Snake hook recommendation

So my bredli girl is getting some size on her and I just recently impulse bought another one from Nick Mutton:D I figured it would be in my best interest (and theirs) to start hook training them so when they're in 4x2s I won't fight as much to get them out. I usually get my herp supplies at a locale expo but with the world the way it is right now that's not going to happen any time soon. So I'm stuck to buying online without being able to feel/touch it (I hate that). It would be tremendously helpful if you guys could point me in the direction of good brands with durability. I won't be using it in the field and the bredls are the biggest thing I would ever need it for so it doesn't need to be massive. I just don't want to buy something I would get one use out of and it snap in half!

Haven't bought any in a long time but Midwest is still going strong: https://tongs.com/

You can also make your own hooks: buy old golf clubs in thrift stores, cut off the end that contacts the ball & install a metal hook with the right amount of bend to it...the grips for golf are comfortable for snake hooks too. Should be able to find someone to make the right "hook" for you, if it's not in your skill-set. (it's not in mine either)

Midwest tongs/hooks are nice from what I hear. Also heard great things about this place https://www.aestoney.com/category/snakes/
I personally only have a 40” two grip field hook from reptile basics and it does everything I need it to and it was very affordable.
https://www.reptilebasics.com/husban...uxe-field-hook

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For the boas I use a drumstick for a gentle rub to let them know I'm there if needed. For my kingsnake I use the Trem bar from my Strat.. Works well.

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Originally Posted by cletus

For the boas I use a drumstick for a gentle rub to let them know I'm there if needed. For my kingsnake I use the Trem bar from my Strat.. Works well.

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And you can use the rest of the chicken for dinner!

/s

Thanks everyone for the help. I looked at videos of a diy snake hook and those are really cool and seem easy enough to make. They do look pretty big so I think that would be a fun project for a field herping hook. It would be too much for what I need.

I'm rhythmically challenged so any sort of instrument is out of the question for me. I would make an off tune note just by touching something! Even something as basic as a drumstick haha.

I think I'm going to go with the reptile basics hook. It seems simple enough for what I need and I'm a fan of the price!

Thank you all!

All of my hooks were made by John Zegel - you can find him on facebook. He'll build to whatever specifications you require. For my "cage hook" I wanted something relatively short and light. He used a graphite shaft to keep it light, 28 inches total length, with an "L" shaped hook.

Hi,

I just ordered my first one.

Also from John Zegel.

GeorgiaHerpSupply@gmail.com

It will be mainly used to open tubs and reduce my shouts of "let go you bugger" :rolleyes:


dr del

I had a nasty male retic and had to buy some serious equipment for dealing with him. The equipment is quality and was worth it. The retic is gone.

He continued to become aggressive and I ended up taking semi serious bite, at least by my standards.

This is a 5 foot hook.

https://i.imgur.com/on97OUy.jpg


I got it here https://www.aestoney.com/product/poly-gaboona-hook/ and it is very good quality. No metal in it, light weight and perfect for larger animals with attitude.

The gloves are kevlar and the brand name is labeled on them.

You will not need a 5 foot hook. I'd be surprised if you'd ever need more than a 3 footer.

Another picture of the gear.
https://i.imgur.com/Zc0vzzy.jpg

You have an excellent taste in snakes. Bredli from Nick,,, Perfect!!

I ordered a 38" and an 18" stainless steel hook from reptile basics yesterday. The 38" for when the bredls (and whatever else I decide to get later on) are adults and in 4x2s. And the 18" for opening tubs now and to start training my little woma with. She can be a bit nippy! When they arrive and I use them a few times I'll update everyone on the quality and ease of use. Thanks everyone!

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Originally Posted by Toad37

I ordered a 38" and an 18" stainless steel hook from reptile basics yesterday. The 38" for when the bredls (and whatever else I decide to get later on) are adults and in 4x2s. And the 18" for opening tubs now and to start training my little woma with. She can be a bit nippy! When they arrive and I use them a few times I'll update everyone on the quality and ease of use. Thanks everyone!

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You'll be just fine with that.

I don't hear many stories about irascible carpets once they age and become mature. The Bredli actually have a better than average reputation within the carpet group.

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Originally Posted by Gio

You'll be just fine with that.

I don't hear many stories about irascible carpets once they age and become mature. The Bredli actually have a better than average reputation within the carpet group.

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Hahaha I've heard that about bredli but my girl Alice must be the exception to the rule! Once I have her out she's mostly fine. She's a lot more skittish than anything else I own and has tagged if startled but I'm usually very calm and careful when I have her out. It's getting her out that's the issue. I wouldn't call her "cage aggressive" but she does loudly blow air, run, and sometimes bluff strike until she's out. She's only about a year and a half so it could calm down but just in case it doesn't I'd like to get ahead of the issue before it becomes and issue.

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Originally Posted by Toad37

Hahaha I've heard that about bredli but my girl Alice must be the exception to the rule! Once I have her out she's mostly fine. She's a lot more skittish than anything else I own and has tagged if startled but I'm usually very calm and careful when I have her out. It's getting her out that's the issue. I wouldn't call her "cage aggressive" but she does loudly blow air, run, and sometimes bluff strike until she's out. She's only about a year and a half so it could calm down but just in case it doesn't I'd like to get ahead of the issue before it becomes and issue.

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Hooks are always a good idea. I'm fairly certain your girl will settle.

My coastal used to bite a bit early on. She was still tiny when she was just under a year and had some attitude (fear).

The retic was on another level. They just are, and not like anything else. The males can be awful, but not all.

I'm actually curious to hear how things progress with your Bredli.

I'm considering the species as a possible replacement for the retic I re-homed.

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Originally Posted by Gio

Hooks are always a good idea. I'm fairly certain your girl will settle.

My coastal used to bite a bit early on. She was still tiny when she was just under a year and had some attitude (fear).

The retic was on another level. They just are, and not like anything else. The males can be awful, but not all.

I'm actually curious to hear how things progress with your Bredli.

I'm considering the species as a possible replacement for the retic I re-homed.

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I remember reading about your retic. I'm sorry you had to go thru that but you did the right thing by rehoming him. I was considering a male dwarf at one time but you (and a couple other people on here) had a lot to do with my mind changing lol. I'll keep everyone on here updated throughout my journey with her but I would definitely recommend one. I didn't get my female until she was over a year old and before that she was almost never handled so that could have a lot to do with her shy/defensive demeanor. But my male I just got in yesterday from Nick Mutton and he's a baby so I'm hoping with some work at his young age he'll turn into a great pet. The bredli is my absolute favorite of the Morelia species. Their natural colors and patterns are way better than any morph IMO.