Question about kids with herps

[frankykeno]

Just like with anything though it all depends on the circumstances. Certain kids work well with certain snakes at certain times. Mikey knows that he must be calm to hold Buddy. The older kids know that they can't use their snakes (Emi and Severus) as fashion accessories or that sort of silliness. As long as the kids remember to respect their snakes and ours for the lovely creatures they are, then everyone's happy around here.

[Flirtycuddle]

She only held the burmese once and it was when the burmese was in a good mood and only like 2 and a half feet. Now when the snake gets bigger she wont be holding it. I of course am right next to sittng with her helping her out no matter what animal. Our water monitor is a little grumpy most of the time when out of his cage so she knows she can look and pet but not hold. The bearded dragon is gentle and she can handle him if I am helping her with her hands.

I agree its a matter of each child and how they act and respect the animal. My son is still to rough so he doenst get to hold them yet.

[Ladydragon]

I have let my 2 year old hold both of my corn snakes and he already knows to wash hands before and after each holding session. He also has partially held a sub-adult bp so he is comfortable with the idea. He initiates a holding session at least once a week and will say, Hold snake Matthew. and point to which snake he wants to hold. I see nothing wrong in letting children experience any animal as long as its under supervision and the child and animal are both suited for each other. here's to a future generation of children who will respect and protect animals.

[LadyOhh]

Supervision and education is key..

Age is but a number. Education is forever

[frankykeno]

I think it needs mentioned when speaking about kids and herps that as the responsible adult and parent you make good decisions and plan for things.

Mike and I are bringing in a larger snake soon. She's a beautiful boa we are adopting from another BPNet member and she is over our normal 6 or 7 foot limit. We set that limit originally due to the age of our youngest child. Mike and I have thought for months about this snake, spoke extensively with her current owner about her temperment and are currently constructing a special enclosure for her. It features room for her and a level of security we feel is appropriate when housing a large snake around a small child. We've discussed safe handling procedures and what is appropriate with a snake of her size.

I think if you have small children in a home with larger snakes, it's incumbent on you as a parent and as a member of a greater herp community to make special provisions so that accidents and escapes do not happen. Even though this female boa would not be considered in the giant category, 8 or 9 feet of strong boa is not something to be casual about.

[ADEE]

I have two children, a 3yro and an almost 2yro. Elliott was petting snakes, lizards, exc at least by the time he was two (catching bugs, exc long before that). Ethan is a bit rough so we assist him when petting, there was no option for under three so i voted 3-5.

[MelissaFlipski]

I thought this would be a good place to post this since I haven't gotten around to doing a thread for it yet - here is a picture of me holding Mr. Snake at a snake education presentation we did at the Shepherdstown Library in WV on October 17th. Felix, my 3 year old, looks on as an atendee to the afterschool children's program meets and pets Mr. Snake. It was our part of introducing children, 3 - 10 yrs old, to a snake in a friendly and controlled environment - helping snakes get a better reputation in the world!



I think Mr. Snake was thinking, "Got any books about mice?"

[Flirtycuddle]

I agree that having a giant around smaller children does call for special practices. Right now our burmese is still a baby so we have her in a tank where neither child can reach her if they tried. As she gets too big for the tanks she will go into a special enclouser with locks that only me and her dad can reach and open.

[Nate]

I thought this would be a good place to post this since I haven't gotten around to doing a thread for it yet - here is a picture of me holding Mr. Snake at a snake education presentation we did at the Shepherdstown Library in WV on October 17th. Felix, my 3 year old, looks on as an atendee to the afterschool children's program meets and pets Mr. Snake. It was our part of introducing children, 3 - 10 yrs old, to a snake in a friendly and controlled environment - helping snakes get a better reputation in the world!

http://www.ball-pythons.net/gallery/...rdstownlib.jpg

I think Mr. Snake was thinking, "Got any books about mice?"

What an awesome thing to do!!

[catawhat75]

Couldn't vote b/c there was no option for under 3.