Snake Show And Tell

[ckuhn003]

I was approached by my 4 year old son’s teacher about bringing my snakes into school since they are learning about animals this week. Anyone see any red flags or have some suggestions? I was planning on taking my two year old Ball Python and leaving the young Boa behind. I was just going to place him in a pillow case and take him out for the kids to see. It’s a short drive so I don’t foresee any issues.


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[EL-Ziggy]

It sounds like fun. Just make sure you take animals you can totally trust around kids. You might plant a love of reptiles in the next generation. Each one teach one.

[ckuhn003]

It sounds like fun. Just make sure you take animals you can totally trust around kids. You might plant a love of reptiles in the next generation. Each one teach one.

Thanks Ziggy! My BP has never struck or shown any aggression (fingers crossed it stays that way). He's been around 1-2 kids at a time but never a full classroom. I'll play it by ear and put him away if I sense he's getting a little stressed.

[Bogertophis]

I recommend putting all traveling bagged snakes into an "ice chest" (without ice) aka styro-foam box/"cooler", both to mitigate extreme temperatures in the
car (car seats get very hot from the sun, for example...and snakes get cold when subjected to our A/C that we may need) plus, think of it as a "car seat" for
a snake, if you have to stop fast? (I put a towel under them inside too.)

I've done many meet & greets with all ages: young children can be very "grabby" and either pull on a snake or squeeze them without warning...so keeping
them calm about meeting a snake, and explaining they must be gentle before you go forward is essential. They can hurt a snake without meaning to. Also,
for children that young, don't let them hold a snake by themselves: once in a while, they may drop the snake suddenly without warning! All ages actually
need to be watched closely, the way a "spotter" for a gymnast in training does. I've never had anyone drop one of my snakes (& yes, I've let some hold
them by themselves only with me right there) but my snake-owning friend did- a kid dropped her ball python. Snake was ok, but this shouldn't have happened.

All in all though, I enjoy "meet & greets"...they're both fun & exhausting (for you AND the snake, lol). And teaching children while they're young & open-minded
really pays off.

Many years ago, I was invited to do a snake program for a "summer camp" of young kids with a variety of my snakes. The man in charge told me that while he
thought it was good that the kids learn about snakes, in all honesty he really didn't like snakes & he warned me that his own son was in the group & that I shouldn't
be surprised if his son was the first one to leave the room (in fear). Hilariously, his son WAS the first one out of his seat alright, but it was because he wanted
to get closer & to touch the snake I was holding. Sorry, dad...

In an abundance of caution, you might also want to take hand-sanitizer &/or remind the children not to handle food until they've washed their hands after
touching your snake. (some places are more paranoid about this than others, ask the teacher... where I live now is an outdoorsy & farming area, & no one
brings up hand-washing)

[ErostheSnake]

My husband and I were just discussing show and tell. Our Opie would be a perfect candidate. He reminds me of a person on Valium. Lol! He just chills and moves slowly while exploring. He lets you pet his head and rests his head on your fingers or knees. Just an absolute sweetheart. I knew the first time I picked him up that he was amazing.


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[ckuhn003]

I recommend putting all traveling bagged snakes into an "ice chest" (without ice) aka styro-foam box/"cooler", both to mitigate extreme temperatures in the
car (car seats get very hot from the sun, for example...and snakes get cold when subjected to our A/C that we may need) plus, think of it as a "car seat" for
a snake, if you have to stop fast? (I put a towel under them inside too.)

I've done many meet & greets with all ages: young children can be very "grabby" and either pull on a snake or squeeze them without warning...so keeping
them calm about meeting a snake, and explaining they must be gentle before you go forward is essential. They can hurt a snake without meaning to. Also,
for children that young, don't let them hold a snake by themselves: once in a while, they may drop the snake suddenly without warning! All ages actually
need to be watched closely, the way a "spotter" for a gymnast in training does. I've never had anyone drop one of my snakes (& yes, I've let some hold
them by themselves only with me right there) but my snake-owning friend did- a kid dropped her ball python. Snake was ok, but this shouldn't have happened.

All in all though, I enjoy "meet & greets"...they're both fun & exhausting (for you AND the snake, lol). And teaching children while they're young & open-minded
really pays off.

Many years ago, I was invited to do a snake program for a "summer camp" of young kids with a variety of my snakes. The man in charge told me that while he
thought it was good that the kids learn about snakes, in all honesty he really didn't like snakes & he warned me that his own son was in the group & that I shouldn't
be surprised if his son was the first one to leave the room (in fear). Hilariously, his son WAS the first one out of his seat alright, but it was because he wanted
to get closer & to touch the snake I was holding. Sorry, dad...

In an abundance of caution, you might also want to take hand-sanitizer &/or remind the children not to handle food until they've washed their hands after
touching your snake. (some places are more paranoid about this than others, ask the teacher... where I live now is an outdoorsy & farming area, & no one
brings up hand-washing)

Great points Bogertophis. It's a less then 5 minute drive so not too worried about the temps but I think I'll use a chest regardless. At least to provide some extra protection. The kids had a reptile professional come in last year where they held a large Boa so this will be a little underwhelming when I take out my little 3 foot BP It's great to be able to influence young minds by hands on experiences rather then formulating opinions based on what others (society) deem to be right and wrong.

[Bogertophis]

FYI, every summer I do a 4-5 hour "meet & greet" at our fairgrounds* with my friend & some of her snakes too: it's about a 5 minute drive from my house
also...I'd never DREAM of NOT transporting my snakes in ice chests...because...what IF you got a flat tire? or some other unforeseen delay? Also, IF your
snake happened to react badly (very unlikely, but if), they'd chill out far better in the ice chest. Most snakes don't love being bagged, just saying. Maybe
because it's out of the ordinary for them? *It's a "Wildlife Expo", with tons of exhibits & activities, really huge, and they counted about 3000 in attendance,
but even if it was smaller, I'd take all the same precautions. Never had any problems with my snakes, but I just want to keep it that way.

[C.Marie]

This sounds like so much fun , I am sure your son will be the envy of the class once everyone see your magnificent royal. Good luck on the show and tell (not that you need it)

[ckuhn003]

Most snakes don't love being bagged, just saying. Maybe
because it's out of the ordinary for them?

I've never had to bag any of my snakes so I'm wondering if it's better to place them in a plastic bin (i.e. QT container).

Also, if I place the bag or bib in a yeti like cooler, won't there be an issue with air flow?

[Aerries]

I was actually asked by a friend that runs a Girl Scout troop if she would be able to have her troop come in and take a look at our zoo( 36 animals) and have me teach them about the care and some facts about the animals. I’m contemplating it but my hubby isn’t for it lol


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