Need Snake Bite Proof Jacket

Hello!

It's become necessary for me to not get bitten on the chest AT ALL. Does anyone know of a jacket that is 100% resistant to snake bites? Seriously, it cannot pierce.

Thank you!

Is this serious :confusd:

Good leather always protects me. You probably need Kevlar if you want no chance of it being pierced at all by any snake of any size.

Suit of armor, perhaps? ;)

Have you tried asking suppliers like Midwest Custom tongs? They might know of something? (https://tongs.com/custom-products/)https://envato-shoebox-0.imgix.net/5...lpha=18&w=700&

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Originally Posted by Ascended

Is this serious :confusd:

Good leather always protects me. You probably need Kevlar if you want no chance of it being pierced at all by any snake of any size.

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I am serious, unfortunately.

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Suit of armor, perhaps? ;)

Have you tried asking suppliers like Midwest Custom tongs? They might know of something? (https://tongs.com/custom-products/)https://envato-shoebox-0.imgix.net/5...lpha=18&w=700&

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Haha I'm considering all possibilities.

Thank you, I just sent them a message.

Might also check the advertisers on venomous forums. ;)

Pardon my curiosity, but what are you trying to cuddle or swim with? :D

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Originally Posted by wnateg

I am serious, unfortunately.

Haha I'm considering all possibilities.

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Well the kevlar was serious. You can get knife proof vests. https://www.google.com/search?q=kevl...client=gws-wiz

The leather might work too it it was boiled leather. but that would be a reenactment thing. You would need battle ready and not display though.
Plate armor is probably over the top.

What ever you go for it will probably cost.

You say its just your chest that needs protecting?

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Might also check the advertisers on venomous forums. ;)

Pardon my curiosity, but what are you trying to cuddle or swim with? :D

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Nothing near that exciting. Breast implants :oops:

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Originally Posted by Ascended

Well the kevlar was serious. You can get knife proof vests. https://www.google.com/search?q=kevl...client=gws-wiz

The leather might work too it it was boiled leather. but that would be a reenactment thing. You would need battle ready and not display though.
Plate armor is probably over the top.

What ever you go for it will probably cost.

You say its just your chest that needs protecting?

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Yea, I did see those. Kevlar would definitely work, though it may be slightly overkill. Like you said, I think some real thick leather would do the trick, maybe. I was thinking like a leather apron, so I still have arm mobility.

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Originally Posted by wnateg

I think some real thick leather would do the trick, maybe. I was thinking like a leather apron, so I still have arm mobility.

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You could try something like a blacksmith's apron. A little pricey but it's good leather. Here's an example.

https://lifetimeleather.com/products...saApDcEALw_wcB

Oh, yeah...that never occurred to me. :cool: I keep hearing about heavy rain & flood waters down south & in TX- I thought maybe you're swimming with diamondbacks in your house? :D

If you don't mind the bulk, a PFD (personal flotation device) with good coverage would probably serve the purpose, at least until you find a more flattering option. Handy for floods too. :rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by wnateg

Nothing near that exciting. Breast implants :oops:



Yea, I did see those. Kevlar would definitely work, though it may be slightly overkill. Like you said, I think some real thick leather would do the trick, maybe. I was thinking like a leather apron, so I still have arm mobility.

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An apron may be too thin unless you can get one thick enough. Bison leather is real thick I have one jacket of that but its heavy. but I guess you will research.
Another idea might be a leather jacket with removable arms. (or even a motorbike jacket with removable arms, they are padded too) I have one I use to protect me from falls horse riding (I cant be using the horse riding armour. that's a bit embarrassing as only kids use it in the uk). I don't know if detachable sleeves is still available though. it was the fashion back in the day.
Oh, wait, it is
https://www.google.com/search?q=leat...chrome&ie=UTF-

Edit, yes just saw the Hugsplox blacksmiths apron post, that looks a good idea.
Not as cool as a leather jacket though :D

With the heat & humidity in TX, none of these options are going to be comfortable though.

I was just thinking that what you really need is something to keep fangs/teeth at a distance, while allowing air-flow. Reminds me of the "fang guards" that I made & installed on my old Neodesha cages, over the vents to keep stray fingers safe when I did programs w/ rattlebrats. I fashioned fang-guards out of welded wire mesh (aka "hardware cloth")- the same stuff I make all my glass tank tops out of- including one for the large square tank that sat on the floor as a "coffee table" with a mojave green occupying it- that one I made with a double mesh top, with spacers between the layers of wire mesh so that fangs couldn't penetrate past both layers. (That way, I could prop my feet on top without worrying...lol- I'm a little twisted, I know.)

The worst thing about most welded wire is that it's very abrasive, but if you could find (or special order) some that's smooth, you could shape* a double-layer (with safety spacers) "vest" to wear over your regular clothes- full ventilation so it wouldn't be so hot & awful to wear. (*maybe shape it over a dress-form?) I think of the weirdest things...:rolleye2: Essentially "armor" but full of holes.

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Originally Posted by Hugsplox

You could try something like a blacksmith's apron. A little pricey but it's good leather. Here's an example.

https://lifetimeleather.com/products...saApDcEALw_wcB

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Yea something like that was my original thought.

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Oh, yeah...that never occurred to me. :cool: I keep hearing about heavy rain & flood waters down south & in TX- I thought maybe you're swimming with diamondbacks in your house? :D

If you don't mind the bulk, a PFD (personal flotation device) with good coverage would probably serve the purpose, at least until you find a more flattering option. Handy for floods too. :rolleyes:

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True, if it's thick enough, then it doesn't need to be puncture proof.

Yea, there was plenty of rain. My fence went bye bye!

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Originally Posted by Ascended

An apron may be too thin unless you can get one thick enough. Bison leather is real thick I have one jacket of that but its heavy. but I guess you will research.
Another idea might be a leather jacket with removable arms. (or even a motorbike jacket with removable arms, they are padded too) I have one I use to protect me from falls horse riding (I cant be using the horse riding armour. that's a bit embarrassing as only kids use it in the uk). I don't know if detachable sleeves is still available though. it was the fashion back in the day.
Oh, wait, it is
https://www.google.com/search?q=leat...chrome&ie=UTF-

Edit, yes just saw the Hugsplox blacksmiths apron post, that looks a good idea.
Not as cool as a leather jacket though :D

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True, a leather jacket would have a dual purpose of a fashion piece!

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

With the heat & humidity in TX, none of these options are going to be comfortable though.

I was just thinking that what you really need is something to keep fangs/teeth at a distance, while allowing air-flow. Reminds me of the "fang guards" that I made & installed on my old Neodesha cages, over the vents to keep stray fingers safe when I did programs w/ rattlebrats. I fashioned fang-guards out of welded wire mesh (aka "hardware cloth")- the same stuff I make all my glass tank tops out of- including one for the large square tank that sat on the floor as a "coffee table" with a mojave green occupying it- that one I made with a double mesh top, with spacers between the layers of wire mesh so that fangs couldn't penetrate past both layers. (That way, I could prop my feet on top without worrying...lol- I'm a little twisted, I know.)

The worst thing about most welded wire is that it's very abrasive, but if you could find (or special order) some that's smooth, you could shape* a double-layer (with safety spacers) "vest" to wear over your regular clothes- full ventilation so it wouldn't be so hot & awful to wear. (*maybe shape it over a dress-form?) I think of the weirdest things...:rolleye2: Essentially "armor" but full of holes.

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Yea, unfortunately, most will be uncomfortable. That's why I kind of like your pfd idea, the thick foam would create distance but not be super heavy.

This issue never even dawned on me until I asked my doctor today, and he said you absolutely don't want that to happen. :disbelief

Is this a common occurrence for you?

Did a doctor suggest this?

I am just trying to wrap my head around it. I have been bit once on the stomach and of course many times on the hands and arms......but never my chest.


I wouldn't waste money on kevlar though. Kevlar actually needs many many layers to be stab resistant. The layers they put in most jackets and pants I would not expect to stop the teeth of a ETB as it is there for sliding down a road....not needle like teeth. A good thick leather alone should stop them though. Adding a kevlar lining to it will just make it cost more for no more protection.

I would simply buy a leather motorcycle jacket. Not one that is perforated of course. I have kevlar vest for work and leather motorcycle jackets for riding. With the list of snakes you have I don't see any getting through any of my leather jackets.

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Originally Posted by KMG

Is this a common occurrence for you?

Did a doctor suggest this?

I am just trying to wrap my head around it. I have been bit once on the stomach and of course many times on the hands and arms......but never my chest.


I wouldn't waste money on kevlar though. Kevlar actually needs many many layers to be stab resistant. The layers they put in most jackets and pants I would not expect to stop the teeth of a ETB as it is there for sliding down a road....not needle like teeth. A good thick leather alone should stop them though. Adding a kevlar lining to it will just make it cost more for no more protection.

I would simply buy a leather motorcycle jacket. Not one that is perforated of course. I have kevlar vest for work and leather motorcycle jackets for riding. With the list of snakes you have I don't see any getting through any of my leather jackets.

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I have never been bitten on my chest, but the financial repercussions would be significant enough to pre-emptively avoid.

Okay, leather was my first thought too. I'm glad I wasn't far off base. Thank you!

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Originally Posted by wnateg

Yea, unfortunately, most will be uncomfortable. That's why I kind of like your pfd idea, the thick foam would create distance but not be super heavy.

This issue never even dawned on me until I asked my doctor today, and he said you absolutely don't want that to happen. :disbelief

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They make fairly large kneeling pads that are about an inch thick with hi-density foam inside, covered with sturdy vinyl outside. I think I got mine from Brookstone, it's been a while.

All you'd have to do is put straps on it, so they tied behind your head for the top 2 corners, & at the waist from straps attached at the bottom corners- just wear as a "vest"- it would be too thick for teeth to penetrate, & pretty good airflow, & not heavy. Most PFDs will be awkward, because they're thicker than you need. And leather would be heavy to wear.

I suppose you could just install some pool noodles in a t-shirt? :D

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Originally Posted by wnateg

I have never been bitten on my chest, but the financial repercussions would be significant enough to pre-emptively avoid.

Okay, leather was my first thought too. I'm glad I wasn't far off base. Thank you!

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I bet you could find a nice leather vest that zips or snaps all the way up that would work, to leave your arms free. Something with a cut like this. I am not suggesting this vest, only the design. But I bet most all motorcycle vests will stop the teeth of a nonvenomous snake.

https://www.amazon.com/True-Element-...3-b0156e5c6669

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

They make fairly large kneeling pads that are about an inch thick with hi-density foam inside, covered with sturdy vinyl outside. I think I got mine from Brookstone, it's been a while.

All you'd have to do is put straps on it, so they tied behind your head for the top 2 corners, & at the waist from straps attached at the bottom corners- just wear as a "vest"- it would be too thick for teeth to penetrate, & pretty good airflow, & not heavy. Most PFDs will be awkward, because they're thicker than you need. And leather would be heavy to wear.

I suppose you could just install some pool noodles in a t-shirt? :D

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lol your dyi attitude is definitely commendable, but I think I am leaning towards the pfd or the leather vest for sure.

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Originally Posted by KMG

I bet you could find a nice leather vest that zips or snaps all the way up that would work, to leave your arms free. Something with a cut like this. I am not suggesting this vest, only the design. But I bet most all motorcycle vests will stop the teeth of a nonvenomous snake.

https://www.amazon.com/True-Element-...3-b0156e5c6669

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https://www.hillsideusa.com/Zippered...est_p_967.html

These seem pretty durable, and the same style. I like it!

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Originally Posted by wnateg

lol your dyi attitude is definitely commendable, but I think I am leaning towards the pfd or the leather vest for sure...

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Aw, you're no fun...:rofl: But it's been fun, brain-storming this unique problem anyway.

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Originally Posted by wnateg

Yea something like that was my original thought.



True, if it's thick enough, then it doesn't need to be puncture proof.

Yea, there was plenty of rain. My fence went bye bye!

True, a leather jacket would have a dual purpose of a fashion piece!

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YAY leather. :please: please. Only joking. But I have a thing for leather. :rolleyes: Wait, just for leather jackets.

But to be serious, I used to have to deal with wild caught back in the day when only wild caught was available, all sorts and sizes with my work with london zoo and the biggest specialist reptile shops. Nothing got through my leather jacket. even huge berms or green tree pythons with massive teeth. (would not trust it with venomous fangs though.)
Even my hands were safe, i would just retract them in the sleeve. It gave me so much confidence and I did not have to carry gloves and such everyware, I would only say, no cheep thin leather.

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Originally Posted by Ascended

YAY leather. :please: please. Only joking. But I have a thing for leather. :rolleyes: Wait, just for leather jackets.

But to be serious, I used to have to deal with wild caught back in the day when only wild caught was available, all sorts and sizes with my work with london zoo and the biggest specialist reptile shops. Nothing got through my leather jacket. even huge berms or green tree pythons with massive teeth. (would not trust it with venomous fangs though.)
Even my hands were safe, i would just retract them in the sleeve. It gave me so much confidence and I did not have to carry gloves and such everyware, I would only say, no cheep thin leather.

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Okay, that's really good to hear. I'd rather be safe than sorry. I'm not sure how to judge good quality leather vs bad. But I assume going with something like https://www.hillsideusa.com/Zippered...est_p_967.html vs something from amazon would probably be best.

This looks like a thicker version too: https://www.hillsideusa.com/Two-Way-...est_p_772.html

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Originally Posted by wnateg

Okay, that's really good to hear. I'd rather be safe than sorry. I'm not sure how to judge good quality leather vs bad. But I assume going with something like https://www.hillsideusa.com/Zippered...est_p_967.html vs something from amazon would probably be best.

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That's the problem with the internet and covid stopping us looking in person. I need to see and feel the leather in person to judge the thickness, weight and firmness. Pictures are hard to judge quality.
Not just of leather. but anything really.

I am flattered i am converting you to leather though. :D its not the only option. but my favorite

I understand restrictions are lower in the USA. Do you have leather markets or shops and such where you can feel the leather?

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Originally Posted by wnateg

Okay, that's really good to hear. I'd rather be safe than sorry. I'm not sure how to judge good quality leather vs bad. But I assume going with something like https://www.hillsideusa.com/Zippered...est_p_967.html vs something from amazon would probably be best.

This looks like a thicker version too: https://www.hillsideusa.com/Two-Way-...est_p_772.html

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That second one is thicker. You can see the thickness under "features" for each. It is not cheap but it does look like a quality leather product.

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Originally Posted by Ascended

That's the problem with the internet and covid stopping us looking in person. I need to see and feel the leather in person to judge the thickness, weight and firmness. Pictures are hard to judge quality.
Not just of leather. but anything really.

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She's in Texas.....and Texas IS OPEN!!!! :gj:

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Originally Posted by KMG

That second one is thicker. You can see the thickness under "features" for each. It is not cheap but it does look like a quality leather product.

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That helps, as long as they are not including padding. I pinch it to test that.

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Originally Posted by KMG

She's in Texas.....and Texas IS OPEN!!!! :gj:

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Your so lucky :) you can check it out then :gj:

I wish we were so sensible as Texas.
Edit: opps I was a bit political

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Originally Posted by Ascended

That helps, as long as they are not including padding. I pinch it to test that.



Your so lucky :) you can check it out then :gj:

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Every motorcycle vest I have is just leather with no padding or insulation. At most they will have a mesh or thin polyester liner.

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Originally Posted by KMG

Every motorcycle vest I have is just leather with no padding or insulation. At most they will have a mesh or thin polyester liner.

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Yes, I sometimes overlook the difference in climate between us affecting clothing.

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Originally Posted by Ascended

That's the problem with the internet and covid stopping us looking in person. I need to see and feel the leather in person to judge the thickness, weight and firmness. Pictures are hard to judge quality.
Not just of leather. but anything really.

I am flattered i am converting you to leather though. :D its not the only option. but my favorite

I understand restrictions are lower in the USA. Do you have leather markets or shops and such where you can feel the leather?

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Yea, people having experience with leather makes much more convincing.

I'll definitely see if I can find a place that sells them this weekend. Better to see the fit too because I'd hate to spend $150 and it not fit quite right.

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Originally Posted by wnateg

Yea, people having experience with leather makes much more convincing.

I'll definitely see if I can find a place that sells them this weekend. Better to see the fit too because I'd hate to spend $150 and it not fit quite right.

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Whatever you decide, I genuinely wish you health and safety. Thake care of your self and your loved ones :)

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Originally Posted by wnateg

I have never been bitten on my chest, but the financial repercussions would be significant enough to pre-emptively avoid.

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I question your MD a little bit. I'm not in Plastics, but I am in medicine. This sounds a bit like an MD who is imagining a risk "from snakes" without really realizing what the actual risk is. A breast implant is not placed shallow, even in the subglandular placement. Your snake would still have to puncture a fair amount of tissue layers to reach the implant itself. Your MD may, despite their best intentions, be imagining your snake puncturing 1"+ into your breast as opposed to the more likely millimeters.

Not that protecting yourself is a problem per se. A leather jacket or leather vest of even modest thickness should be enough to prevent most anything from puncturing deeply enough into your tissue to reach an implant.

But I suppose I don't know fully what kind of snakes you're managing. If you have something with 1-2" teeth, foam might be better than leather. Snake teeth are meant to puncture skin, and leather is skin. Heavy tanned leather might be sufficient, but I'd feel better with something that has sufficient thickness beyond the length of the teeth in question, hence the consideration for foam.

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Originally Posted by tempo36

I question your MD a little bit. I'm not in Plastics, but I am in medicine. This sounds a bit like an MD who is imagining a risk "from snakes" without really realizing what the actual risk is. A breast implant is not placed shallow, even in the subglandular placement. Your snake would still have to puncture a fair amount of tissue layers to reach the implant itself. Your MD may, despite their best intentions, be imagining your snake puncturing 1"+ into your breast as opposed to the more likely millimeters.

Not that protecting yourself is a problem per se. A leather jacket or leather vest of even modest thickness should be enough to prevent most anything from puncturing deeply enough into your tissue to reach an implant.

But I suppose I don't know fully what kind of snakes you're managing. If you have something with 1-2" teeth, foam might be better than leather. Snake teeth are meant to puncture skin, and leather is skin. Heavy tanned leather might be sufficient, but I'd feel better with something that has sufficient thickness beyond the length of the teeth in question, hence the consideration for foam.

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I feel the same way but I gathered it was more for her piece of mind than a suggestion by the doctor, but not knowing exactly what the OP had done I threw out what I thought would work best.


Op, another idea I had was a plastic chest protector like they use in motocross.

Have you actually been bit on the breasts? I'm usually shirtless at home and haven't managed that.

Well, if nothing else works out spend $50-75. Buy a used bullet proof vest. Or a cheap plate carrier.

Hit a gun forum an ask. Yes, they will want your measurements an a pic of you wearing it:O

Most departments buy new every 3-5 years.

Good luck!

PS: If you don’t find anything PM me an I’ll check the surplus locker. But I think I gave all the female vest to a class.

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Originally Posted by tempo36

I question your MD a little bit. I'm not in Plastics, but I am in medicine. This sounds a bit like an MD who is imagining a risk "from snakes" without really realizing what the actual risk is. A breast implant is not placed shallow, even in the subglandular placement. Your snake would still have to puncture a fair amount of tissue layers to reach the implant itself. Your MD may, despite their best intentions, be imagining your snake puncturing 1"+ into your breast as opposed to the more likely millimeters.

Not that protecting yourself is a problem per se. A leather jacket or leather vest of even modest thickness should be enough to prevent most anything from puncturing deeply enough into your tissue to reach an implant.

But I suppose I don't know fully what kind of snakes you're managing. If you have something with 1-2" teeth, foam might be better than leather. Snake teeth are meant to puncture skin, and leather is skin. Heavy tanned leather might be sufficient, but I'd feel better with something that has sufficient thickness beyond the length of the teeth in question, hence the consideration for foam.

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Like KMG said, it's more peace of mind. Of course, my surgeon is no snake expert. He simply said if a fang punctured, then they would need to be replaced. I do have ETBs and a large retic, among others, so the risk is slightly more than a little ball python or something.

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Originally Posted by KMG

I feel the same way but I gathered it was more for her piece of mind than a suggestion by the doctor, but not knowing exactly what the OP had done I threw out what I thought would work best.


Op, another idea I had was a plastic chest protector like they use in motocross.

Have you actually been bit on the breasts? I'm usually shirtless at home and haven't managed that.

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No, I've only been bitten on the arms/hands, but like you said, peace of mind!

Leather Motorcycle vest? I have seen some that are really heavy leather. Still leaves your arms free and you will have mobility..

Even wearing a shirt (and a bra, although I know those don't cover the entire breast area) would probably prevent injuries? I know you have ETBs, which have longer teeth, but... A snake would have to press its face way into your chest, at the exact correct angle? A chest is generally a "flat" surface (even breasts, lol) and on the scale compared to a snake's head, would not be biting into a rounded surface they could get their mouth around, so I think getting a good enough grip on anything enough to pierce through clothes, skin, and the implant is pretty unlikely.

In my experience, with my iguana, I have had to get stitches twice from him. Biting through even thin clothing reduces it from sutures to a tiny dot or scratch that heals overnight and doesn't even "open" the skin--less than a papercut would. However, my iguana does not "latch on" when he bites. His teeth are not as long as ETB teeth (I think), and are maybe 1/4 inch long or less. The bites with sutures were on my arm, because he could get his entire mouth around it, and my foot, again, where he could get his entire mouth around it. He tried to bite the other arm once, when I had a thin long-sleeved shirt on, and I got kind of a "rug burn" like bite (annoying and itchy, but not really any blood). Ditto for my leg wearing thin pajama pants, which turned into just one small dot/scratch, although that was over my shin bone and not an ideal place for him to chomp because it was a flat surface. I saw him bite a vet tech's open palm once... He kind of bounced off, but there was a little blood (she is probably glad I no longer live near there). So, a flatter surface is probably hard for teeth to get into.

Nothing wrong with peace of mind, though! Just thought I'd share that, for me, really small measures virtually negates actual skin-puncture bites. But, there's nothing harmful about wearing something extra to give peace of mind or increase confidence.

Also, on some level, I'm sure your doctor heard "snake" and made all kind of mental leaps that most people unfamiliar with reptiles do. He probably thinks you are frequently being attacked by reptiles.

Some of my vivs are at face level and i now were my glasses rather than contact lenses as I had a few near misses when they were lunging out of the viv to grab the mouse /rat ... that’s the only problem with the hairdryer method ( if it is a problem) that they tend to be very aggressive strikes :)


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Wnateg, maybe you just need an over-sized bra with some extra "custom padding"??? :cool: I still can't picture you being comfortable wearing much leather in TX for much of the year? -but you could buy some pieces & customize a bra for protection, or use high-density foam inside it. Might also be fun if you have real nosy neighbors too...;)

what about a hockey goalie padded shirt? I've seen them range from $30-100
They have strategic padding on the arms/chest and lots of varieties (if too hot, you could cut off the sleeves?) and the padding is probably thick enough to give a buffer from an ETB fang. Retics generally slash, not puncture.

I've had an ATB swing down and bite my hip, went through 3 layers of fabric (including denim) and slightly puncture the skin so while I do think it is unlikely you would get an implant puncture from a chest bite from an ETB, I totally understand wanting to be cautious, cause if everything lines up just perfectly, that could be terrible.

Sorted ... we will be needing photos of course :)

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...93b471d198.jpg


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Originally Posted by Zincubus

... we will be needing photos of course :) ...

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I wouldn't get my hopes up if I were you. ;)

Then you have Good Will an a $5 down vest. Heck, it will stop a dog bite let alone a Retic.


Good luck!