FBH Code of practice for responsible keeping of large constrictors

There are many long-standing myths and exaggerated sizes quoted about some species of constricting snake. The reality is somewhat different. In fact, some forms of those species quoted at legendary sizes in reality can be fully grown at under 2 meters in length, hardly the man-eaters of popular fiction.

However, keeping any animal is a responsibility that should not be taken lightly. Large Constrictors are no exception and have certain husbandry requirements that must be met, due to their potential ultimate size.

We believe that responsible herpetoculture is the cornerstone of keeping all reptiles and amphibians in captivity. With a minimum of common sense and by adopting the recommendations made by this document, the small risks associated with the ownership of Large Constrictors are reduced to a negligible level.

This code of practice provides a basic framework for the responsible husbandry of Large Constrictors with regard to the animal, the keeper and the general public. We have not tried to define a Large Constrictor, due to the sheer number of dwarf morphs of some of the larger species that are widely available to the private keeper, but this code of practice may be used for any of the largest constricting snakes.

2. RESPONSIBILITY OF THE VENDOR (Breeders, Pet Shop Owners etc.)

2.1 Large Constrictors of any age should not be sold to minors.
2.2 Vendors should ensure that prospective purchasers of Large Constrictors of any age are aware of their potential ultimate size, lifespan and husbandry requirements.
2.3 Vendors should provide prospective purchasers with a copy of this code of practice and encourage them to familiarize themselves with it before any purchase is made.
2.4 Vendors should not sell a Large Constrictor of any age to someone that they have reason to believe cannot meet its basic husbandry requirements and keep it in a responsible fashion.

3. RESPONSIBILITY OF THE KEEPER

Before Purchase
3.1 Before acquiring a Large Constrictor of any age prospective purchasers are encouraged to familiarise themselves with this code of practice.

3.2 Before acquiring a Large Constrictor of any age a prospective owner should ensure that they are able to meet basic husbandry requirements throughout a potential lifespan in excess of 20 years. This includes potential housing requirements as well as the cost of food, heating, veterinary care and other expenses.

3.3 The purchase of a Large Constrictor of any age for ownership by a minor is not recommended without the consent of a parent who is willing to assume all responsibility for proper housing, maintenance and supervision when handling.

3.4 As with any other animals such as dogs, owners of Large Constrictors should consider that they can be liable for the medical costs of treating injuries as well as additional financial damages for traumas or damage caused by their animals to themselves or the general public including personal and material costs.

Veterinary Care

3.5 A keeper should identify a suitable veterinary surgeon (with expertise in the treatment of Large Constrictors) at the earliest opportunity, to ensure there is no delay in obtaining treatment, should a medical condition arise.

Housing

3.6 Large Constrictors should be housed in suitably sized secure accommodation that cannot be accidentally opened from the outside or by the occupants within.

3.7 Large room-sized enclosures should be modified to prevent snake escapes and with a door which should be kept shut or locked when not occupied by the owners with a sign to indicate what is contained in the room. We recommend ‘Large Snake Within’.

Handling

3.8 When handling a sub-adult or adult Large Constrictor it is recommended that another individual be at hand. The probability of any serious problem occurring when handling such snakes is very remote but it is recommended that herpetoculturists, out of responsibility to themselves, to family members and to other herpetoculturists, should handle Large Constrictors in a manner that significantly prevents the likelihood of any accident or incident or danger to the public.

3.9 A snake hook is useful for removing a Large Constrictor from an enclosure (such as to place it in another container whilst cleaning) and can be used to ‘stroke’ the snake before handling to help ensure that the snake knows food is not on offer, thereby avoiding a feeding response. (see section on feeding).

3.10 It is the right of the general public not to be exposed unexpectedly to snakes such as Large Constrictors and, it is recommended that snakes not be openly displayed in a public setting outside of proper and established forums for such practices such as herpetological shows, educational displays, pet stores and presentations, and other special displays whereby members of the public are forewarned that a snake(s) maybe displayed in the open.

3.11 As when handling any animal, proper hygiene should be observed. Anyone handling a Large Constrictor, or an item of food for the snake, should not eat, drink or smoke whilst doing so. Following a handling or enclosure maintenance session, hands should be cleaned with a suitable antiseptic agent. A keeper who has handled an item of food for the snake should wash their hands thoroughly before then handling a Large Constrictor. A suitable agent should also be used to bathe any minor cut or abrasion caused in the rare event of accidental bite.

Transporting

3.12 It is recommend that Large Constrictors be transported in a manner that precludes escape. Whilst there are several methods for achieving this the we recommend that they be transported in a cloth bag, free of holes or tears, sturdy enough to prevent escape but with a weave that allows adequate air flow. Care should be taken not to allow too much room in the bag; a snug fit is better and will stop the snake from becoming stressed and trying to escape. The bag should be sealed in a manner which prevents escape, placed inside a box or similar container which is marked as to its contents and sealed or locked shut. The box should have holes for aeration and be insulated from the elements (not too cold or too warm). An alternative is to ‘double bag’ the snake (place the original sealed bag into another bag, which is also then sealed). In this instance extra care must be taken to ensure adequate air flow.

3.13 Airlines should be consulted as to their requirements when shipping snakes by air (see IATA regulations). Additionally, this should be taken into consideration when transporting snakes by courier or other means of transport.

Feeding

3.14 Keepers should avoid conditioning a Large Constrictor to expect food whenever it detects a human presence, whether when the keeper opens the enclosure or is simply present in the same room. Regular handling and cleaning in between feeds will alleviate a conditioned feeding response.

3.15 Where possible the keeper should not allow the snake to snatch prey items when offered, but place them in the enclosure where they will be found. In the event that a more direct approach is needed this should be done using long forceps, never by hand. This method should also be used when removing an uneaten food item.

4. Further Information
This code of practice is not intended to be a complete care guide. We recommend that further source of information should be acquired.
We recommend for further reading you ask your local Herp supplier for suitable books and internet information sources or contact your local Herp Group. For details of FBH Affiliated Reptile and Amphibian Societies and Groups check www.f-b-h.co.uk.

5. Conclusion
Captive Large Constrictors have an extremely low behavioral propensity to constrict humans. There has never been a report of a serious incident in the UK, and of those that have been recorded (in the USA), the vast majority have involved irresponsible husbandry practices. Considering the tens of thousands of Large Constrictors kept in the UK, and considering the much more threatening dangers which are generally accepted as a normal part of every day life, the potential danger presented by Large Constrictors pales into insignificance.