For newbies who wish to get into keeping any larger species of snake, the following was created and used to share with others to avoid common mistakes made when keeping large snakes. A recent story by a fellow rescuer with the Chicago Herp Society reminded me of this paper I created a few years ago(and a little encouragement by another CHS member).

Rules to Live by when Keeping Large Constricting Snakes

1. Avoid handling any constrictor over eight feet in length without assistance.
2. Use snake hooks and tongs to move the snake and cage furniture around in the enclosure or shield the head to block potential strikes by the snake.
3. Never rush into a cage without alerting the snake, use a gentle stroke with the snake hook on the body. A reassuring hand on the lower part of the body well away from the head can also be used, but stay out of the striking range of the snake’s head.
4. Be alert for warning signals such as huffing, hissing, gaping of the mouth, tail wagging or circling of the cage. These are all signs that the snake would rather be left alone and is in a defensive mode.
5. Never wear the snake around the neck or waist without sufficient people to pull it off.


Damage Control – What to do if you make a mistake

1. Remain calm. Sometimes the snake will release if there is no struggle.
2. If you have others with you, keep them calm by talking to them, let them know your status and instruct them on what to do.
3. If you are wrapped up begin by uncoiling beginning with either the head or the tail. If you have help spin away to help uncoil and straighten the snake out to avoid follow-up strikes.
4. If you cannot unwrap the snake using the head or tail because the snake has bitten and is hanging on, try flushing vinegar into the mouth. If the snake does not let go or cannot dislodge its teeth, use a large wood or plastic spoon and slide between the jaw and bite area, sliding the head forward slightly to dislodge the teeth.
5. Immediately place the snake in a secured cage or compartment. A strike is stressful for you and the snake so leave them be and get assistance if necessary to return the snake to its enclosure.
6. If any teeth are lodged in the skin, remove them with tweezers, wash with water, apply antiseptic and wrap with gauze. Seek medical attention for treatment of possible secondary infection and internal tissue damage.
7. Learn from your mistake and identify what you did wrong.
a. Did you smell like food?
b. Did you act like food entering the cage?
c. Did you startle the snake or invade its territory?


You can get a copy of this from my website in case you know of someone with big snakes.