Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My husband and I own 3 beautiful snakes: a corn snake, a pueblan milk snake, and a very social Cali King. I was recently reading online about salmonella and it's effects on human infants. The article basically stated that no reptiles should be allowed in the house with children under the age of 1year. My husband and I want children, but we love our pets and will not give them up. Does anyone have any experience with this? Do any of you have young children and reptiles?

you only have to worry if it is wild have a baby

good luck with the baby

i went through the same thing 5 yrs ago,and i can tell you from experiance-just practice good husbandry practices(always washing hands,not leaving cage decorations laying around where kids can get at them,etc),and you should'nt have anything to worry about.hell,my son just turned 5,and he can look at dang near any snake or turtle and tell you what it is.i(i about had a heart attack the 1st time he said matamata,i never told him what kind of turtle i had!)
-----
1.1 cb spotted turtles (parker(f),stinky(m))
0.0.1 cb baby red cheek mud (pickles)
0.0.1 cb baby chiapas musk (chomper)
0.0.1 cb ally snapper (gamera)
1.0 cb homo sapien(kaelan,5)

"my name is inigo montoya...you killed my father.prepare to die."

"...i can tell you from experiance-just practice good husbandry practices(always washing hands,not leaving cage decorations laying around where kids can get at them,etc),"

Bingo!!!

'nuff said.

Have a good one!
HH
-----
Due to political correctness run amuck,
this ol' hillbilly is now referred to as an:
Appalachian American

www.natures-signature.com

Like others have said, practice good husbandry, if you wash any snake stuff in a sink that is used for food or in a tub be sure to disinfect the area.

I am led to understand that one of the reasons there is a 4-inch law for selling many turtles was because of salmonella infecting children. Adult turtles aren't any less likely to carry salmonella but apparently kids are less likely to suck on the adult turtles...

Just use common sense

peanut butter, celery, broccoli, tomatoes and whatever food will be causing it next week.

Most cases of salmonella are caused by processed foods, so your biggest worry should be the grocery aisle. Check the news to find out which items are being recalled and you'll lessen your chances of getting salmonella drastically.

People are always talking about the dangers of owning snakes, but Peter Pan peanut butter is putting people in the hospital.
-----

The Reticulated Rattler

1.0.0 Great Plains Ratsnake
1.0.0 Corn, Lavender Aztec het for Amel
0.1.0 Black Ratsnake
0.0.1 Texas Rat (tame)
1.0.0 Broad Banded Water Snake, Hypo
1.0.0 Black Bassador Retriever
2.1.0 Godchildren, 1 Evil, 2 possible hets

Aunt Jane's homemade mayo, too.

Below in a link to the frequently asked questions about Salmonella page at the Center for Disease Control. The parts about catching Salmonella are particularly relevant.

Paul Hollander
CDC Salmonella FAQ

just remember-don't lick your fingers after handling raw chicken,a turtle,or you kingsnake.
-----
1.1 cb spotted turtles (parker(f),stinky(m))
0.0.1 cb baby red cheek mud (pickles)
0.0.1 cb baby chiapas musk (chomper)
0.0.1 cb ally snapper (gamera)
1.0 cb homo sapien(kaelan,5)

"my name is inigo montoya...you killed my father.prepare to die."

Points to keep in mind (re-iterating what others have said):

1. Reptiles can carry salmonella, so can many foods, dogs, cats, etc. Washing of hands is critical to prevent YOU from physically carrying the salmonella bacteria to the baby, no matter what the source.

2. Babies have an immature immune system and so are often more susceptible to infection. Obviously is is best to not have a baby anywhere near a reptile cage, handling equipment, water bowls and the reptiles themselves. Keep the baby away from the pets (this is easy until the baby is a toddler and starts walking, but by then their immune systems are more developed.) The CDC says to age 5. That is very hard to do in a household with a mobile and inquisitive child. A locked room is a good solution. Limited contact with hand washing afterwards.

You do the above, and you will have no problems. I happen to know of one case where a toddler got salmonella from (they think but cannot prove) playing in a room where about 50-plus snakes were in racks. The child was playing on the floor in there and did so routinely. In any case, the child was treated and is just fine. Those people now lock the reptile room door. Easy solution, no more problems, much more reponsible on their part.
-----
Mark

From what I have heard snakes are much less likely to carry it than other reptiles like iguanas. The risk is pretty low in any case. Just practice good husbandry like everyone else said.
-----
My Pictures

I have five snakes, including a kingsnake, and I handled them all thro my pregnancy.(The ones under 4 feet) My daughter was born perfectly healthy, she is now 6 months old and thriving. I took obvious precautions like washing my hands after handling them of course, and keeping them away from my face and tables and such places where I ate. But I found they helped keep me stress free and relaxed.