I think Beth gave you some good background info. I'll try to make a few points and try to put some things in a perspective that might help you understand.



First of all, what is the major difference between a corn snake and a Burmese python? Size.



Strength is related to size, and therefore commands more respect and more stringent procedures due to capabilities & possibilities.



Granny drives her Ford Pinto 45 mph with both hands on the steering wheel, at all times. She is a safe, albeit sometimes slow, driver. Put granny in a suped up Ford Mustang with over 500 horsepower at her fingertips/toetips.



Some will argue that her new car is dangerous, but granny will tell you that it's not. It's what she does with that horsepower that determines if it's dangerous or not. She respects it and is still a safe driver. The car is not dangerous on it's own. Neither are guns, prescription medicines, alcohol, snakes, etc... It's all about what we do with these things.



Because of a large snake's capabilities (especially Boidae) safety precautions become more important. Most accidents come from getting relaxed doing routine things. This is true with big snakes & venomous snakes, alike. Most cases involve an experienced keeper that just flat out let their guard down. Very rarely do we hear of an inexperienced keeper having a close call. It's most always, "He's been keeping snakes for 20-plus years. I'm surprised this happened to him."



Persoanlly, I feel that a person just beginning to keep a large constrictor should get a hatchling so they can grow & learn as the snake grows & learns.



Hook train it, feed it with tongs and not your hands, and handle a large constrictor on a regular basis, other than just to feed it & clean it's cage, and you should be fine. I suggest not handling anything over 8ft in length by yourself. In other words, always be prepared. Have a plan, a course of action, ready in case the unexpected were to ever happen. Doing dry runs, walkthroughs, is very important. I keep a small bottle of Listerene (original formula) right beside me when I handle my big snakes. As nasty as that stuff is it's bound to make a snake release its bite, without harming the snake, if poured into its mouth.



If a person "fears" their snake, it's not good for the snake or the keeper. Don't fear it, but respect it. Respect it at all times. There's a fine line between "fear" & "respect."



Have a great day!

HH
-----
Due to political correctness run amuck,

this ol' hillbilly is now referred to as an:

Appalachian American





www.natures-signature.com

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