Whats the best way toi "carry" a ball python around?

[tommalia]

Occassionally it would be nice to take our pet python along with us on outings. You know, just like walks or trips to the coofee shop.
We wouldn't want to make this a regular thing since I assume its a little stressful for the snake, but to that point, what would be the least stressful way to transport a python on outings like this? Are they most confortable in a small container or in a cloth sack or what? What about temperature control?

I know some people who carry theirs around in a purse. This doesn't seem too bad since they are often soft inside but padded and with a tougher outer cover so provides some protection from bumping and jabbing accidently and also some temperature control.

We are not supper experienced owners. We've had one for a year and a half now and he seems to be doing very well, but so far we've not been taking him on such "outings".

I'm thinking it might be a nice way to further enjoy our pet and also entertain curious friends and aquantences.

What are people's thoughts on this topic?

[jmcrook]

I would advise against this. The general public is at best not very open minded about reptile ownership or at worst is absolutely terrified of snakes. The animal gains no benefit from such excursions and in fact only adds stress to their life. Please refrain from this proposed activity. Curious friends and acquaintances can be invited to your home to interact with the animal.


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[jmcrook]

I would advise against this. The general public is at best not very open minded about reptile ownership or at worst is absolutely terrified of snakes. The animal gains no benefit from such excursions and in fact only adds stress to their life. Please refrain from this proposed activity. Curious friends and acquaintances can be invited to your home to interact with the animal.


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Sorry, not sure how I posted this twice

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[Craiga 01453]

The short answer is: you don't. Snakes aren't social animals and there is no need to intentionally stress the animal. There's literally ZERO benefit to bringing your snake out for excursions. We are in a decided minority as snake lovers and you wouldn't be helping our hobby by bringing an animal that scares many people out on adventures.
Doing this would be SOLELY for your benefit with only negative effects on the snake.

Please understand that your pet is NOT a social pet. And for that reason, please leave your snake at home.

[bcr229]

For transport all snakes should be double-contained for their safety. Put the snake in a bag, tie it shut, then put the bag in a bin with a lid that can be securely latched down with locking handles - Sterilite and Hefty both make these kinds of tubs.

It's all too easy to lose loose snakes in a car, and if they get under the seat or behind the dash it's a chore to get them out without injury.

My snakes don't go on "outings" but they do go to the vet or to educational shows/schools periodically.

[MarkL1561]

Some pet stores have a pet day where you can bring them in. Although it will only stress the animal out. I know it’s fun to show off your awesome pets but typically pictures are your best bet. I’d invite people over to see your pets. If you have a more social species like an iguana or monitor they would do better with “going out”.


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[tommalia]

I would advise against this. The general public is at best not very open minded about reptile ownership or at worst is absolutely terrified of snakes. The animal gains no benefit from such excursions and in fact only adds stress to their life. Please refrain from this proposed activity. Curious friends and acquaintances can be invited to your home to interact with the animal.


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Thanks for the feedback. I respect all your suggestions and since the first concern is the health of the pet, I see your points and will not proceed with such activities.

I really appreciate the specific advice to "double pack" with a sack and a container when transport is actually necessary. In the past I as just using a rigid container and not sacking it as well. This never seemed just right and I hadn't thought of sacking him... not sure how I missed the obvious.

Again, thanks all. your arguments are sound and I will follow the advice.

regarding the "pet days", I've seen thought. Similarly I see a lot of people bring pets to reptile conventions…. This always seemed like a risk for mites.

Thanks again.
Tom

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Occassionally it would be nice to take our pet python along with us on outings. You know, just like walks or trips to the coofee shop.

I would urge you to reconsider, first there is absolutely NO benefit to your snake, I am sure you do not want to be one of those owner saying "my snake is stress and strike and won't eat", as a responsible owner you also want to avoid place like petstore and snake show where you can subject your animal to mites and possibly airborne diseases.

Second for over a decade we as snake owners have been under attacks from animal extremist trying to change laws that would allow us to own those animals, the general public does not perceive those like they do dog or cat and imposing their presence is not gonna help even if you think it will and you will educate people because this is not are educating people works.

So keep your snake home or take him out in your yard.

[FollowTheSun]

I recently took two of my snakes to a small private school for a short educational segment on snakes. Both snakes have two-piece hides (top and bottom) so I simply put those hides in locking plastic containers with holes drilled in them. That way they felt secure and safe. Since my teenager was my assistant she was able to supervise the snakes on the way to the school. They each were shown for a few minutes while talking about various aspects of snakes, and then returned to their hides, containers, and back home. And then I left them alone the whole next day to recover.

I think it would be fun to take the snakes places-- I used to do that with my parrots sometimes, and I've seen people walk around with bearded dragons on their shoulders, etc. But I have to agree with above, that most snakes would not enjoy outings at all and it might expose them to various things like temp fluctuations, humidity, etc that would stress them out, in addition to being out of a familiar environment.

I also know people who are literally terrified of snakes-- a true phobia-- and I'd hate for them to be sent into a crisis because I brought my friendly python to the coffee shop.

Sorry to be a downer. Maybe get a bearded dragon or something for outings? The ones I've seen have little harnesses and some even have costumes! They are super cute, and the kids love them!

[Bogertophis]

Some pet stores have a pet day where you can bring them in. Although it will only stress the animal out. I know it’s fun to show off your awesome pets but typically pictures are your best bet. I’d invite people over to see your pets. If you have a more social species like an iguana or monitor they would do better with “going out”.


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It's also quite possible on such occasions to share much MORE than your pets! I'm talking about diseases and MITES, either from the pet store or from pets that others
bring in. Please think twice before doing this. Remember too that snakes are wild & predatory animals that can suddenly without warning attack another's pet near you!

If you want to share your snakes with others who are expecting to see them w/ no chance of surprising & scaring people seeing snakes where they aren't supposed to be,
you want to be the ONLY one there with snakes doing a "show & tell", or with someone that you know well who joins you with their snakes. For example, our local feed-
store puts on a "wildlife expo" every summer at the fairgrounds (fishing & hunting is big around here), & I take a few snakes by invitation for a "meet & greet" that most
seem to love. Those that don't love snakes just keep their distance from my area. I am usually joined there by a friend with a few of her own snakes, & we are mobbed
with all ages wanting to see or touch a snake up close & ask questions, and it's a lot of fun, though tiring for me as well as my well-behaved snakes.

It is NEVER considered a good idea to just surprise people where exotic pets are not expected...there are some so phobic that they could have a heart attack or faint and
be injured...and you could probably be sued for damages. It's important BEFORE doing any such outreach (even with a sponsored location...libraries & schools also enjoy
meeting snakes, but with planning!) that you, the snake-owner, has enough experience with snakes & knows your snakes behavior very well, otherwise something CAN
go wrong, & instead of making friends for snakes, you'll make them more enemies that they surely don't need.