Question about snakes with kids

[Gerardo]

I have a 2 year old niece that wants to hold blmy BPs. She cries when i dont let her. Im just not sure on how to approach the situation. How should i do it? Is she even old enough to handle a snake?

[Jons2012pied]

Ask the parents and make sure you are there when she holds them. My nieces and nephews hold mine and so does my daughter. She was around 4 when she did. I would take out the best one you have as far as temperament goes. Make sure she washes her hands afterwards really good.

[catzeye21138]

If you don't want her holding the snake, let her think she is holding it. You can support most of the body weight, and allow her to hold a section. Kind of like when they have a team of people holding a burm during a reptile show. Obviously never leave her alone with one. I have horror stories for you. None about the snake harming the child, either.

[bcr229]

At that age I wouldn't let the child hold the snake, they still like to grab things too much. I would hold the child on my lap and the child could pet my (most tolerant never bitten anyone in its life) snake while I held onto it.

[Gerardo]

Thanks for the responses. My brother is 100% ok with his daughter handling snakes. We just didnt know how to do it where both my niece and the snake have a positive expirience.

[alykoz]

I work for a company that lets kids handle snakes. As young as they come, whoever wants to hold. Just as long as you keep the snakes head away it should be fine. Especially for BPs they never get TOO tight that you can't just pry them with your hands.
Also make sure they are sitting down, so they will be less shakey and the snake will be more calm.

[Gerardo]

Im going to try it the next time she comes over. She seems so curious and happy to see them. I want her to be able to enjoy snakes as much as i do. My brother wants to pretty much introduce her to all sorts of animals at a young age so she wont be fearful of them.

[John1982]

Introducing kids to reptiles should always come with a healthy dose of good hygiene practices - my nieces and nephews wash their hands aplenty when they visit. With younger children I usually use smaller snakes and, depending on their comfort level, may have them sit on the ground. I'm always close and ready to intervene to save either snake or child.

An example of giving the kid the correct end of a snake - these tails are mostly harmless:


Make it fun, make it positive:

[JMinILM]

If you don't want her holding the snake, let her think she is holding it. You can support most of the body weight, and allow her to hold a section. Kind of like when they have a team of people holding a burm during a reptile show. Obviously never leave her alone with one. I have horror stories for you. None about the snake harming the child, either.

Exactly what I would say.

My kids have grown up around snakes and I would trust my 6 or 8 year old with them much more than the average adult. I'm still usually in the room, but they hold them as I clean tubs all the time. Our 4 year old daughter holds them, but with me or an older brother in arms reach. Our 2 year old son pets them and holds a part of them like described above. They love it and at that age can be taught the right way to handle them.

[JMinILM]

Introducing kids to reptiles should always come with a healthy dose of good hygiene practices - my nieces and nephews wash their hands aplenty when they visit.

Yep, a huge dispenser of hand sanitizer is a must!