I never thought I'd see the day when I feared a non-venomous snake. I've only had 10' Bigfoot for a year now, but realize the need to 'condition', and keep, him tame for safety and interpretive programs. I make contact w/ him at least every other day, to reinforce who I am (caregiver, affection-giver, boss). Based on experience w/ other spp, it appears that snakes are conditionable. (eg, coming out of hidebox & looking all around each Saturday--feeding day) However, they are also unpredictable at times...



So for Bigfoot, I feed him only pre-killed food and do so only in the bathtub. This way, he also gets a chance to get out. After his meal, I run warm water in the tub to calm him, then wipe him down to clean off the food germs so I feel comfortable picking him up & carrying him on my shoulder (don't want rodent hair in my hair!)



Since there's no one here but me when my 14-year-old isn't here, I always keep the phone handy. Don't know what I'll do when he gets much bigger, as I only weigh 110! A hook sounds like a good idea--will have to get one.



I'd attach a pic, but how to do that?

SnakeRanger

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