Hook training Giants-

[CeraDigital]

I made a quick run through article on how to hook train giants. It's still in the works but it's getting there. Here's the version I have done right now. I had it in PDF format but oo many people complained on other forums because they had to download it so I'll post it. Thanks to Adam Richardson for the help with the pics! If anyone has any recommendations or things they'd like to see added feel free to PM me, Thanks! Enjoy-

-Hook Training Giants-

-Introduction-

Safety is a number one concern in the hobby today. Numbers of bans are being placed, restricting ownership and possession of giants; due to the fear from the general public on snakes. These bans due to fear are re-enforced due to uncommon attacks on the keeper due to mis-practices in
safety. So far there are only a handful of fatal attacks; all caused by the Burmese Python (Python molurus bivittatus). This guide gives a quick run through on hook training giants for maintaining safety while keeping these magnificent marvels of the reptile hobby.

-Giants-

Snakes that 'may' pose a threat of injuring the keeper due to malpractices in husbandry and safety are, but not limited to-

Indian Rock Python Subspecies-
Indian Python (Python molurus molurus)
Burmese Python (Python molurus bivitattus)
Ceylonese Python (Python molurus pimbura)

African Rock Python Subspecies-
African Rock Python (Python sebae sebae)
Lesser (Dwarf) African Rock Python (Python natalensis)

Reticulated Python Subspecies-
Reticulated Python (Python reticulatus reticulatus)
Jampea (Dwarf) Reticulated Python (Python reticulatus jampeanus)

Amethystine Python Subspecies-
Amethystine Python (Morelia amethistina)
Moluccan Python (Morelia clastolepis)

Anaconda Subspecies-
Green Anaconda (Eunectes murinus murinus)
Yellow Anaconda (Eunectes murinus notaeus)
De Schauensee's Anaconda (Eunectes murinus deschauenseei)

Boa Constrictor Subspecies-
Common (Colombian) Boa Constrictor (Boa Constrictor imperator)
South American Boa Constrictor (Boa constrictor constrictor)

-Handling-

To start off, what you will need is a snake hook. You may supplement the snake hook with another type of instrument. You may use something like a set of snake tongs, or other long utensil that will keep you clear of the snakes strike range. To start out with handling, when you go to pull the snake
out of its enclosure, simply bump or rub the snake on its head and immediate area of the neck with the snake hook (This also serves as a purpose to test what kind of mood the snake is in as well). After you do this, simply pull the snake out by picking it up from underneath it's body instead of grabbing it from the top of its body. Do this every time you are intending to remove the snake from it's enclosure. Be smart and play it safe; if the snake is in a grumpy mood, simply leave it be.


Above: An Indian Python (Python molurus molurus) being rubbed with a snake hook.

-Feeding-

Now onto feeding. Never feed a giant outside its cage! This is an old, outdated, and very unsafe method to feed these animals. When giants, or any boid detect the presence of prey they go into feeding mode or hunting mode. During this time it doesn't matter how 'tame' the snake may be, any warm object that moves may be considered food and is likely to be grabbed. When you feed outside the cage, you wind up having to move a snake back to it's cage afterwards while it's still in feeding mode which can be dangerous and may cause you, or the snake to be injured. Giants can stay in feeding mode for upwards of an hour or more. It's just not worth the trouble and risk of injury to both you and the snake. Instead feed the snake inside the cage. When you feed the snake simply set the prey item in the cage without bumping, rubbing or nudging the snake with the snake hook/utensil. After the food is set in the cage simply close the cage and leave be. This is all that needs to be done when feeding the animal. If you are concerned about the animal ingesting substrate , you can simply take the snake out the daybefore feeding using the method stated above in handling; and while the snake is removed from its enclosure, lay a large piece or two of newspaper down in the cage where the prey is going to be placed. This may prevent the animal from ingesting any loose substrate. After a while the snake begins to 'learn' or get into a habit that if it gets bumped with the snake hook it knows it's going to be handled, canceling out the feeding response and possibly preventing you from being bitten or attacked. This lessens the chance of either keeper or kept from being injured.

This method is much safer and more practical than other feeding and handling methods used in the past. This method has become one of the preferred husbandry practices of giants for both amateur and serious keepers alike.

Article ©Andrew J. Hager

Photography ©Adam C. Richardson http://www.retic.org/
-All photography used with permission.-