Advice and Experiences with Taking Boas (snakes) Into Public

ekoostikBoa · #1 (**permalink**) 03-13-2009, 02:25 AM

I'm not sure where best to post this, hopefully we get some good responses in this forum. I have a bad feeling I may get some negative replies to this, but here goes...

I work for an engineering consultant of about 150 employees. Each summer the company does some sort of event, this year is a family picnic. They are setting up a number of things such as a dunk tank, moonwalk, karaoke, etc. There will be a number of kids of all ages. I offered to bring Isis, who will be a 2 1/2 year old Columbian(sold to me as) boa at the time of the event, for "Have your picture taken with Isis". Right now she is 6'4" and 14 lbs - more growing to come!

My experience with snakes is raising her over the last two years as well as having lived with 2 boas and one ball python for 3 years while in college. I handled those snakes on a fairly regular basis, weekly or biweekly, usually in situations with more than 4 or 5 people around, always college aged people though not kids.

Last year I took Isis out to a "Cutest Pet Contest" at my apartment complex which was outside. From that I learned that you must explain to kids that snakes don't like to be poked! I also learned that a boa will begin to overheat after being in the sun for too long without being able to cool down under shade.

I am wondering what advice or experiences people have to share for something like this? I'm comfortable taking her out amongst people, I'm just looking for any thoughts/experiences others have had with their boas or other snakes out amongst people. Perhaps even just ideas of things to talk about to keep people entertained, and perhaps better educated? Experiences with how to entertain the kids would be appreciated as well as there will be kids at this and I'm sure they're going to be interested!

Has there been another thread on this topic that I've missed? Hopefully we can get some very good info/advice on this topic that will help all! Below is a picture of Isis (Nacho the dragon in the background).

angrybananapeel · #2 (**permalink**) 03-13-2009, 02:48 AM

Make sure that everyone who will be there is ok with it. That's my advice.

ekoostikBoa · #3 (**permalink**) 03-13-2009, 02:50 AM

I will definitely be respective of peoples feelings and wishes. I will not bring her to people, I will keep to an area and people that are interested may come to me. It will be "advertised" that she will be there, so people will not be surprised.

Sakara · #4 (**permalink**) 03-13-2009, 03:07 AM

also, make sure SHE is alright with it... Aurora is completely fine around alot of ppl and kids... But if I tried to take my hypo out around alot of ppl, she'd freak out... It depends on the snake... Just make sure, like u said... no little poking fingers... lol

ekoostikBoa · #5 (**permalink**) 03-13-2009, 03:12 AM

Hmm, my experiences with her around people have been good so far. The cutest pet thing, she was fine for that. The thing I found very interesting, and perhaps this is worthy of another thread, but she paid NO attention to the dogs and cats there, and aside from one husky that sniffed her tail once or twice, the cats/dogs seemed to not even notice she was there!

My thoughts for making it a little fun is getting a number of the kids and people interested together when I first bring her out to explain two things: She doesn't like to be poked, and she doesn't like things moving quick near her head/head petted. To do this, I'll ask for a child-volunteer. I'll start by poking him/her and asking how that makes them feel? That should help them relate to the snake not liking poking! Next I'll wave my hands real quick in front of their face and ask them how that makes him/her feel, again, that should help them understand two basic things about being around a snake!

KyleZ · #6 (**permalink**) 03-13-2009, 03:15 AM

Be VERY careful if you do so... Even a snake that has never bitten before could suddenly do so unexpectedly...and then you could be looking at a lawsuit or job loss, even if it's minor. People expect total safety when something like this is presented in a public event, and with snakes, you really never know (even if you think you do). Personally, I wouldn't do it for that and various other issues, but be careful!!

boaterr · #7 (**permalink**) 03-13-2009, 03:15 AM

I decide what to do with my snakes by looking at what actions will keep them healthy and long living, and taking snakes into public arenas where they could be put on undue stress, chance of the snake biteing a person, or trusting people that are ignorant to handling a large powerful snake with my snakes well being does not fit into the category of keeping the animal healthy.

John · #8 (**permalink**) 03-13-2009, 03:43 AM

I have allowed kids to hold my snakes before. I usually try to read the kids. If they are in an excited mood and are not listening to what I tell them, I won't allow them to hold my snakes. I just don't trust them. I will let them touch, but not hold.

If a kid disobeys my instructions regarding touching my snakes, their turn is over...period. For example, if they touch its head after being told not to.

I would never put my snake on the ground when kids are around. I would never allow someone to hold my snake when I'm not there to supervise it. I try not only to read my snakes but people as well.

Hey, there's always some kind of chance in any situation that something can go wrong, especially with animals. You just have to use common sense and good judgment.

I hope it goes well.

Stargazer · #9 (**permalink**) 03-13-2009, 03:44 AM

I agree with Boaterr. Too many variables, liability factors, fear factor, health/stress factors for the snake....Unless it is a purely educational event, I would keep her at home at let people come over to see her. Also, I've never forgotten the story of the kid who stepped on the burm's head at an educational event.

Having said that, I have on occasion taken my BCI Veronica to the hardware store. They like her there. I don't know that I'll continue with that.

You also have to think of things like hand sanitizing before and after someone touches her.

TammyJamaica · #10 (**permalink**) 03-13-2009, 04:04 AM

Well so many opinions and advice, just like you asked for!

I have done similar stuff but allowing someone to hold your snake is definitely taking a chance, especially for the snake's safety. I recently let my boa go to an educational class with my son handling her and one person apart from the teacher, did hold her, but it is risky and you must watch the person and the snake very very closely and stay very close to them - or just do not let anyone hold the snake at all, anything can happen! I also remember the horrible case of the burmese python that was killed by a boy, it happened very suddenly.

I would, at an event like this with children, not let anyone hold the snake, you hold her all the while and talk about her and answer questions, keeping a wary eye out for crazies.

Stargazer · #11 (**permalink**) 03-13-2009, 04:08 AM

BTW, what a gorgeous snake! Looks like how mine will look in a year or two.

John · #12 (**permalink**) 03-13-2009, 04:10 AM

Yeah, I was just fixing to say what a great looking boa you have.

TammyJamaica · #13 (**permalink**) 03-13-2009, 04:13 AM

I agree, your boa Isis

is spectacular!!!

Oroborous · #14 (**permalink**) 03-13-2009, 04:28 AM

IMO, as long as you know what your doing and use the utmost care and caution, I don't see a problem with snakes being out in public, depending on the snake, as Sakara said. I take my older BPs out a lot during the warmer months and I have never had a problem, not even in large crowds. I once took my big BP to my class and she crawled over everyone in the circle, smelling and checking everyone out, completely calm and friendly...I have yet to take my boa out tho, but I plan to this summer. You definantly have to know their limits, and be prepared to leave early if need be. And let everyone know they should be slow, calm, and gentle while around your snake, which I think you know already.
BTW, Isis is gorgeous!

Tom · #15 (**permalink**) 03-13-2009, 04:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reccaant

Has there been another thread on this topic that I've missed? Hopefully we can get some very good info/advice on this topic that will help all!

Here is a link to an old post about reptile educational shows. There is some good info and links in this post.
BW---and anyone else who cares to add to it

take care
Tom

Hairless · #16 (**permalink**) 03-13-2009, 06:43 AM

I'm all for educating the public in a controlled way...

I can see potential problems coming from many directions...the "take your picture with Isis" part having the most potential. I wouldn't let people hold the boa and get their picture taken. (maybe let them hold the non-bitty end and you the other end while getting a picture)

Even a calm boa may decide enough is enough at some point and being in control if that happens would be top of the list. Many years ago, I had a very calm bci that never showed defensive behavior....until one day when someone else was holding the tail end. She took a shot at the kid holding the tail end and thankfully I was in control and she came up short. I don't know what set her off that day and that is the problem...

Boas see the world through their sense of smell. Someone with a pet rodent or bird, a certain perfume, maybe even someones breath or whatever could cause an adverse reaction.

Be careful...everything always goes well right up until it doesn't go well.

caliking · #17 (**permalink**) 03-13-2009, 09:03 AM

Completely off topic but would this be happening around the Berkley,Ca area? I would so totally come just to see Isis. lol

On topic tho, it might be more stress then its worth on both you and her. Then again it would help our hobby out by teaching others how amazing snakes really are.

In the end its up to you. good luck either way with it

ekoostikBoa · #18 (**permalink**) 03-14-2009, 12:15 AM

Thanks for all the replies and advice, I haven't had the chance to read through the links within the post you added Tom, but thanks for that direction. I will read through them when I have time on Sunday, I'm about to take off for the weekend right now.

I do not plan on letting others hold her, I realize that will become stressful. When I've had her out in smaller groups of 5-8 and let others have her over their neck, she seems to look towards me as I back away and let the other person have her, kind of like she feels safe with me but uneasy as she is being held by another, just my human interpretation! For pictures, I imagine the person being to the side of me that her tail is and in general keeping her head on a side away from people.

CaliKing, I will be in the wonderful town of Jackson, MI, so unfortunately I will not be near you otherwise it'd be fun to meet up!

Any thoughts on talking points? Ideas I've had is explaining where boas live in nature, and what it takes to keep a boa as far is caging, humidity, temps... lifespans of boas in captivity etc. The thing I'm not sure about people reacting to is explaining that she eats rats and rabbits! I haven't met anybody that has become offended yet, but I can imagine people reacting negatively towards that.

Thanks for the kind words towards Isis, I'll be sure to let her know everybody likes her!

SnakeBabe · #19 (**permalink**) 03-14-2009, 12:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reccaant

….. The thing I found very interesting, and perhaps this is worthy of another thread, but she paid NO attention to the dogs and cats there, and aside from one husky that sniffed her tail once or twice, the cats/dogs seemed to not even notice she was there!....

Snakes in public are unpredictable and for safety reasons I would suggest never to allow a fur bearing mammal so close. Just cause she didn’t react then doesn’t guarantee she will behave the next time. I always have other handlers near me to control kids as then tend to get excited and out of hand too.
Also, are you insured? Does the park require to be named on your insurance? Is your company willing to assume the liabilities if not?
Did you check to see if you will need a USDI exhibiters permit in the public location?
Are you going to work the one snake for the enter duration of the picnic? subject her to a possible 150 photos without a break?
What will the temps be on that day?

I could go on and on. There is so much to consider before I do any kind of display I suggest you spend some time with licensed and experienced handler before setting out on your own.
I hope that doesn’t sound mean

Hugs and Hissessss,
Maria

mpgt · #20 (**permalink**) 03-14-2009, 01:00 AM

I'd be a little concerned about people putting dirty hands and germs on the snake. Have them use waterless hand cleaner before and after handling her.

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