Vacuuming & Other Loud Sounds

[Kaorte]

I think it would scare the BP, but the vacuum also scares my cat. I don't think its much of a difference. The cat isn't afraid once the vacuum is off. Please do not stop cleaning your house so that your snake doesn't get scared

[frankykeno]

I think it would scare the BP, but the vacuum also scares my cat. I don't think its much of a difference. The cat isn't afraid once the vacuum is off. Please do not stop cleaning your house so that your snake doesn't get scared

Well dang it there goes another handy dandy excuse to not vacuum!

[DutchHerp]

Incorrect.

No...

They pick up vibrations and low sounds through their jaw bones.

[frankykeno]

Matt, sorry but you cannot state that snakes are deaf when studies clearly show they are not. You could state that they hear by way of picking up vibrations or that they do not have external ears but do have internal structures or whatever you want but a flat out statement "snakes are deaf" is incorrect.

[littleindiangirl]

LOL, go figure. We pick up vibrations called "sound waves" through little membranes and bones in our head and those vibrations are turned into electrical impulses that travel to our brain, just like snakes do.

Jo is 100% right about this one. Snakes can hear, although primitively. Go ahead and plug your ears, then talk. Can you hear yourself speak? I imagine this is much like what snakes hear, the bigger the vibration (or deeper the voice), the easier it is to hear it.

We can't judge what exactly they can hear, but the tools are there for them to use, it's wrong to say they are just for decoration and don't serve a purpose. Even if it is for minimal sound detection.

[Vypyrz]

I would think the snake is reacting more to you moving in front of the cage than the vacuum cleaner...



Rob

[DutchHerp]

Matt, sorry but you cannot state that snakes are deaf when studies clearly show they are not. You could state that they hear by way of picking up vibrations or that they do not have external ears but do have internal structures or whatever you want but a flat out statement "snakes are deaf" is incorrect.

Yes, you're right...

I suppose my statement was completely incorrect. Not my intention, though

[frankykeno]

Yes, you're right...

I suppose my statement was completely incorrect. Not my intention, though

No Matt is wasn't completely incorrect and I never said that as you are well aware. My only concern was the part I addressed in my previous posts.

I believe it is incumbent on all of us when we share information that is read by newcomers to strive to share what is correct. Also that the information is either supported by our own personal experience or by very reliable sources, which we would of course quote to encourage the reader to further study the issue themselves.

We are all learning every day. I think that's one of the best parts of owning such interesting creatures.

[Patricia]

Please do not stop cleaning your house so that your snake doesn't get scared

You should've seen the size of the dust bunny that had grown a few feet away from the tank, LOL! Our 15yo held our snakey outside in the yard while I vacuumed. (Taking them just outside the back door and then gradually bringing them further in is how I've done it will all our little critters.)

Patricia, many things can bug any animal. Make your noisy housework a routine for the snake. They might not like it but they tend to not freak about it quite as much.

Thank you! I've been able to get all our other critters familiarized with vacuuming, but a snake is so different, so I wanted to be sure I wasn't overlooking something. (I thought you were a guy named Franky, but now I notice your name is Joanna. What does your screeen name stand for?)

Re. hearing, even before the links posted here I've seen some convincing info about how snakes interpret sound. I hesitate to use the word "hear" as that is more of an audio thing, but hey, those 3 tiniest bones in our inner ear vibrate to create what our brain interprets as sound, so I can understand how it would be very similar/the same in snakes. I also read that snakes not only pick up tangible vibrations, but soundwaves carried in the air too, hence my question.

Thanks, all, for the input.

[guambomb832]

Yea I think using a vacuum might affect a ball python, since whenever I vacuum in my room they try to feed it, they usually miss the first 2 tries, then finally grabs onto it. It usually depends on the snake also. Some could not be affected while others go off-feed.Hope that helps.

oops sorry I meant "I vacuum in my room THEN try to feed it"
Really need to double check