Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello all,

I am trying to figure out what types of weight scales are best for weighing snakes in the field. I am just trying to get all of my equipment together for next year.

I appreciate anyones help,

Chris

P.S> What other types of equipment do you field herpers keep with you in the field?

Thanks
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Chris Law
U.A.P.P.E.A.L. (Uniting a Proactive Primate and Exotic Animal League)
Herpetoculture Element Representative

A scale that measures to 10 pounds should be more than adequate for any snakes you'd find here in the US. Get a scale with a container that you can put the snake in. Weigh the container first, tare it, and then place the snake inside...bingo.

I normally just carry hooks and a set of GG tongs with me, though I rarely have had to use the tongs.

One handy way of doing it, if it's accurate enough for your purposes, is to get a fish scale in the right range, bag the snake and weight the bag. HOWEVER...if you're talking about venomous snakes, be aware that bagging one without the right equipment (some type of bagging net) and technique can be very dangerous.

I agree. I recently purchased a digital fish scale from Sports Authority for around $20. It seems pretty accurate.

~~Greg~~

I will take a look at those options. Greg, is this digital fish scale easily portable? Is it kinda like the one I have that you kinda hang the fish on? It's not digital, but somewhat works. Mine has a hook on the end that you hang the fish by the gills for it''s weight and it also has a tape measure! I have a bag that can be used that I can subtract the weight off of, like was previously mentioned. Does this sound like it could work ok?

Of course, I am not too sure if I will handle many wild hots without someone with more experience than me being there to supervise. However, I still understand that I will need to take extra procautions before attempting it.

Thanks guys for your info!!

Best Wishes,

Chris
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Chris Law
U.A.P.P.E.A.L. (Uniting a Proactive Primate and Exotic Animal League)
Herpetoculture Element Representative

Chris: If fitting in your hip pocket makes it portable, yeah, it's portable. It's the same style as what you have, but not spring operated..it has a digital readout. Springs can rust & mess up the accuracy a bunch. You can weigh your snake bags before you start, marking the weight on them, then weigh snakes all day. The scale I have goes as high as 50 ponds. I look forward to catching a fish too big for it to weigh. I came close on Father's Day with a 34 # kingfish.

You still working on that shipping box?

~~Greg~~

I would have to agree, I think I am going to pick up a digital scale. Furthermore, I think it would be much more accurate from the very beginning. Great Suggestion!!

Chris

P.S> I sent you an email a while back, I am assuming you haven't recieved it. I just thought you were a bit too busy to respond or something so I didn't send another as I didn't want to be a pest. It was a reply to the "snake" picture you sent

Thanks
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Chris Law
U.A.P.P.E.A.L. (Uniting a Proactive Primate and Exotic Animal League)
Herpetoculture Element Representative

If you leave it in the car, those cheapies from WalMart work well if the snake's in the bag. Oz/Gram conversion, too. Battery operated. Just weigh a similar empty bag beforehand, and deduct. They'll do a couple lbs.