[Behavior] Hook Training?

[IGotHerps]

Hello. I was wondering if I should start hook training. I heard it's good for when you feed in the cage or rack but, wouldn't it be easier to feed in a separate container? I do this and I did it with my old RTB (had to sell her due to personal reasons) so.... I don't know what I should do....

[bcasilio]

Re: Hook Training?

Personally... I feed in the rack/cage. I prefer this over the extra stress of moving the snake after they eat.

I only use a hook with 1 of my boas that is a tad cage aggressive. I would only use the hook with ones that are more aggressive. I have some that have attitudes but still get the good ole hand.

Point being... I have 12 snakes at the moment. All 12 are fed in their enclosure/rack. Only 1 has to be removed from the cage with the hook...

[BigByrd47119]

Re: Hook Training?

I always hook train.

The only time I have ever been bit by any captive snake was when being moved to or from a seperate feeding cage. The only rtb I own right now isnt aggressive, but you can tell when you open her cage she is looking for food. A light tap on the body or head and she sort of "snaps out of it" which has proven extremely beneficial, especially at night when she is more amped up anyway (being noctural obviously). Its a clear form of communication for us and it has thus far prevented any mistakes from taking place.

At a year old Id rather not be bit by her, but when shes full grown, I def dont want to get tagged! Thus, hook training young.

[IGotHerps]

Re: Hook Training?

I always hook train.

How would I do this? Just tap him when I'm not feeding?

[bcr_229]

Re: Hook Training?

A light rub along the side or back is all that I use.

[IGotHerps]

Re: Hook Training?

Alright! Thank you!

[BigByrd47119]

Re: Hook Training?

Yep just a light rub until you see them change and stop the "hunting" mode. :-) Easy as pie!

[IGotHerps]

Re: Hook Training?

you see them change and stop the "hunting" mode

But, you don't notice this at first, correct?

[BigByrd47119]

Re: Hook Training?

But, you don't notice this at first, correct?

Personally and with the boa I have, yes, 99% of the time when I open the cage she is in hunt mode. Not all boas do it and not all do it as often as mine, but in my casd, yes.

Even if she was the opposite Id still hook train to prevent any potential missunderstandings now, and especially in the event she grows closer to 10 foot as an adult.

[IGotHerps]

Re: Hook Training?

Personally and with the boa I have, yes, 99% of the time when I open the cage she is in hunt mode. Not all boas do it and not all do it as often as mine, but in my casd, yes.

Even if she was the opposite Id still hook train to prevent any potential missunderstandings now, and especially in the event she grows closer to 10 foot as an adult.

Alright! Thanks! I'll def do this!

[Pandorasdad]

Re: Hook Training?

I use my hook to keep my boas' heads away when I'm doing something else in their cages. Even the calm ones. That way they know I'm not feeding them. I only pick up one of them with it, but he's hyper aggressive and would gladly eat my face.