TIPS FOR THE RESPONSIBLE SALE AND OWNERSHIP OF GIANT SNAKES

herpkingdom · #1 (**permalink**) 03-02-2003, 03:16 AM

ok, this is from an article in Reptile USA 2003 Annual edition...

1. Giant snakes should not be sold to minors or owned by minors.
2. Giant snakes should not be sold without first informing the buyer of their eventual requirements and the problems and risks involved.
3. Sellers should require the purchase or proof of purchase of a secure, lockable, escape-proof cage from buyers. This is a requirement for ownership of giant snakes in San Diego County, CA
4. Buyers must learn responsible feeding and handling procedures and schedules.
5. Realize that adolescent giant snakes, usually in the 8 to 11 foot range in the case of bums, are probably the most damgerous. A contributing factor may be that owners fail to feed these growing "adolescent" snakes adequate amounts of food. Because of their size, owners also may handle them less regularly, which can condition a snake to expect food the second the cage is opened.
6. Never display giant snakes in public outside of a proper forum for such displays, such as educational and reptile shows.
7. Put in place a procedure for dealing with a life-threatening constriction incident. POuring alcohol in the mouth of the snake, using a cattle prod type device (doing so will also shock the victim), and using large cutters to decapitate a snake are all possible considerations. In a life-threatening situation, don't worry about the welfare of the snake. Above all, free the vistim from its grasp as soon as possible.

In addition to these TIPS, the author of the story dedicated a good portion of the article, entitled "Guidelines for Responsible Herptile Ownership", to giant snakes.

Another good point made by the author which I believe to be what I, and others have been trying to point out (all be it not too gracefully), is collector frenzy!

THe author writes the following:

many hobbyists start off with one animal or one species and then get hooked on the novelty rush and, like addicts, add new animals to provide the next neurotransmitter rush of the month. If you set on that course, you may end up with such a large collection that all your time will be spent maintaining it, leaving little time to actually observe and enjoy the animals you own.
A side effect of this addiction is that you will likely find yourself providing minimal standards of maintenance. You'll be spending so much of your income and time buying more animals, cleaning and feeding them that you will no longer have the money or time for the little luxuries that make a difference in their quality of life. I can talk about this from personal experience. (Me too!) Don't rationalize the reasons why you need more animals. Set limits. Keep less and strive to do the very best job you can with hwat you have.

This is what we are tryIng to say when we debate back and forth about a adolescent getting a giant snake. Sure, they may have had a snake or two for a few months, but there is no need to keep buying a new herp every month. I have seen several people in this forum and others, who come in and say " I just got this snake ot that snake, then a week later are asking question about buying a new snake or lizard.

OK, i'm done for now.
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jpaulson · #2 (**permalink**) 03-02-2003, 03:42 AM

Well said, Jim

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JonnyB · #3 (**permalink**) 03-02-2003, 04:35 AM

Cool I see some people who do that glad I don't
Hay BTW any know where I can get a new RTB or a berm or a Berdie....LOL [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_lol.gif[/img]
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Blackwidow_woman · #4 (**permalink**) 03-02-2003, 08:30 AM

[img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_cool.gif[/img] herpkingdom, that was very nicely put.. [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_wink.gif[/img]
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Stormyva · #5 (**permalink**) 03-03-2003, 02:31 PM

That ought to be sent to every pet shop in the US!

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