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Brining a snake to Pet Days

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At my university, my old dorm sometimes hosts pet days where off-campus students bring animals so that dorm students can play with them and relax before exams. I want to bring my 1 1/2 year old corn snake. He is very very mellow and does well with new people. I want him to get used to being handled in a new place, too. I have a few questions regarding this:

1. Is this ok to do at his age?
2. How should I transport him to keep his stress level down and how should I store him when he is not being handled to keep his temp right?
3. Should I ask people to wash their hands before handling him (they will have probably been petting dogs) and after handling him?
4. How much should I allow him to be handled before bringing him home?
5. How should I prepare him for the prolonged handling he will receive (anything special besides keeping him out for longer periods beforehand)?

Thanks for the info in advance! If anyone thinks this is a bad idea, let me know! I want him to stay safe and healthy, and if it will be too much stress at his age I won't do it yet. Also, are there any legal issues with him accidentally biting someone? It isn't likely, but you never know in this day and age.....
 
Every Friday is "Share Day" at my daughter's pre-school, and every Friday, we bring a different snake to share with the other kids. We transport the snake in either a Lexan/plastic Kritter Keeper, or a clean pillowcase(depending on the size of the snake being brought in), and I don't leave the snake alone in the classroom...I am always present to assist any handling the kids want to do.

I make sure all the kids wash their hands before AND after handling, even if it is a quick little pet on the back. I also make sure that the kids do not get near the face of the snake, as this helps to minimize stress for the animals...AND the teachers ;).

I can't tell you how much is too much for your snakes. I always make sure I bring one of the snakes that I know can handle the stress from past experience. I have a couple that are excellent candidates for sahring, and a couple that I wouldn't even consider. Let your snake tell you how much is too much...
 
As far as washing you can pick up a bottle of hand sanitizer for not that much at any grocery store that might be a good bet i have one next to my little guys cage.
 
I for one have taken several of my snakes to several different outings but i dont allow folks to hold the snakes..I make everyone wash prior because you always get that kid that will take a quick touch;) And after as well.

As was said earlier you will know which snake can handle just the stress of being out really quick..my most loveable ..wants to be out of his cage all the time snake can only take a few hours and then will gladly retreat to his hide in between showings.

If you have several snake you may want to consider quarantining the snake afterwards since there will be so many pets around. Just be really careful with germs and such..It is great to want to show your snake off but would be really sad if something happened afterwards :cry:
 
Sanebedlam said:
As far as washing you can pick up a bottle of hand sanitizer for not that much at any grocery store that might be a good bet i have one next to my little guys cage.
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Yea...I have a bottle that my daughter and I use at home before, after, and in between, if we have a "multiple snake day"...stuff works great!!
 
Thanks for all of the suggestions you guys! Hand sanitizer is a very good idea! I am not sure when they plan to do one of these pet days, but I am really exited about sharing Meph with others! I find that people who learn more about snakes are less frightened of them. To me, that's rewarding. Hopefully they'll have one soon now that I am ready for it!
 
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