Quote:
Originally Posted by RioBravoReptiles
The six-foot rule is voodoo. It even plays into the hands of those who think snakes are dangerous and evil and that people should not be allowed to keep snakes and other exotics.. There are many snakes that reach six feet in length or more, a lot of them are even native to the US.. I guess we aren't safe out-doors until these assasins are extirpated.. 
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But I do agree that people should do what they think is needed to feel comfortable around their animals. In the long term if a six foot snake makes you feel unsafe or unsure of yourself you should seek a smaller type of snake or another hobby.
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That's my opinion.
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When you are trying to explain to someone who doesn't know a thing about snakes why that pet burm or retic is just as safe as a kitten and should not be regulated by legislation, do you think that we should tell them "Responsible owners of large constricting snakes should follow safety precautions including having a second person on hand when dealing with larger snakes" OR should we tell them that "I feel perfectly safe with my giant snake"?
What if it is the news media we are hypothetically speaking with... just after someone has been killed by a large snake?
You may feel that it is "Voodoo" but I can tell you one thing for sure... I am not as strong as an 8' retic. If my arms are pinned, however, it is but the work of a moment for a second person to unwind me.
I know... a lot of y'all old timers feel that it is purely hogwash because you have literally kept snakes since before some of us were born... but perhaps because of this, you may forget what it is like to be new to the hobby. In today's community driven internet world, people who are new pick a role model and do what they say or do. As bad as it wierds me out sometimes, there are people who view me this way. Gus, there are people who view you this way.
So, not to put too fine a point on it, I would FAR rather think that I did everything in my power to keep safe those who seek advice from me than supply them with advice that could lead to their death.
BTW... I voted yes. There are NO large constrictors over 6' that I will handle by myself. There are colubrids over 6' that I will, but zero boids. For those who seem to have misinterpreted the concept of the Mystical 6' Rule, large non-venomous colubrids are simply not dangerous. Large boids are.
That's my story and I am sticking to it.
