Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I posted earlier about my fairly hostile surinam striking at me. A few of the posters here suggested that I invest in a set of tongs and/or a hook. I am currently looking into my options, but was hoping someone here could give me some advice. First off, would you reccomend tongs or a hook. Second, what model would suggest for an adult female surinam (8-10 ft).

I will just be using it to get her out of her cage, if that matters. Thanks guys!

I actually made my own. I went to a local thrift store and picked up a couple of golf clubs. I cut the heads off the clubs and used the large hooks that are sold for hanging stuff in your garage or basement for the hook part. Most clubs are hollow, so you just insert the threaded end of the hook into the cut end of the club after applying some epoxy or JB Weld to it. Otherwise, I think you can get some decent ones from Midwest Tongs (think that's the name). Big Apple & LLL Reptiles both carry them, I believe.

Thanks raven.
Can anyone recommended tongs vs. hooks, and what which size to use for an adult surinam (10ft). Thanks in advance

I use the large hooks I made for my adult boas and I made a smaller hook to use with juveniles. None of my guys/gals are over 7 feet, at least, not by much. For myself, tongs are more for venemous. I've found that restraining the heads on any of my snakes is a sure fire way to piss them off. I stroke the boa with the hook and then slip it under the front half of their body and bring them closer to the opening of the cage. They seem to recognize that as being time for handling or removal from the cage and I've had no problems. I started using hooks for two reasons - first, I began using large Vision cages (3 feet in depth) and wanted a way to reach the snake without having to lean into the enclosure; second, I have a female dumerils boa with a really aggressive feeding response that tags whatever enters her cage and then determines if it is edible. One too many times of that and I began using hooks. lol

Raven