Question about hook training

[WildReptiles]

Hi guys,
I'm new to the forums but have been somewhat lurking for a while. My names Jone (Johnny) and just wanted to greet everyone on this cool forum. Anyway, I have a question for you pros. How many of you guys hook train your snakes (balls, boas, etc.)? I'm a fairly new snake owner and I feel as though every one of my snakes should be hook trained. A lot of times when I open my tubs, I get the sense that they think it's feeding time. Their body language confirms this as well lol. I have ball pythons, western and mexican hognoses, and boas. I'm trying to make the effort to train every single one of them. I don't want my snakes to feel threatened by my presence and/or think that I'm food. I think that by hook training your snake, 1) it lets them know of your presence and 2) it snaps them out of "feeding" mode. So again, does anybody hook train their snakes and also how do you go about doing it? Have you had success and would you recommend it? I personally think it should be a must due to the fact that snakes are wild animals no matter how cute and cuddly they look. Any insight is appreciated and thanks in advance!
-Johnny

[wolfy-hound]

I use a snake hook a LOT with my ball pythons. Not because I don't want to be bitten(although I've had a couple balls that I needed to handle on the hook, bitey!!!!), but because a lot of the time my back is acting up and I can hook them out of lower bins without having to bend over. So it's laziness, convienance, not danger. OF course when you're cleaning 30+ bins, cutting one half of the bend-overs out makes a large difference, especially since I work a physical job 5 days a week.

I dunno what 'training' I'm doing. I just use the hook to gently move snakes(and to open lower bins, move items on the floor, threaten my dogs, and scratch my back)out of the bins, into the container or other bin. Can't say I've ever thought the snakes needed any real training regarding it.

[Vypyrz]

About the only hooking I do to the BP is too occassionally tap him on the head to snap him out of feed mode on non-feed days. The boas are getting hook trained since I will have to use it remove them when they are moved into their permanent enclosures. Instead of just hooking and dragging, I use the hook to persuade or coerce them in the direction I want them to go...

[WildReptiles]

I see guys, thanks for the comments. It's really weird, I guess I just get freaked out when the snakes follow my hand even if it's the ball pythons. It's easier to use the hook to kind of nudge the ball pythons away from the corner. That way, I can get a better hold on them from underneath their bodies. As far as my hogg island boas (mean nippers) I definitely have to scoop them out with the hook. If not, they will lunge straight at my hand. I also use the hook to control where the head of the snake goes.

[SNIKTTIME]

About the only hooking I do to the BP is too occassionally tap him on the head to snap him out of feed mode on non-feed days. The boas are getting hook trained since I will have to use it remove them when they are moved into their permanent enclosures. Instead of just hooking and dragging, I use the hook to persuade or coerce them in the direction I want them to go...

Same here, just a tap to let them know it's not feeding time and usually they go the opposite direction at this time or just put their head back down. I do it mostly for my Dumerils though, feeding response is so strong I rather not be on the other end of it. If I'm not paying attention he will rip the tongs right out of my hand and wrap them with the rat, then I have to wait to get them back. I wish all BP had that kind of feeding response.

[mrmertz]

I've never used a hook on any of our snakes.

The only time I'll consider it is with the western diamondbacks we catch out here - and then most of the time it's the tongs. Sorry I can't be of more help.

[BuckeyeBalls]

Same here, just a tap to let them know it's not feeding time and usually they go the opposite direction at this time or just put their head back down.

Yea when we reach in to get out baby boa he like follows my hand like its food. So i just tap him on the head and he gets the idea

I've never used a hook on any of our snakes.

The only time I'll consider it is with the western diamondbacks we catch out here - and then most of the time it's the tongs. Sorry I can't be of more help.

A true pro

[WildReptiles]

Thanks guys,
I appreciate the comments. Keep em' coming!

[blackcrystal22]

I hook train animals that are cage aggressive or will potentially get above 5ft.

[MarkS]

I have a short hook that I use for opening the tubs of my most aggressive feeders. I've been nailed a few times by anxiously hungry snakes that will pop out of the tub and bite my wrist when opening their tubs with my hand. Yeah, getting bit isn't that big of a deal but it gets tiresome after a while.