Thanks very much Rob. Your reply definitely got me thinking of at least a couple of things I need to tend to.



First off - I need to be better prepared for the 'just in cases'. Currently, I have a bottle of mouth wash in the room - works remarkably great for getting an excited snake to release a bite. But to that point, I'm going to get some bandages, etc. - just to have handy, again - just in case. I do have a couple of mirrors placed strategically in the room to help me visually in case of an attempted constriction (to help find the 'ends'...). Though I think that sometime in the near future I'm going to start being sure to have a second person on hand when handling him. He's only about 9 feet now, but he's still growing at a good pace - so, soon enough I'll want that second person around at all times.



I have him in a Vision cage now (6'x3'); which I always keep locked. Personally, I love the cage - easy to clean, and, for now at least, very roomy for him. I don't however keep the room locked - I may reconsider that now. And while the room itself is escape proof as far as I can tell, I am guilty of clutter. And I pay for that whenever he knocks something over. It's my fault, I know - time to tidy up.



I don't use hooks/shields to get him out of his cage. I haven't had any problem in that regard. It seems that he knows quite well the difference between me and dinner time (I have strict "habits" I follow to help ensure this). Generally, I let him come out of his cage, most of the way at least, before I take him. Now I will seriously consider the use of a hook as he gets bigger. I'd like your comments on proper handling of large constrictors. Generally, I feel I do know how to handle snakes, being careful with large snakes to NOT drape them around my neck to carry them. Is there more to it than that?



I've always fed inside the cage. It never occurred to me to be better in any way to feed outside the cage. I've heard the arguments - but they just don't hold water as far as I'm concerned.



I haven't had a need to give any medications to my pets. But I am curious - what would be the proper way to 'pack' a snake for transport to the vet, or anywhere for that matter?



I have to say that I believe we are going to differ on the subject of taking a snake out in public. I'll admit, I do understand the arguments on both sides, but I have to have an opinion, and I don't think it's in line with yours (I'm not adverse to taking snakes out in public). This could be a debate in and of itself - let me say only that I am not a "hey check out what I got", stick it in your face kind of person with my snakes.



Thanks for getting me to think about trouble-shooting. I like being prepared for such things - gives me a degree of comfort without the complacency.



I hope to hear more,

Thanks again,

- Mark



Here's a more recent shot...

[ Hide Replies ]

• TO: Rob Carmichael... - Antegy, Thu Aug 21 08:13:56 2003
• RE: TO: Rob Carmichael... - Carmichael, Thu Aug 21 09:07:53 2003
• Now that's got me thinking... - Antegy, Thu Aug 21 11:06:00 2003
• RE: Now that's got me thinking... - Carmichael, Thu Aug 21 16:21:37 2003
• Forgot to mention one thing - Carmichael, Thu Aug 21 09:09:31 2003