Goin out with your Snake

Hey, I have a question, i think i asked it somewhere else as i was answering something else but cant seem to find it, i lurk around and have gotten great information and great laughs@ This place is great!

My question is this, who goes out with their snakes round their necks or... what is your experience, do people freak out or do they accept you and run to see the snake. I was at the doggie park and had thought to bring one, but decided not to, and what do i see at my doggie parkl???? There was someone there with their boa! TOTALLY COOL

Had a crowd but as a friend said... someone would probably complain, not that i care really but i was curious, id like to get my girls out from time to time...

Thanks for reading.

Valerie
Precious, Monte, Lucy

Occasionally I'll take a snake to my workplace (not when I am working however lol) to show my co-workers (who happen to be my friends as well)

They love it (except for my boss who hyperventilates in the corner) and are very interested in the snakes. Some of the customers give me funny looks though.. haha. Most of them are interested though and come and ask questions, which I love to answer.

I used to work in a reptile zoo, and I spent a lot of time with kids, showing them the animals (I did birthday parties for them among other things) It's something I really enjoy.

i personally think unless a friend like shelby stated, to take a snake out in public is primarily for personally attention and that is wrong to me. snakes are for enjoyment in YOUR own home and not in public to give someone a heart attack

I disagree. Seeing a snake up close being harmless is a good way to get people to realize that they are cool animals. I never approach someone that doesn't want to see the snake, I don't chase people with him. But I usually get a few people who approach to say "I don't like snakes... can I touch it? It's really cool looking up close.." And most of them go away at least thinking "Not so bad". Educating the public that snakes are not evil attacking monsters is a good thing.
That said, if you just want to scare people becuase you think that's cool or funny, then that's just wrong, stay home and quit causeing problems.
I've had GREAT responses mostly. A few people insist that my 4 foot ball python is a murdering monster, and invariably at least two bystanders laugh outright at them.
As long as you can keep it safe, and warm enough, I never saw any issue with it.
Wolfy

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Originally Posted by wolfy-hound

I disagree. Seeing a snake up close being harmless is a good way to get people to realize that they are cool animals. I never approach someone that doesn't want to see the snake, I don't chase people with him. But I usually get a few people who approach to say "I don't like snakes... can I touch it? It's really cool looking up close.." And most of them go away at least thinking "Not so bad". Educating the public that snakes are not evil attacking monsters is a good thing.
That said, if you just want to scare people becuase you think that's cool or funny, then that's just wrong, stay home and quit causeing problems.
I've had GREAT responses mostly. A few people insist that my 4 foot ball python is a murdering monster, and invariably at least two bystanders laugh outright at them.
As long as you can keep it safe, and warm enough, I never saw any issue with it.
Wolfy

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Well said. Agreed :gj:

you may have good experiences and that is great. but for someone like my neighbor who IS TERRIFIED of snakes i went to get my mail with my burm on my neck and she called the police.i have also had people threaton to sue me while at the beach with a sand boa hehe. lets all face it, the majority of people do not like snakes and no matter how much we try most will still hate them. hard facts but the truth:(

It makes little sense to stress your snake out by taking it out around town.

:rolleye2:

well thanks so far to those that replied, I love my animals, the cats well they do what they want, the dog i like taking out and during some warmer months would love to get my balls out here and there.

I DO NOT WANT TO GIVE HEART ATTACKS :colbert:

I do want to wrap her around my neck and sit on a rock and if people see it then they do if not then they dont, I jsut dont see it much and think as said education is the key!

did anyone see snakes on a plane? this is why we have fearfull people??

Im anxious to hear more!

Hmmmmm on another note, i know that groups of dog lovers get together with their same breed dogs, i wonder if a group of herps would do this and if it would be recieved well. Do you really think they would get stressed out?

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Originally Posted by fionafancypants

Hmmmmm on another note, i know that groups of dog lovers get together with their same breed dogs, i wonder if a group of herps would do this and if it would be recieved well. Do you really think they would get stressed out?

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Very stressed and the risk of disease would be pretty high. :)

not a good idea to get your herps together with other ones... as you want to quarantine ANY HERPS for a minimum of 60 days before you put them in the same room.

so a 'play date' would be a very unhealthy idea.

as for taking my snake out... during the summer i take my snake with me to the petstore when i drop off silkworms... everyone who sees my snakes falls in love. it's great... i get to educate people and parents love it when they find their little kids reaching out and touching a snake for the first time. many people have said, "oh man, i think i'll look into getting a snake for ourselves."

i love educating others. ;)

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Originally Posted by fionafancypants

:rolleye2:


did anyone see snakes on a plane? this is why we have fearfull people??

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my husband got me that movie for my b-day. and no i realy dot'n think the movie had any thing to do with poeple's fear of snakes. people were fearful befor the movie. i live in nc so in the summer i'll take her to the mail box or walk around in the yard but so far thats it.

Just yesterday I had a gentleman come into the store with a sub adult BCI around his neck. It was relatively well recieved except for the two women to walked all the way around the store and hugged the walls 80 feet away while creeping to the door.

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Originally Posted by fionafancypants

did anyone see snakes on a plane? this is why we have fearfull people??

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Judging by the way the theater was roaring with laughter on opening night, I don't think that movie had anything to do with fear....

As to the original question, my local wine seller has been begging me to bring snakes to show him, so I imagine I will do that when it warms up. I see nothing wrong or terribly stressful with short outings. Now, I do know several people who bring their snakes out clubbing, and I can't see ever putting any of mine through that sort of experience.

Personally, other than for educational purposes, we'd never taken any of ours on an "outing". I think in the end though it comes down to your reason for taking a snake out in public. If it's to shock folks or draw attention to yourself, then it's just not right IMHO. Snakes aren't fashion accessories or ego boosters nor are they dogs that enjoy a car ride once in awhile. If you are doing it to educate folks in a controlled environment where your snake isn't exposed to a lot of stress and fluctuating temperatures, then I think that's okay though always a bit risky for these lovely creatures.

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Originally Posted by jglass38

It makes little sense to stress your snake out by taking it out around town.

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I have to agree, personally. I have spent too much money and time with and on my snakes, to risk exposing them to something outdoors. Pesticides.. RI risks.. mites in pet stores.. nope. Now, when people come over, in the safety of our home, I love to show them all of the snakes, and teach them as much as they can absorb! Now, in the summer, I do take them outdoors for photos around the house, but we don't use pesticides or anything on the farm, and if it were below 75 degrees (the temps in their cages don't go below that) it would be a no-go.
As for anyone who would risk their snake's health and well-being to take it to a stupid club or something like that.. how sad.

I love taking mine to have pictures taken with Santa at PetsMart :giggles:

Santa goes as white as his beard... LOL

I agree with some of the factors that *can* cause stress. However I try and make it a point to get my snakes outside at least a couple times in the summer. I have also done some educational presentations. Years ago one summer I would sometimes take a snake with me on a short walk outdoors, with the animals I have now I would be less apt to do so but no ill effect such going off feed was experienced. I remember one day in particular a women got our attention and described a terrible story about a friend's boa who wrapped her up an would not let go...took a bunch of guys to get it off. She became deathly afraid of snakes after that but she wanted to get over it. So right there at her own pace we talked and by her own choosing she handled the snake...granted it wasn't a boa (BP) but she really made a step forward that day and was very thankful for the help.

I think its kinda sad that many of us who are so enthusiastic about reptiles feel that we need to basically keep them secret or behind closed doors from the public. For every good keeper doing good things there are a hundred idiots forcing the uneducated public to create laws, ordinances, and regulations the rest of us struggle to live by.

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Originally Posted by jglass38

It makes little sense to stress your snake out by taking it out around town.

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I think regular outings should make the snake less stressed over time, especially the species that are naturally less shy.

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Originally Posted by Rapture

I think regular outings should make the snake less stressed over time, especially the species that are naturally less shy.

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Sorry but how could a few "outings" regular or not reverse millions of years of evolution and instinct?

Well, with patience and time we can get ball pythons to the point where they are calm and curious while being out and handled.. hardly something a wild BP is going to do.

I don't think Rapture is totally wrong there. Nor do I think it is wrong to take your snake out occasionally. Obviously if it's a problem eater and very shy when being handled anyway.. it wouldn't be a good idea, but if the animal is well adjusted and you have confidence that the place you're taking the snake is reasonably safe, I say go for it.

I have to agree with those saying an occasional outing can be a favorable thing, especially with a snake that is calm and outgoing.

No, a few outings won't reverse evolution. But breeding for a relaxed, easy-going temperament can. And taking a snake that has a more outgoing nature out regularly can help acclimate the snake to those conditions.

Humans are not evolved for deep sea diving or mountain climbing, and yet with sufficient training, equipment, and experience, we do it. Some like it enough to bother, others don't.

For another analogy--mice are not evolved to enjoy being handled by large, loud, diurnal creatures like humans. And yet, with proper, frequent handling, they become quite tame and many will not want to go back in their cage. Some become so inquisitive and fearless that they'll climb all over anyone who comes close enough to grab onto.

I suspect something similar is true for snakes--those with the right temperament will become accustomed and may even learn to like an outing now and then if they are acclimated appropriately and handled with care. It certainly *seems* to be the case with many of the snakes I've seen at educational events whose handlers have worked with them consistently. I met a pair of bull snakes, for instance, who would hang out in the lap of anyone who cared to hold them and were two of the "friendliest" (and I'm using that term loosely to describe behavior, not to make assumptions about the inner emotional lives of the snakes themselves) snakes I've ever met. The handler attributes it to how hard he has worked with them.

As for scaring other people, I agree we shouldn't be chasing folks around with our snakes. But, if you refrain from taking them out because some people will be frightened, then you oughtn't to be out walking dogs either. I know lots of people who are afraid of dogs. But they don't let their fear paralyze them or prevent them going to the park, mostly because they've become acclimated due to the fact that there are nearly always dogs at the park. Anyone who is so afraid of snakes that they'll hyperventilate just from seeing one imo needs some acclimatizing. Otherwise, what will happen when they happen upon one in the wild?

I'm NOT saying you should force the snake on them. But if the snake is carefully controlled (the same as having a dog on a leash, which sadly, many people do NOT do, even in children's playgrounds, where a large dog is a far greater danger to small children than a loose python would be), and the conditions are appropriate (not cold, for instance), I think it does far more good than harm to bring a snake to the park.

Having said all that, we have not taken our snake out in public. But we hope some day that he'll be ready for that, and we do plan to do it.

Heather

No one likes "that guy" with the snake in public.

I'm not sure what drives these people who just take their snake out for unsolicited public attention...

I understand maybe wanting to share the hobby with the world, but there are much better avenues for doing that than just walking up to the park and scaring the crap out of some kids parents. Check your local herpetological society or get involved with your local SPCA...the key to successful public exposure is you having credibility as a keeper - people will be more open to learning from you. The dude in the park with the snake around his neck is just a wierdo to everyone else and does nothing to advance the hobby.

Couple of things Heather. I've never heard of anyone saying you can breed for temperment in snakes. Maybe it's possible, just odd that nobody I've ever talked to, seen posting here or anywhere has ever mentioned they do this or it's even possible given that this is a snake we are talking about - a species that has been bred captively a relatively short time. Also I just can't buy any reasoning that equates a snake to a rodent or dog. Again different species, different genetic makeup and a far longer selective breeding interaction with humans. Bit apples and oranges to me but that's just my take on it. As far as comparing humans and snakes...well we have the ability and mental capacity to freely make those decisions, snakes do not.

The problem I have with this is not with taking snakes into the public arena in controlled situations or having them out at one's home for handling. I do both. What I don't support and likely never will, is taking one's snake down to sit around the beach or a public park. For me I know I cannot absolutely guarantee my snake's safety in that kind of open, uncontrolled environment and I won't risk them...I feel I guess that I owe them this. In that kind of situation a loose dog can suddenly bound up on you and your snake, a child can rush up to touch and grab or if you lose your focus for one moment the snake is loose in a place that's pretty darn hard to retreive it.

Sure anything can happen in your house too. I have kids and a puppy here too but it's an environment I know well and can plan around. Our puppy in fact is always in her cage when the snakes are out for instance. Her natural instinct is to bark and rush the snakes, so for their best interest and understanding this is natural for a dog to do...she is caged when they are not. The times we take a snake outside in our private yard both Mike and I are there, two adults focused on one snake.

Perhaps I worry too much but I'll always err on the side of caution when it comes to these precious creatures.

Some of our larger emeralds will not "Go" in their cage, so we take them outside for exercise and a "shower" which stimulates them. I have built a "jungle-gym" specifically for that purpose. We have a small courtyard outside our front door where this is done. There is a perfectly clear view from the sidewalk into the courtyard. Even people that chance to glance in most often don't even notice a 5', heavy girth, green snake hanging out on a "contraption".

My main concern when taking them outside is that the environment is suitable to their requirements. In So. Florida there are few days that don't meet these conditions. My question for thoses that like to have their snake as a "traveling" companion, is do you not have the same concern? If you are going in and out of AC'd buildings aren't you worried about the stress from changing environmental conditions?

Craig

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Originally Posted by CraigC

Some of our larger emeralds will not "Go" in their cage, so we take them outside for exercise and a "shower" which stimulates them. I have built a "jungle-gym" specifically for that purpose.

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Wow!

Not something I care to do or expose my snakes to. Don't really understand why anyone feels the need to?

You make some excellent points, frankykeno. I've never heard of anyone breeding for temperament in snakes, either (in fact, I posted that question in another part of this forum just a few minutes ago). And I'm not saying it's definitely possible, but I will say that I would be VERY surprised if it were not. In every species I know of that has been bred in captivity, in close proximity with humans (as opposed to those that can be bred only under special circumstances in zoos and such), for any great length of time, selective breeding has been used to create strains that are friendlier, more easy-going, or otherwise selected for temperament, than others. I admit that I know little about reptiles in particular, and you are quite right that reptiles are very different from mammals. So, like I said, I admit it may be impossible to breed selectively for temperament. But, again, I'd love to see someone try, because I would be willing to bet it's possible. And "outgoing-ness" is definitely a trait I would be willing to pay for.

You also raise the valid point that snakes have been bred in captivity for a very short time compared to mice or dogs or cats, and that comparing them to humans is like apples and oranges, especially because they don't get to choose whether they do these things and we do.

However, in attending public reptile events, I have seen obvious differences in the way that specific snakes behave in public. Those that are really "outgoing" (again, I'm describing behavior here, not inner emotional states) tend to belong to handlers who say that they've worked quite a lot with the snake, exposing it frequently to these types of conditions. Which leads me to believe that while not all snakes can be acclimated to public outings, many can.

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Originally Posted by frankykeno

The problem I have with this is not with taking snakes into the public arena in controlled situations or having them out at one's home for handling. I do both. What I don't support and likely never will, is taking one's snake down to sit around the beach or a public park.

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I can totally see this. And yet... I still envision and hope for a world where even unusual pets can be appreciated in casual public settings. And yet, I also totally see your point about dogs or children rushing up, or the snake getting loose. And I'll admit I don't have the temperament, personally, to stay focused as carefully as might be necessary. I will have to give these issues further thought.

As for going from AC to warm humid conditions (and I realize that concern was raised by someone else)... doesn't that happen when you take them out in your own home? How do people deal with that? It almost seems to make more sense, in summer, to take them outdoors than to keep them indoors in an AC'ed house. What do folks here do about the AC in the summer and its effect on a snake that's being handled indoors?

Great discussion. I can definitely see both sides here, and I'm learning a lot from listening to everyone.

Heather

Some snakes are more high strung than others. Obviously when I have one of my snakes that does nothing but ball up in fear, I don't drag that snake out and about. However I have two normal males that are so mellow they simply don't care.
And snakes in the wild don't sit in their den all day, so that's a really bad analogy. If they did they wouldn't find things to eat or water to drink or other snakes to make wookie with. So they DO go out and explore in the wild, with no human to protect them either. If your snake is accustomed to being handled, then there is not a real problem(temp withstanding of course)
I'm in Florida, and lovely 80+ temps are common, and I take mine out, around my neck, and show him(either one) off a lot. People don't think "That's that weird woman" (ok, but not because of the snake) and parents don't panic and drag their kids away, the universe doesn't implode. Most people look over and make comments like "Look at that!! That's neat!" and go on, or they beeline for me to look closer(the more common reaction). They invariably ask me the typical myth questions of "Won't it kill you?" or "Will it bite you?" etc. I usually tell them my snake might bite, but it would do FAR less damage than one of my yorkies would if IT bit me. Telling them of the many tiny teeth, and what they eat, and what they require to be healthy, it all interests them, and I'm pretty sure they might just remember a little bit of it. But they go away with a little more information, and a little more respect for the animal, and sometimes a bit of awe at how terribly cool they are.
I don't see why anyone has to be so admatant that its such a horrible idea to take your snake out. Mine like the sunshine, and being ball pythons, unless I were to walk off for five minutes, they are not exactly quick escape artists. I hold them the entire time they are out, and I am careful to watch who comes up to me. Just like when I have one of my DOGS on a leash.
It's fun to share your passion for reptiles with the general public and I've not ever had an issue yet. The snakes don't stress out, and the people haven't stresed out.
Oh.. I do agree with the BADNESS of the idea of having other people's herps near yours. Playdates for herps, NOT a good idea at all, due to the risk of diesese or mites. Never put the snake on the grass either. Pesticides are too common.
wolfy

I don't recall I said it was a "horrible" idea. I think this is a very good thread about a very good topic that no one is getting out of line/bent out of shape posting in. :) I just think it's a personal decision that one must make taking into account all considerations, dangers, benefits, advice from others and whether in the end you are doing it for the good of the snake or for your own good.

Specific to my own collection...I have snakes like Orlah who would likely be just fine in most any situation, others like Ailish that would quite simply freak and it would be cruel to expose Ailish like that. Could even be the day though, Orlah might be fine today and antsy tomorrow so anything I want is secondary to her own best interests.

My two corn snakes see almost 100 people at least 3 times a week!

Okay, before you all jump on me I teach high school biology and they reside in a rack in my prep room. I generally take them out for the kids to handle while they take notes. The snakes have great temperments and generally curl up on an arm or shoulder. The kids are great about giving everyone a turn who wants one and proper hygiene afterwards (got to love liquid hand sanitizer!). This year I have had a few students who declared themselves deathly afraid of snakes and now they not only touch them but one actually enjoys holding them. It's a great chance to educate my students that all animals must be respected and to learn about their habitat and behavior. Oddly enough, it is the girls who LOVE the snakes and really want me to bring in Breena my yearling BP...

The other great bonus is that no one stays late to chat on back-to-school night when I have a snake slither through my hands explaining the wonderful insights their children will gain about their natural world!

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Originally Posted by wendyhoo9

My two corn snakes see almost 100 people at least 3 times a week!

Okay, before you all jump on me I teach high school biology and they reside in a rack in my prep room. I generally take them out for the kids to handle while they take notes. The snakes have great temperments and generally curl up on an arm or shoulder. The kids are great about giving everyone a turn who wants one and proper hygiene afterwards (got to love liquid hand sanitizer!). This year I have had a few students who declared themselves deathly afraid touch the snakes and one actually enjoys holding them. It's a great chance to educate my students that all animals must be respected and to learn about their habitat and behavior. Oddly enough, it is the girls who LOVE the snakes and really want me to bring in Breena my yearling BP...

The other great bonus is that no one stays late to chat on back-to-school night when I have a snake slither through my hands explaining the wonderful insights their children will gain about their natural world!

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You rock!!

Any word on the resubmission of my application? :D

Jamie...There may be a chance for resubmittal around August 17th....:sunny:

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Originally Posted by wendyhoo9

Jamie...There may be a chance for resubmittal around August 17th....:sunny:

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WICKED!!! I'm counting the days! :eek:

I will frequently take may JCP and BP outside when the weather permits. I've never had anyone run from me, or even avoid me. I've never encountered anyone who absolutely hates snakes, but I have had people steer clear of my little weener dog. Most people will approach and ask a million questions. parents watch there kids approach me all the time and don't seem to care. Maybe I just live someplace where people are generally more open minded. As long as the snakes needs are still met, I don't see a problem with taking it out in public and, by the way the snakes act, I don't think they have a problem with it either.

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Originally Posted by elevatethis

Wow!

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Not sure what you are refering to, the not going in the cage or the "jungle-gym"? Anyway, heres the "jungle-gym" in action.

http://redtailboa.net/pp/data/3223/6-18-06-1.JPG

This northern girl is almost 6'.

Craig

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Originally Posted by CraigC

Not sure what you are refering to, the not going in the cage or the "jungle-gym"? Anyway, heres the "jungle-gym" in action.


This northern girl is almost 6'.

Craig

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WOW! :eek: What a GORGEOUS girl!!!!

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Originally Posted by junko

WOW! :eek: What a GORGEOUS girl!!!!

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Thanks! You aught to check out the "Tree Boa" forum here.;) There are other interesting snakes besides BPs.;)

Craig

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Originally Posted by CraigC

Not sure what you are refering to, the not going in the cage or the "jungle-gym"? Anyway, heres the "jungle-gym" in action.

http://redtailboa.net/pp/data/3223/6-18-06-1.JPG

This northern girl is almost 6'.

Craig

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That jungle gym is awesome..you should sell them!! That snake is beautiful...hows her temperment?

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Originally Posted by wolfy-hound

I disagree. Seeing a snake up close being harmless is a good way to get people to realize that they are cool animals. I never approach someone that doesn't want to see the snake, I don't chase people with him. But I usually get a few people who approach to say "I don't like snakes... can I touch it? It's really cool looking up close.." And most of them go away at least thinking "Not so bad". Educating the public that snakes are not evil attacking monsters is a good thing.
That said, if you just want to scare people becuase you think that's cool or funny, then that's just wrong, stay home and quit causeing problems.
I've had GREAT responses mostly. A few people insist that my 4 foot ball python is a murdering monster, and invariably at least two bystanders laugh outright at them.
As long as you can keep it safe, and warm enough, I never saw any issue with it.
Wolfy

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Good post, I'm with ya on that! Whenever I take my snakes out... I try not to necesarily flaunt them or run around with them on my neck if I dont' have to... Usually it's to go show a friend or something but... The last thing i want to do is purposely flaunt an animal around when I know that some people actually do have real life phobias of them that they can't control. I usually get either the ugly looks or people that want to walk up and get a closer look. Either way it is a great feeling to have when someone starts off scared and walks away happy they got to learn something differen't and maybe even wanting to in the future take part in the wonderful hobby.

That emmy is breathtaking.. *sigh* someday. :)

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Originally Posted by monk90222

That jungle gym is awesome..you should sell them!! That snake is beautiful...hows her temperment?

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She's a sweetheart.;)

Craig

just remember... a snake is a wild animal and will bite if it smells a prey item like a rat. lets say a little girl had a pet rat(not with her) and pet the snake.... whoops! the snake bites her and you have a lawsuit that could possible ban snakes. :(

I think it deffinately would depend on the snake, the handler, the location and the circumstances. I've not even had a chance to take Karma outside because it is winter here, but I have done it with many other snakes in the zoo I volunttered at.

JBZ has a bunch of "demo" or "strolling" animals in a barn out of public view. When weather permits they have demos in which trained volunteers (always in teams of two to prevent escape, etc.) take the animals out an let the public pet them (with two fingers only, one person at a time) and we educateed them about the animals.
They always rotated the animals so that they would never go out too often (most herps only 1-2 times a month) and never get stressed. They were all raised from very young ages to do this.
Last time I was there they had two bps, two corns, two types of milks, and two types of rat snakes, among other herps.
they go out for set amounts of time (usually an hour) and in that time many people touch them and learn.
I had alot of cases in which people we afraid, but decided to touch them and figured out that they were warm, not slimy and weren't going to kill them. There were surprisingly few people terribly afraid of them. Some of the parents that were afraid of them still let there children come learn about them (an oportunity they'd probably otherwise miss out on). I remember one time a mother telling her daughter "Go touch the snake honey, I don't want you to be afraid of them like I am."
The few people that were afraid didn't hyperventilate or have panic attacks, they just ran passed or walked the other way.
Oddly enough, I think more people were afraid of the chickens....and one guy was terrified of the budgies....:rolleye2:

:pinkele:

Well well well, who knew this would take off as it did, I have no intention on taking out my pet to scare anyone, but just as i like to go out with my dog i would like to have one of my balls with me as well, i would keep to myself for the most part and if someone finds out i have a snake wrapped around me then they do and decide what to do, scream, run, ask quesitons.

My balls are all very intune to me or perhaps im just crazy, when i come down in the morning, they all peer out and say good morning, they are very well handled and are not jumpy at all unless you come from behind and bump them in the face they jump but i would too. When we come home they again peer out and start moving around a bit, sorta to welcome us home, like i said perhaps im nuts, I do have a big enclosure for them, kinda like a mansion if you will. its 4ft high 2ft wide and long. Lots to climb on and such, as well I have kids and they all take them out here and there and never have issues, i think they like to get out. This is why the question arose, specially after i saw the guy at the park.

Ill give it some more thought that is for sure but am loving what im reading.

my rtb, sabrina is used to riding in the car. her first owner took her out all the time, so when we get into the car she climbs up and coils on the visor... i make sure it's flat to hold her there. obviously she's small enough to sit there.

when we get to the petstore, i wrap her around my neck and off we go to deliver silkworms. both stores are great about letting me know ahead of time if they have any mites... but i use Provent-A-Mite in my snakes enclosures anyway, so it's never an issue for me.

sabrina seems to enjoy the outings. she fights when we get home to stay out of her enclosure LOL she's never missed a meal from it, or shown any stress that i can detect. obviously, i could be totally wrong... but in my experience with taking her out it's all been good.

honestly, if i felt i was harming her, or harming others... i would leave her at home but she's always been welcomed everywhere we've gone. ;)

do i do it for attention? no... would i stop if sabrina seemed unhappy or unsettled in the car? absolutely!

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Originally Posted by fionafancypants

:pinkele:

Well well well, who knew this would take off as it did, I have no intention on taking out my pet to scare anyone, but just as i like to go out with my dog i would like to have one of my balls with me as well, i would keep to myself for the most part and if someone finds out i have a snake wrapped around me then they do and decide what to do, scream, run, ask quesitons.

My balls are all very intune to me or perhaps im just crazy, when i come down in the morning, they all peer out and say good morning, they are very well handled and are not jumpy at all unless you come from behind and bump them in the face they jump but i would too. When we come home they again peer out and start moving around a bit, sorta to welcome us home, like i said perhaps im nuts, I do have a big enclosure for them, kinda like a mansion if you will. its 4ft high 2ft wide and long. Lots to climb on and such, as well I have kids and they all take them out here and there and never have issues, i think they like to get out. This is why the question arose, specially after i saw the guy at the park.

Ill give it some more thought that is for sure but am loving what im reading.

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Are they all in one cage? I was just wondering.

Yes they are, why?? i know you were just wondering but,,.

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My question is this, who goes out with their snakes round their necks or... what is your experience, do people freak out or do they accept you and run to see the snake. I was at the doggie park and had thought to bring one, but decided not to, and what do i see at my doggie parkl???? There was someone there with their boa! TOTALLY COOL

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I did used to do this when I was younger, but I now realize that it's a bad idea. Many people are terrified of snakes and they have a reasonable expectation of being able to walk down the street without be confronted by their deepest fears. Additionaly it can be stressful for the snake being out of it's cage away from familiar surroundings and being surrounded by scores of people that it would probably perceive as being predators. Also it can be hard to control the situation when there are many people crowding around you wanting to pet your snake. Often it only takes one bite from a scared animal to achieve notoriety that you really don't want.

What I have found to be a good alternative is joining a local herp society and joining them on periodic 'hands on' educational shows. A group of people from the society get together to put on a reptile display at an organized event. Often times people will seek us out and invite us to events. We've done things as diverse as a Vet school open house, boyscout jamborees, company picnics, special events at zoos and museums and other things like that. It's a CONTROLLED environment. snakes and other reptiles are brought to the site bagged up and in insulated coolers to make sure they feel secure and are in a climate controlled environment, they are brought out at the site and are on show for no more then 2 hours at a time, or less depending on how the animal is doing. If your animal is acting stressed out, you have a portable hide box in which you can put it away immediatly instead of having to walk all the way back to your home or car. There are tables set up, with us on one side and the public on the other. This puts some space between us and the public and limits the number of people that can crowd around you, again this gives you better control of the situation. We have signs up all around us saying who we are and what we're doing. Not only does this draw in people who may be interested, but it also warns away people who may be fearful.

It's always a good and noble idea to want to educate the public and show them that many of their preconceived notions are inaccurate. Some may come away with a greater understanding of reptiles and may be a little less fearful of them and won't be so quick to chop off that garter snakes head the next time they come across one in their garden. And you get a chance to show off a little bit (which is always fun) But there is a right way and a wrong way to do things. The best way is to show them off in a controlled setting, surrounded by like minded people who can give you support.

Mark

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Originally Posted by MarkS

It's always a good and noble idea to want to educate the public and show them that many of their preconceived notions are inaccurate. Some may come away with a greater understanding of reptiles and may be a little less fearful of them and won't be so quick to chop off that garter snakes head the next time they come across one in their garden. And you get a chance to show off a little bit (which is always fun) But there is a right way and a wrong way to do things. The best way is to show them off in a controlled setting, surrounded by like minded people who can give you support.

Mark

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Brilliantly said!! :clap: