Reptile & Amphibian Forums

What are some of the ways you guys move small hots from one cage to another for cleaning, etc. A 12 inch snake seems too small for tongs.

I would like some good tips on reducing stress to myself and the animal when I need to service cages.

Depending on the size of the animal, mighty midget tongs or sometimes rubber coated forceps (used VERY carefully) or small snake hooks work.

What kind of animal is it that you're moving? Some techniques work better for some species than others.

The animal is a small moccasin. He gets a littly jumpy when you move him around.

Animal Capture Equipment (ACE) has some very small polycarbonate hooks that work great with small snakes. I've used them on many small snakes and neonates.

Small hooks. And while you're at it, larger hooks for larger snakes. Tongs have a lot of uses, but moving snakes is not one of them in my opinion.
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What goes up must come down...unless it exceeds escape velocity.

I use long rubber coated forceps for moving small crotalines. You didn't mention what type of snake as that will make a big difference. Midwest's arboreal hook (can't think of the actual name at the moment) also works pretty well for small hots depending on the species.

Helpful Hint: Always keep some sort of "drop container" nearby so if your little snake breaks free it drops into a container. Little wirey hots can pose a real problem if you keep them in cramped rooms with lots of places to hide so always think prevention.

Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center

>>What are some of the ways you guys move small hots from one cage to another for cleaning, etc. A 12 inch snake seems too small for tongs.
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>>I would like some good tips on reducing stress to myself and the animal when I need to service cages.
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Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL

Another vote for Ace capture. One thing with the metal hooks is the "chill" factor . You want to make the snake move at blinding speed? Place a good old metal hook under it! I have a few small Crots that respond well by placing the hook under it and wiggle it slightly side to side.When the snake seem's ok with it lift her quickly to the holding container. Also try two hooks.I personally don't like to use tongs ,unless it's the last resort.

As the guys mentioned above. Tongs are something that shouldnt be needed often inside the snake room. You should have some there for a runner or one that wont deal with the hook. But most of your work should easily be accomplished with a few good hooks. I have roughly 6 hooks in my hot room in all different shapes and sizes. You can never have enough good hooks
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Dan S.
Crotalus & Company
Venom-Center Your Complete Venomous Community
Wisconsin Reptile Community

i recommend the Animal Capture Equipment as well...their small hooks are very nice for moving smaller animals and they are very gentle due to their weight. I have never had a problem with them and have used them to move my small western cottonmouth...

I would also recommend the Animal Capture Equipment polycarb hooks. You really notice less reaction than with metal ones due to the fact that the polycarbonate stays closer to ambient room tempertaure.

You might also try fashioning a small shift box (hopefully you know what that is). Less trauma for the snake, and safer for both of you.

I would also caution against tongs. I have some that I use in EXTREME snake-removal calls AS A LAST RESORT...or in the hands of a spotter...but they are never the first choice. It's just too easy to injure the animal.

Skill with a hook would be a mandatory skill for a keeper of hots...in my opinion.