable to laugh at you for using one on a ball python.

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haha :/ okay! Just wondering!