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At Todd's Request -- a couple of tips
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by SwampY on December 8, 2004
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The single most useful quote I think I've ever heard:
"Every single story about a bite by a captive snake that I've heard always starts the same. 'I was reaching in the cage and...'"
~Chris Harper
I was thinking about this when I was reading the story about the bushmaster bite.
I know most of you will find this to be old news, but here are a couple of things that can prevent accidents. We all need to remember them, pass them along to newbie keepers, and live by them. Our hobby depends on it.
1. before doing anything stop a few minutes, imagine doing it, mentally note everything that could go wrong, and take steps to prevent it. I have several cages on metal racks. while doing this mental exercise one day I realized that the racks could be tipped. They are now screwed into the walls.
2. A plastic light bulb cover at home depot costs about 2.00. It looks like a long midwest restraining tube. I can open my cages with a hook, stick the tube in and put one end of the tube in a water dish. I pour water into the other end so I can top off the water dish from six feet away. No need to bother the snake, and it gets them watered.
3. Removing the snake during cleaning is a prime opportunity for a soak -- it keeps the snake hydrated and prevents kidney problems later in the snakes life.
4. NEVER reach into the cage while a snake is in there. Always be aware of the possibility of unexpected offspring... even from male snakes. (Right Karl!?! hahaha)
5. Don't be afraid to ask for help. I never tube large rattlers unless someone is there to help me.
6. If you see someone breaking an obvious rule, call them on it. Jump their ****. They may get mad but ****, it's better than them getting bit. I saw an unnamed fool reach down to readjust a piece of moss that was in the photo with a canebrake. Brad Kalota swung his snake hook down and whacked the guys arm outta the way (jeeze it had to hurt!) then gave him a stern "GET YOUR HAND AWAY FROM THAT SNAKE, I'M NOT DRIVING YOU TO A HOSPITAL AND RUINING MY HERPING TRIP"..... That guy should give brad a medal.
7. Be Careful. You guys are my friends. The thought of any one of you getting hurt makes tears well up in my eyes. I want you all around to herp with me for a long time.
I know this is basic stuff -- and if for no other reason than reminding myself to do it -- I felt it needed to be typed.
Apparently that bushmaster bite hit the national news because at least 3 people at work have brought it up at work with a sarcastic "see what happens when you play with snakes!"
My point exactly... snakes aren't playing when it comes to biting us.
Let's not play with them. Let's be serious with them.
Chad
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RE: At Todd's Request -- a couple of tips
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by Phobos on December 9, 2004
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Chad:
Some of the best advice I've seen on this forum.
Thanks,
Al
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Great words of wisdom.
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by RepFan on December 9, 2004
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Chad,
I would have to second that. Thanks for posting it. Your insight and thoughfulness may just save another from being tagged.
Thanks again,
Todd
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RE: Great words of wisdom.
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by thenewdisciple on December 9, 2004
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you always here people say that you will eventually be bitten. i dont think that is true. if you excercise extreme caution and dont try and show off i think there is a good chance that you wont be bitten. i have had close calls and i have been bitten by a pigmy, but every one of those cases has been a lesson learned. the biggest lesson of all is never underestimate the distance a viper can strike. i was almost hit on the ankle by a 4 foot canebrake, the snake came a couple inches from hitting my ankle, after that i will never make that mistake again.
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