Snake Fieldtrips?

[VroomVroom]

Alright, one more question. And I'm sure I'll probably get whacked over the head for this one, but I just gotta ask. Is it ok to take your pet snake on a fieldtrip. Like say, take her with you when you go out to walk the dog, or take her to the pet store. I'm pretty sure this is a no-no, but I wanted to check. http://smilies.sofrayt.com/^/aiw/crazy.gif

[DaemoNox]

That depends on the snake; a hatchling I wouldnt, but if its older, youve kept it for awhile, and you know the snake very well, then theres usually no problem. Not every snake will be fine doing it, and not every petstore will either so its a good idea to check with them first. Keep in mind that the snake isnt enjoying it like a dog would, and it can be quite stressfull which is why its important that you know the snake very well so you have an idea on how it will handle it. During the car ride it needs to be contained (a snake bag or pillowcase you can bring with into the store is the best), I cant tell you how many times I've heard of snakes getting lost in cars. At the store be very respectful of others who dont appreciate them, never let people get near its head, and never let anyone hold it no matter how calm the snake seems; thats the safest way to keep both people and the snake safe. If your uncomfortible then dont even let them touch it, and if it starts getting uncomfortible then put it back in the snake bag for the rest of the trip.

[DaemoNox]

To add on - Never take it out in a public place without permission from the right people first, a snake in the wrong crowd is not a good thing for anyone, and if enough people get disturbed by it they can use it as fuel to push bans and restrictions.

The only time I ever have a snake out in public is doing hands-on things with the herp sociaty, or if I go to a vet to get some of my bigger ones weighed.

[MegF.]

I usually take one of my snakes when I go to my petstore to pick up stuff. I can usually get at least one person who's afraid of snakes to at least take a quick touch. They are usually their own best ambassadors. I also take them outside with me. The neighbor kids love the snakes and I will usually end up with 10 or 11 kids in my yard wanting to hold the snakes. That said, just a Daemo stated, it depends on the snake. I definitely wouldn't do this with my one Okeetee female. She's just too nervous and wouldn't be calm and comfortable with it. The others all do well, even my green tree python.

[VroomVroom]

LOL, I was expecting folks to go, "Are you crazy?! Taking your snake out with you?! What if it escapes?" Well, it's great to know that it's definately acceptable. That said, I will watch my baby very closely and get to know him or her very well before I try this. And of course wait until she's larger and not so speedy. I certainly wouldn't want to stress her out, like you guys mentioned. Also, I won't let anyone near her head, or let her be held by anyone. The pet store that I work at will probably be ok with it, but yeah, i'll make sure to check before I actually go. It's such a bummer that snakes have such a bad reputation. I believe in having a healthy respect for them, especially venomous species, but a lot of people seem to hate the site of just a sweet little hatchling. :( Its awesome that you can show people that they really are fascinating and beautiful creatures, MegF. :) Thanks for your advice, guys.

[Muggle]

You work at a pet store? In the pet store that I shop at the employees routinely bring there snakes to work with them. It's good for selling snakes. "Oh, you like my corn snake? We just happen to have some for sale over here!" I would wait until yours is older and more settled though.

[VroomVroom]

Yep, I sure do. Unfortunately, they don't sell snakes there, turtles, skinks, chameleons, geckos, etc, but no snakes. :rolleyes: I think it has to do with some kind of permit or something. LOL, I bet that is great advertising at your store!

[zwyatt]

I'm not sure if anyone touched on this as I just skimmed the other responses, but if you do decide to take a snake to the pet store be careful that you don't let it come into contact with any of the herps from the store or any hands that have come into contact with the herps and not been washed.

You never know what you might pick up (mites or other nasties) even if it's completely by accident.

[VroomVroom]

Very good point Zwyatt, duly noted. :)

[rhinecat]

Yep, I sure do. Unfortunately, they don't sell snakes there, turtles, skinks, chameleons, geckos, etc, but no snakes. :rolleyes: I think it has to do with some kind of permit or something.

Petsmart? Or a local store? :)

[VroomVroom]

Petsmart. I work in the specialty department so I get to take care of the fish, reptiles, birds and small mammals. We don't sell feeders so no discount feeders for me. :cry: :) I have 4 budgies, 2 cats, 9 fish in planted tanks and 2 gerbils so it's a good job for me to have. Yes, I am an animal freak, and now I want a snake too. Go figure. :rolleyes:

[Niksa]

With regards to public displays of reptiles...

My iguana is about 4 feet long, and fairly big. When it's a nice sunny day I enjoy taking her outside for some real sun light. One time I was doing this, and I was on my way to the elevator, a door opens up and a "little old lady" steps out. When she saw my huge green igauna on my shoulder she _actually_ did the classic scream! hah!

Try as I may to explain how dosile Nexus is, the lady was terrified. Of course, she asked if the buildling permits allowed such 'things' (as she refered to her), I said yes. She said that she was going to talk to the landlord. That was a year ago ;)

At any rate...since I can't chime in from a snake owner standpoint yet, as a herp owner in general...you'll have your hits, and you'll have your misses. Always assume the worst case scenario, that way you'll be extra cautious

[VroomVroom]

LOL, geez, what a spazzy old lady. It's folks like that, who get all high and mighty, that are the biggest enemy of herps. That's my opinion anyway. Yes, I will definitly be wary of those people. And take them with a big ole grain of salt. :rolleyes: The way I see it is that these people are more dangerous to the snake, or iguana in your case, than the reptile is to the them. 4 feet, your iguana must be gorgeous!

[rhinecat]

Petsmart. I work in the specialty department so I get to take care of the fish, reptiles, birds and small mammals. We don't sell feeders so no discount feeders for me. :cry: :) I have 4 budgies, 2 cats, 9 fish in planted tanks and 2 gerbils so it's a good job for me to have. Yes, I am an animal freak, and now I want a snake too. Go figure. :rolleyes:

In that case, the reason they don't sell snakes is because they don't want to sell feeder rodents, either. It drove me nuts when I worked there, because snake owners would come in, we'd chat, I'd convince them that frozen/thawed was the safest/best way to feed, then I'd have to send them to Petco for feeders.

Now, though, they sell corns and kings in some stores, and frozen feeders in many stores. It's a good change, I think, but with the rate that the geckos escaped at my store, maybe tiny snakes aren't such a great idea! LOL

[Niksa]

Heh, yeah... if my corn ever got out I could see this lady with the broom there waiting. :)