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amanda121921
Hatchling
United Kingdom
100 Posts |
 Posted - 19/05/2010 : 22:36:19
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| just wondering how many of you with children let them handle the snakes. my 9 year old son wont even touch them but my 5 year old daughter loves to. of course she's always closley supervised and only allowed to for a few mins with strict instructions to scrub her hands and arms with dettol soap afterwards. she holds kasey all the time but not squidward yet as although he's much calmer he does tend to still nip if i make sudden movements so it would probably be too stressful for them both. the reason i ask however is when i took kasey to the vet a while ago i was asked if i had kids and was told to never let them touch the snakes. i can understand the risks but surely if they wash their hands and stuff, they should be fine |
 kasey squidward |
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gmac
The Scottish Admin
United Kingdom
5319 Posts |
Posted - 19/05/2010 : 22:44:36
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| my kids, aged 8 and 13, handle their own snakes an all the others we have so yes i dont see any probs with letting them handle. So long as they are supervised as you say. we use some hand gel thing that i can never remember the name of for sanitizing their hands. |
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kdlang
Fully Grown Corn
United Kingdom
3556 Posts |
Posted - 19/05/2010 : 22:48:42
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I allow both my kids to hold our snakes. They actually belong to the kids. Even their friends have held them if they wish. And my friends 18 month old baby has touched Izzy who is the calmer of the 2. They know they are not allowed them out without me being present and all the kids are instructed to use the hand gel afterwards.
I see no problem with kids handling snakes as long as hygiene standards are observed just the same as you would a child handling any animal. And that they understand to be gentle. My friends 18 month old baby has an understanding of stroking as opposed to grabbing as he has been taught it using his families 2 kittens. I think if more kids got the opportunity to handle snakes there would be much fewer adults who turn their noses up at them in future years. |
4.1.0 corns - Izzy (Carolina) Alice (Amel) Peanut (Butter Motley) Swayze (Ghost) Carmellia (Butter Motley)
0.1.0 cat - Kizzy
1.0.0 Dog - Dobbie
Location - Chesterfield, Derbyshire
www.support-dogs.org.uk |
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Kehhlyr
ǝʞɐɔ sǝʌoן
United Kingdom
8173 Posts |
Posted - 19/05/2010 : 23:02:50
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My granddaughter loves my snakes and handles them regularly, I've got some photos somewhere from when she was about 4 (and 2 ft tall) with mine.
My nieces sister was here a couple days ago and I'd be nuts to NOT let her hold any of the animals, she loves them.
Gabby with Marshmallow
Kellogs
The girls
She's not long turned 7, but as with any child and animal together I made sure I was close by to supervise.
Her mum was across the other side of the room though, she's not a great lover of snakes. |
-=Kehhlyr - The Resident Loon
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DannyBrown91
Fully Grown Corn
United Kingdom
3070 Posts |
Posted - 19/05/2010 : 23:17:49
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The pic with the beardies is so cute lol.
My little sister loves my snakes. She hast't held any of them yet because shes only 2 (well not until july but anyway) and very heavy handed, so i just let Casper and Reggie slither accross her legs. |
0.0.1 Ghost Corn - Casper
0.0.1 Diffused Corn - Reggie
0.0.1 Amel Corn - Candy A.K.A Baby
1.0 Commom BCI - Rocky
0.1 Japanese Akita - Sasha
Location: Liverpool |
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Sta~ple
qeeun speler
United Kingdom
6129 Posts |
Posted - 20/05/2010 : 09:54:39
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Awww those photo's are cute! Will you be getting her a snake for her birthday when she's older? :D
I don't have children so no...my little sister show's not really that little will handle my little ones, even the nasty one but she will only touch the adults if I am holding them. I let my cousin touch the bigger ones but only if I am handling mainly because Char can still be skittish and Venom is big and heavy and my aunty won't let them hold him. |
   
A very special super, duper thanks for K :3 |
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SexyBear77
Fully Grown Corn
United Kingdom
3796 Posts |
Posted - 20/05/2010 : 10:19:59
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I'm not a big believer in fastidious hygeine when it comes to bugs etc. The more you try and protect yourself from the nasties out there, the more likely it is that you will end up ill, because your immune system isn't equipped to handle it.
I think your vet was being a bit ott! |
9.11 Cornsnakes
1.1 Hogg island boas
1.0 Dwarf Burmese python
Location: Watford
Website- http://rassnakes.yolasite.com/ |
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Blackecho
The Corn Snake Admin
United Kingdom
4379 Posts |
Posted - 20/05/2010 : 10:52:17
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| Yes, mine have been handling them since they were old enough to understand not to go near the head or the tail, so about 2 years old. |
www.theroyalpython.co.uk/forum
Location: Rotherham
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herriotfan
Fully Grown Corn
United Kingdom
5853 Posts |
Posted - 20/05/2010 : 11:18:01
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| My own children are adults but my nephew is only 9 and he handles all my reptiles. Like everyone else I keep a very close eye and we all use hand gel or hibiscrub after handling. I wonder why your vet told you that, did he give reasons? |
Husband....Very Understanding!!! (Phil)
Son & Daughter (Kevin & Carol)
Granddaughter (Eva)
3.4.0 Cornsnakes Amel (Sidney) Caramel Stripe (Sultan) Amber (Cleo) Carolina (Phoebe) Anery Motley Stripe (Penny) Snow (Lily) Caramel (Holmes)
1.2.0 Royal Pythons(Peeps, Pandora & Pepsi)
1.0.0 Hognose (Hudson)
2.1.0 Dogs (Dillon, Alfie, Ellie)
0.1.0 Senegal Parrot (Peanut)
1.1.0 Bearded Dragons (Bonnie & Clyde)
1.0.0 Crested Geckos (Echo)
0.2.1 Hermanns Tortoises (Ebbie, Rosie & Twiglet)
0.1.0 Guinea Pig (Dolly-Pipsqueak)
0.1.9 Tarantulas (Poppy, Gypsy, Bumble, Insey Winsey, Sonic, Cookie, Raven, Fudge, Titch & Sox)
??? Foster animals
Location: Near Saffron Walden, Essex
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nova1990
Yearling
United Kingdom
618 Posts |
Posted - 20/05/2010 : 21:26:09
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| i let my 9 year old sister play with ayame. shes knows not to touch the head and everything. because of that willow now wants a snake when shes old enough to look after it properly bless her |
Corn Snake - Ayame
Mexican Black Kingsnake - Ryuzaki
Bearded Dragon - Puff
Salmon pink Tarantula - Olivia
Antilles pinktoe Tarantula - MossChops
Ipswich, Suffolk |
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Kellog
the nice one
United Kingdom
7308 Posts |
Posted - 21/05/2010 : 05:51:30
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My 12yr old regularly handles the snakes and when I have friends with young kids over they often ask me to get the snakes out (I will only get Kellog out with strangers though) so that their kids can touch them....even if my friends are at the far end of the room - they dont want to pass their fear on to their kids.
I do think your vet was scaremongering to be honest. I always wash my hands after handling the snakes and make sure that anyone who touches them does, but only cos it promotes good hygiene rather than any fear of them catching anything from them.
xxx
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punumbear
Hatchling
United Kingdom
483 Posts |
Posted - 21/05/2010 : 08:57:12
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what sort of vet are they????? a reg vet or exotics vet.. as most exotic vets i have met will stress the importance of strict hygiene levels(wash hands before and after) but none have ever said dont let kids handle them, if anything they encourage the interaction between kids and animals aslong as hygiene is adhered to and its all done in a calm manner..... reg vets tend to tell you all sorts of scary stories cause they dont specialise or even dabble in that area.. so tbh wouldnt take their words to heart too much.. my daughter loves the python but my sons not really interested, even the dog gets in on the action n baths the royal.lol... |
love my animals more than i like people.
the gang
1 ridgeback
2 kids
1 anery-lil aney
1 m, 4 ft candy cane corn.. aka kellogg..
1 carolina corn-claret/carrot
Newest additon.. f whiteout corn-pastel??
1african house snake - Bob |
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Scarlett
Hatchling
United Kingdom
363 Posts |
Posted - 21/05/2010 : 15:21:09
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| Both of my nieces have held or at least stroked Ember and my Royal, it isn't really a big deal as long as you trust the tempermant of the animal and the child =] |
 
0.0.1 Amel Corn -Ember.
1.0.0 Bloodred Corn - Loki.
0.0.1 MBK - Apollo.
1.1.0 Cats - Moggy and Pretty Girl.
0.0.1 Royal Python - Odin R.I.P 20/6/10.
Wishlist = Pied Sided Bloodred, Anery Stripe, Coral Stripe, Bloodred, Green Blotched Snow,
Strawberry Snow Stripe.
Location = Chatham, Kent. |
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Fal
Hatchling
United Kingdom
245 Posts |
Posted - 21/05/2010 : 20:49:55
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A friend of mine from work knows someone who unfortunately lost their baby due to salmonella (they had an Iguana), which is sooo awful, but she said it had been down to them not washing their hands after handling the lizard which is so tragic.
What about during preganancy? I heard on another forum, that a couple had given their bearded dragons away because she became pregnant? Anyone here had reps whilst pregnant before? I imagine you just take care and wash your hands as you do anyway? |
Corn Snake - Bella. Bearded Dragon - Draco. Leopard Gecko - Mojo. Cat - Neo. In our family we also have: Cali King Snake, Spiny Flower Mantis (RIP), African Lined Mantis (RIP), Ghost Mantis (RIP), four Hermit Crabs, a Budgy and a Dog - Mystie... oh and a YAMAHA YZF-R1 but she's feeling a bit neglected at the moment :( |
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Sta~ple
qeeun speler
United Kingdom
6129 Posts |
Posted - 21/05/2010 : 21:54:13
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Ohhh this should become it's own topic now! *rubs hands* sorry if I offend anyone but think unless you either have a poor immune system or your just a person that hasn't got good hygiene habits then your unlike to catch it.
I didn't think salmonella was such high risk O.o; I mean I knew you could get it but it was explained to me on how you got it was if your animals were kept in dirty conditions and you somehow ate their poo and quite a large amount of it. Of course, the smaller the being, the less is needed probably to become harmful. Salmonella is thought to be present in all homes so it's really the levels of it and how good your immune system is that will get you but if you have a clean house and you have good hygine habits I don't see the problem. Heck, you could even get salmonella from changing a kids nappy and you not washing your hands afterwards and then you decide to have a sammich.
http://exoticpets.about.com/od/healthandsafetyissues/qt/salmonella.htm
I think reading some of the stuff there about reptiles and salmonella some of it stuff that people should do anyway to promote good hygine but others such as changing your clothes seems a bit dumb unless the snake has pooed on it. It also says reptiles should't be kept around children who are under 5 :/ That's kinda like saying now raw meat should't be kept inside a house with a young child as that can carry all sorts of nasty diseases.
I have heard of many people giving away their animals because they are pregnant which is sad. I think it is because they are scared of the the circumstances you've just told us of what happened to your friend of a friends. Personally, if I have ever children/become pregnant I could never give my animals away, I bought them, I love them and I am committed to them. I'll wash my hands before and after handling definitely then and I'm not doing to dangle the snake onto the baby like I have seen in some photo's :/I wouldn't let a child touch my snakes until they were maybe about 4/5. To be honest though, I like reptiles or almost any animals more than children so... XD You can get salmonella from pet birds or any birds of that matter. A child could possibly get salmonella from chasing a flock of pigeons in town yet no-one stops them :s
At the end of the day with any pet and children or even adults, any pet can carry something that someone could die from, even fleas van kill people, just imagine all the harmful bacteria on a cat that goes wandering god knows where, licks it's body everywhere and then people and children are allowed to pick it up and stroke it and even kiss the thing and don't really think about washing their hands after.
Edit: And yes this rant has come from someone who exchanges Eskimo kisses from a snake so many I need to check my hygiene >>; I apologize also if it seemed off topic but it does relate to the original topic about children handling snakes and the health risks associated with it >>; I just got a bit carried away ^^;
I don't think I would let small children that don't belong to me touch my snakes incase the child caught a disease that my snakes could be blamed of causing or incase for what ever reason, the snake bit the child, I would not want to be responsible for that. Plus as well, the snake might react in a way to a child which may freak it out in which the snake would be harmed and wouldn't want that as it would mean I would have to beat up the little kid for hurting my snakes >>; |
A very special super, duper thanks for K :3 |
Edited by - Sta~ple on 21/05/2010 22:43:03 |
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n/a
deleted
445 Posts |
Posted - 21/05/2010 : 22:09:51
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| In response to the thread title, ignoring all the off topicness... Nope, i do not let children handle my snakes. If you are under 18 you have no chance of touching them, and even older than that you have little chance. :D |
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n/a
deleted
35 Posts |
Posted - 21/05/2010 : 23:15:59
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| as soon as my 16mth old son is older and i know for sure he wont try and squeeze the snake i will let him hold and touch it same goes for my 3mth old daughter |
your actions are pointless unless some else notices |
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gingerpony
Queen Bee
United Kingdom
10455 Posts |
Posted - 23/05/2010 : 09:04:23
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quote:
Originally posted by Blackecho
Yes, mine have been handling them since they were old enough to understand not to go near the head or the tail, so about 2 years old.
my daughter has handled most of my snakes, under supervision, since she was old enough to understand what 'don't squeeze it' meant lol the only exceptions being my big Dumerils who is approaching 6ft and 4kg and any stressy snakes with feeding issues that i rarely handle myself
quote:
Originally posted by SexyBear77
I'm not a big believer in fastidious hygeine when it comes to bugs etc. The more you try and protect yourself from the nasties out there, the more likely it is that you will end up ill, because your immune system isn't equipped to handle it.
I think your vet was being a bit ott!
totally agree with you SB! |
cornsnakes, ratsnakes, bullsnakes, boas and day geckos
Location:Leeds/York/Selby area |
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reptiledanny
Sub Adult
United Kingdom
1809 Posts |
Posted - 23/05/2010 : 18:27:53
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quote:
Originally posted by gingerpony
[brquote:
Originally posted by SexyBear77
I'm not a big believer in fastidious hygeine when it comes to bugs etc. The more you try and protect yourself from the nasties out there, the more likely it is that you will end up ill, because your immune system isn't equipped to handle it.
I think your vet was being a bit ott!
totally agree with you SB!
i agree as well. i do sometimes clean my hands after handling monty but not always. i kiss his body aswell.
i now this sounds desgusting but i share lolly pops with my dog, they have cleaner tongues than us |
1.1 royal pythons 0.1 hog island boa 1.0 corn snake
sig made by stapey |
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Fal
Hatchling
United Kingdom
245 Posts |
Posted - 23/05/2010 : 23:25:09
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| Fair points Staple!!! As for dogs tongues danny, not sure about that, since they eat poop and dog poop can and does cause blindness, but each to their own :) |
Corn Snake - Bella. Bearded Dragon - Draco. Leopard Gecko - Mojo. Cat - Neo. In our family we also have: Cali King Snake, Spiny Flower Mantis (RIP), African Lined Mantis (RIP), Ghost Mantis (RIP), four Hermit Crabs, a Budgy and a Dog - Mystie... oh and a YAMAHA YZF-R1 but she's feeling a bit neglected at the moment :( |
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n/a
deleted
22 Posts |
Posted - 24/05/2010 : 12:40:23
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| I let my kids handle the snake - it's my eldest's snake after all. My eldest is nearly 8 and she's really very sensible with it but I'm always nearby to keep an eye on things. The other two are 6 and 5 and are good with it too but have to watch that they don't move too quickly when it tickles their arm or something. My youngest is only 2 so he's only allowed to 'stroke' it. lol I think it's really important for kids to be taught how to treat animals from a young age. Our house is a bit like a zoo! |
Living in a zoo with 2 cats, a dog, a budgie, 4 chickens, 3 rabbits, 100+ giant african land snails, 4 foot tank full of fish and pond snails and our latest addition of a snake - not to mention the hubby and four kids! |
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do you let your kids handle your snake?
