Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello,

I was reviewing this website for my project that I spoke of in the thread below. One of the remarks that was made by the author about snake tongs was:

"Grabsticks- The grabstick, also known as the snake tongs, is a mechanical device with a pair of jaws that can be closed around the snake's body to hold it. For some reason, inexperienced keepers tend to like these, and view them as if they were the safest method for moving a venomous snake around."

and

"Since it may be difficult to control the amount of pressure in the jaws, it is easy to break ribs or otherwise severely injure snakes with these things"

I completely understand his point of view and I have no arguments about that. However, I noticed while browsing www.tongs.com some snake tongs. These are the ones I found:

http://www.tongs.com/shop/index.php?GrID=10

They claim that these are made for more humane handling of snakes. Does anyone here have any experience with these particular tongs? Are they safe and as humane as they claim?

I just want to make sure that before recommending the usage of a particular brand or tool, that it is a reliable tool and safe for not only the owner but for the animal itself.

I would appreciate anybody's review of this product or comments on this subject.

Thanks,
Chris

...is only as good as the hand that holds it....Yes, in inexperienced hands, tongs can cause severe spinal injuries to snakes. However, in the hands of someone that knows how to use them, tongs can be an invaluable management tool for one's venomous charges...

I did not cut & paste the link you provided, but I believe that the link was to "gentle giants"....I've known many people that swear by these...I've seen them in action and can tell you that they do work well...However, (once again) a tool is only as good as the hand that wields it, and injury can result from improper use of these as well...

My advice is to become acquainted with as many tools as you can, and then narrow your choice tools based on personal preference. No one tool is inherently "better" then another...however some people will find some tools easier to work with than others....Some people are comfortable with the classic tong...they can manage even the most irascible snake perfectly with them...it all comes down to comfort level and skill as well as preference.

-AzAtrox

AzAtrox hit it on the head. I use the gentle tongs by Midwest and love them. They are an effective management tool and in some cases, are used with various hooks depending on the snake I am working with. But, any tong can do damage if not used properly which is why it is important to mentor under someone who knows what they are doing.

Rob Carmichael, Curator of the Wildlife Discovery Center

>>Hello,
>>
>> I was reviewing this website for my project that I spoke of in the thread below. One of the remarks that was made by the author about snake tongs was:
>>
>>"Grabsticks- The grabstick, also known as the snake tongs, is a mechanical device with a pair of jaws that can be closed around the snake's body to hold it. For some reason, inexperienced keepers tend to like these, and view them as if they were the safest method for moving a venomous snake around."
>>
>>and
>>
>>"Since it may be difficult to control the amount of pressure in the jaws, it is easy to break ribs or otherwise severely injure snakes with these things"
>>
>>I completely understand his point of view and I have no arguments about that. However, I noticed while browsing www.tongs.com some snake tongs. These are the ones I found:
>>
>>http://www.tongs.com/shop/index.php?GrID=10
>>
>>They claim that these are made for more humane handling of snakes. Does anyone here have any experience with these particular tongs? Are they safe and as humane as they claim?
>>
>>I just want to make sure that before recommending the usage of a particular brand or tool, that it is a reliable tool and safe for not only the owner but for the animal itself.
>>
>>I would appreciate anybody's review of this product or comments on this subject.
>>
>>Thanks,
>>Chris
-----
Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL

I will be sure to document this in my project. Azatrox and mr. Carmichael you have both been a great deal of help. When I am finished with my project you will both be notified with the link to the page.

Thanks a bunch and stay posted, I am sure I will have more questions!!

chris

Hey there....Yeah, when you're finished with it, send a copy my way....I'd love to read it! Good luck with it!

-AzAtrox

Will DO!!

It might take a bit of time, simply because I am trying to gather as much information (mainly about the species in which I am not personally experience with) as I possibly can to make an accurate and informative portion of my coming website dedicated to responsibility in the keeping of reptiles, (in particular to more dangerous specimens).

When I atleast get the site up, then I will post a link so you can atleast monitor its' progress and not to mention provide some constructive criticism that might help to make the site better.

Thanks again,
chris

If you are looking for input on North American crotalids, let me know....I've kept them for upwards of 10 years and consider myself moderately knowledgeable in regards to them...

-AzAtrox

Really like the company....bought my first snake hook from them about 4 or 5 years ago....really like the stuff!
-----
Chris
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Chris,
I have used Gentle Giants to remove unruly large Canebrakes from homeowner's yards in southern Georgia at night.
They are extremely useful with angry rattlesnakes that do not want to stay on a hook. I used them in conjunction with the hook to support the snake's whole body. When in a situation like that, it is easy to lose yourself in the adrenaline and squeeze too tightly on the tongs and injure the snake. That is why I prefer the Gentle Giants. Not saying that it is impossible to hurt a snake with them - just that you have to try a lot harder.
They are the only tongs I own and I have been using them for a couple of years now. I also use Midwest's hooks and other herp handling equipment. I find that their gear seems to be made with ease of use and safety in mind and that fits in with my personal beliefs about handling venomous snakes.
Hope this helps in some way.
Karl H. Betz

Karl,

Thank you for your response. It seems to me that people think very highly of their products so therefore it would be ok to recommend them as a quality product to individuals that might consider getting into this particular hobby.

Thanks again,
Chris