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Hi! I've a weird question. With some species I've heard sources say that it's best to remove them from their enclosure with a snake hook. But I've never heard how.
I assume it's basically used as an extension of someone's arm? Any step by step instructions that work well for someone?
What safety guidelines keep the procedure safe and comfortable for the snake?
Anyway, thanks. I've been wondering about this for a little too long...
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It is sometimes necessary for larger more agressive snakes (such as a vietnamese rat snake). However, this is really only needed for those who would possibly bite you when you first put your hand in the cage thinking that it may be food. If you have an angry Biak locale, say, you probably wont be able to handle that even after you took it out of the cage; therefore a snake hook will do you absolutely no good.

But to answer your question, from what i've seen done all that you will do is go in and gently lift their middle to back section of their bodies and remove them from the cage. This will prevent the snakes thinking you are the next meal when your warm hands enter their cage.
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-Chris

The reason mainstream thought is thought of as a stream is because it's so shallow. -George Carlin

A fool doesn't learn. A smart man learns from his mistakes. A wise man learns from the mistakes of others. Which one are you?

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There is no set criteria for hook handling chondros. Some will handle well, and some won't. It's all a matter of getting the feel for the animals, and knowing what they feel more comfortable with. The only caution I can advise is being careful not to "pull" them off the perch. Even in adults, this could potentially cause spinal damage in the tail. If they are being stubborn, gently coax them with a few tickles of the tail. This will usually get them moving. It's just something that takes a little getting used to.....by you and the animal.

Brandon Osborne

The chondros I've worked with did not like to be taken out of the cage with either hands or hook. They were less stressed if they stayed on the branch perch. I simply took the whole branch out and hung it up out of the way with the snake still on it.

Paul Hollander

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0.2 chickens
0.2 dog mutts (half ownership, only mine when they misbehave)
0.1 Halflinger horse
0.0 Arizona Mountain Kingsnake (coming soon)
1.1 parents
Still searching for 1.0 WC human