Wow. Really?

Rham_Es-Hestos · #1 (**permalink**) 03-15-2010, 02:19 AM

So I was talking to a friend today who knew someone who owned a burm, I laid into her when she said her friend wouldn't hold any snake over 5' without a second person.

I don't really agree with the 6' rule, I'd be comforatble with an 8' by myself. I'm not exactly a scrawny person. But 5 feet? That is pretty much just over the edge to me.

Smiley added simply because I saw it and thought it was the most amazing smiley I've ever seen.

feathafur · #2 (**permalink**) 03-15-2010, 02:30 AM

a 5' snake is still capeable of strangling sombody, if they dont feel safe without a second person at that size then their just being safe and theres nothing wrong with that.

Byron · #3 (**permalink**) 03-15-2010, 02:31 AM

better to be safe than sorry. If thats what makes them comfortable, you cant fault them for being (overly) cautious.

Rham_Es-Hestos · #4 (**permalink**) 03-15-2010, 02:33 AM

No, I suppose I can't fault them. I just don't like when people have the assumption that because a snake is big or strong, it's out to get them. I keep having to convice my friends that large snakes aren't evil and that they don't have the thought capacity to plot.

feathafur · #5 (**permalink**) 03-15-2010, 02:38 AM

even the sweetest snakes are capeable of damage, all you need is a 4-5' snake around sombodys neck have them tighten up, the person then starts to panic making the snake tighten more and their unable to get it off. Snakes are strong, stronger then they look and i think your friend is in the right to be cautious. Safety isnt something to look down upon. they still have instincts

Rham_Es-Hestos · #6 (**permalink**) 03-15-2010, 02:44 AM

Understood, completely. With the right handling procedures, you won't have to worry about that happening though. Right?

feathafur · #7 (**permalink**) 03-15-2010, 02:52 AM

Just be carefull, anything can happen

Back when i used to work at a petstore we had a 4ft male boa that i would only remove from his house if i had another person around, he would strike any chance he got. raised right and constanty socialized your likely not going to have any problems just remember instincts!

Rham_Es-Hestos · #8 (**permalink**) 03-15-2010, 02:54 AM

Sounds like a nasty guy. Guess he had some temperment problems.
I've been lucky, my first snake Jasmine has been extremely nice.

Byron · #9 (**permalink**) 03-15-2010, 03:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rham_Es-Hestos

No, I suppose I can't fault them. I just don't like when people have the assumption that because a snake is big or strong, it's out to get them. I keep having to convice my friends that large snakes aren't evil and that they don't have the thought capacity to plot.

my 3.5' IJ plots against me daily. she is constantly thinking of ways to get me. I think I'm gonna employ the 4' rule if she doesn't calm down pretty soon.

Rex322 · #10 (**permalink**) 03-15-2010, 03:14 AM

A 5 ft snake can kill someone? Ye maybe if it wraps around your neck and starts seriously constricting you and all you do is look in the mirror and say "durrr my snake is choking me"

seriously guys? I'm pretty sure a 5' non venomous snake isn't much of a threat other than a few teeth marks

spix14 · #11 (**permalink**) 03-15-2010, 03:48 AM

Yay here we go again!

As far as I'm concerned if you want help holding a baby Spotted Python I don't care-whatever keeps you alive and out of the newspapers is fine. I find it comforting that someone who owns a Burm is following safety precautions. Far be it from me to judge. Why gripe at someone for doing what they feel is necessary to be safe? It doesn't mean they think the snake is evil and out to get them. If they thought that they wouldn't own it in the first place.

dhonaker · #12 (**permalink**) 03-15-2010, 03:51 AM

Are we really doing this again

toker · #13 (**permalink**) 03-15-2010, 03:56 AM

Be nice folks or this thread will get locked.

Rex322 · #14 (**permalink**) 03-15-2010, 04:01 AM

Haha i was thinking the same thing spix. I wasmy trying to start anything. I was just stating an opinion. Just thought it's a little much to say that a 5' snake is gonna kill any adult or even teenager. If I didn't know anything about snakes and came to this site and read this thread my opinion would of been "omg a 5' snake can kill you?! Woe they should be banned 5' isn't that big!"

just my 2cents

Rham_Es-Hestos · #15 (**permalink**) 03-15-2010, 04:10 AM

I think that if you're not going to handle a five foot snake alone, you should be reading more about them. If you're not comfortable enough to hold one even that big, you shouldn't own it (I don't mean to offend anyone, just an opinion). It also gives the snakes a bad reputation if you go around saying "I won't hold any snakes over 5' long because they're too dangerous." Does anyone else agree with that?

Rex322 · #16 (**permalink**) 03-15-2010, 04:34 AM

I couldn't agree with you more. I understand the wanting someone around to be safe with larger snakes but five ft?

HERPHAPPY · #17 (**permalink**) 03-15-2010, 04:42 AM

I say to 'err on the side of caution' is just fine! My largest is a 6 & 1/2+' bci, that I handle solo, no problem...I am 5'4" btw; for some 20 years I safely worked alot of venomous, thru out my house (not in a separate locked snake-room) completely solo against the standard advice. I am NOT recommending that, just saying I am not the most cautious person around... Now to the point: Many years back I took in a 5' bullsnake that wasn't all that hostile, but not used to handling....I got an unpleasant surprise when she tangled in my long hair (and around my neck, where I let down my guard to cuddle her, duh!) and proceeded to tighten for dear life! (-hers, not mine!) I managed in time to get her loose without damage to either of us, but that was a good lesson for me! So the friends caution with even a 5' snake has merit, IMO! Sometimes there are factors you just don't think about (like thick hair that makes great knots when snakes are added, lol...).

Rachel SS · #18 (**permalink**) 03-15-2010, 05:19 AM

Oh no! someone being cautious about reptiles in their care! WHAT A SHAME!

Rex322 · #19 (**permalink**) 03-15-2010, 05:35 AM

So sorry Rachel. Forgot everyone has to agree with the two person rule and everything related to it. I'm sorry. I won't post anymore since I don't agree with it

spix14 · #20 (**permalink**) 03-15-2010, 05:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rham_Es-Hestos

I think that if you're not going to handle a five foot snake alone, you should be reading more about them. If you're not comfortable enough to hold one even that big, you shouldn't own it (I don't mean to offend anyone, just an opinion). It also gives the snakes a bad reputation if you go around saying "I won't hold any snakes over 5' long because they're too dangerous." Does anyone else agree with that?

I think it gives snakes a much worse reputation if someone gets killed from overestimating their abilities.

This is not to say that a 5 footer could kill someone (though crazier things have happened) it is just to say that the damage done by one person killed by a snake they shouldn't have handled alone does immeasurably more damage to the reptile world's reputation than someone being overly cautious.

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