At Behavior Education, we emphasize respect, trust, agency, and autonomy in all animal interactions. My approach to snake handling is grounded in these principles, focusing on choice and context to ensure low-stress, positive experiences for both the handler and the animal.
Why Choice Matters
When it comes to handling my snakes, I rarely force interaction. If a snake is in its hide or within its habitat, I respect its space, leaving it undisturbed. This philosophy is much like the respect we expect in our own homes—no one intrudes unless there’s an emergency. Similarly, if a snake chooses not to engage with me or its external environment, we don’t force interaction unless it’s necessary, like during a medical emergency or other exigent circumstances.
However, if a snake like my Super Dwarf Reticulated Python, Tau Ceti (TC), comes to the door of its enclosure or shows interest in exploring, I allow interaction—on their terms. When a snake voluntarily engages with me, I might briefly touch or handle it, but always without restraint or forcing it to stay. They’re free to move about and continue exploring.
This kind of interaction is based on trust. Over time, my snakes have learned that their autonomy is respected, fostering a willingness to explore and engage more because they know they are not forced into anything they don’t want.
Respecting Boundaries and Applying Context
Just as we expect our privacy to be respected at home, my snakes have that same expectation. But, when they choose to come out and engage with the external environment, much like stepping outside our homes into the world, they understand there are certain conditions. For us, that might mean following traffic laws or adhering to social norms. For the snake, it means brief handling or touch may occur, and they might be picked up and moved—but always with respect for their autonomy. We sacrifice some of our personal freedom and autonomy to engage with society and our snakes learn that they may not have the same level of choice when outside of their habitats as they do within their private space.
This context-based approach reinforces the idea that while some expectations come into play when venturing out, those interactions are non-intrusive, temporary, and minimal.
The Importance of Voluntary Interaction
The choice-based handling I practice stems from evidence based best practices supported by behavior and welfare science. Research has shown that predictability and choice play a crucial role in the wellbeing of captive animals. For example, Bassett and Buchanan-Smith (2007) highlight that animals benefit from having control over their environment. Similarly, Brando and Norman (2023) discuss how voluntary interactions are key to modern, ethical handling practices in zoos.
At Behavior Education, we apply these principles to all species we work with, from snakes to dogs and horses. By fostering environments where animals have agency, perceived and actual control over their interactions, we help reduce stress and create more positive, cooperative experiences.
When Handling Is Necessary
There are times when handling is required, such as during an emergency or a visit to the vet. In these cases, I still strive to make the experience as low-stress as possible, using tools and techniques based on operant conditioning and gradual desensitization, as described by Hellmuth et al. (2012) in their work with reptiles.
Beyond emergencies, I don't handle my snakes for show or because I simply want to hold them. Desiring to hold your snake or to show them off to your friends is not an emergency, it is not necessary, it is selfish. If the snake is awake and active and chooses to engage with people, that is their choice. Handling is a collaboration between me and the snake, where they have the option to engage or retreat. This respect for their autonomy is what builds trust and makes our interactions more meaningful.
Case Study: Tau Ceti (TC)
Let me give you a real-life example. TC, my Super Dwarf Reticulated Python from Reach Out Reptiles, is a five-year-old Kalatoa locality Reticulated Python. When TC chooses to come out of his enclosure, he knows that interaction may happen. Recently, as I was doing laundry, TC climbed onto me voluntarily. This is a perfect example of when handling occurs—when the snake chooses the interaction. Even then, I allow TC to move freely without forcing him to stay, giving him the autonomy to engage on his terms.
This practice and the benefits of cooperative care are one of the focuses in my co-authored paper on using classical and operant conditioning to train shifting behaviors in false water cobras (Hydrodynastes gigas). Our team demonstrated that when animals are given choice and control over their care and training environment, they exhibit lower stress levels and higher engagement (Williams et al., 2022).
Conclusion
Choice-based and context-based handling isn’t just about reducing stress—it’s about fostering trust, promoting autonomy, and building lasting, respectful relationships with animals. Whether you’re working with snakes, dogs, or horses, the principles of respect and cooperation are essential.
If you want to learn more or ask any questions, feel free to reach out through my website at www.BehaviorEducation.org, or visit my Patreon for more in-depth content and discussions. And remember, always be kind and love your animals!
References:
Bassett, L., & Buchanan-Smith, H. M. (2007). Effects of predictability on the welfare of captive animals. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 102(3-4), 223-245.
Brando, S., & Norman, M. (2023). Handling and training of wild animals: evidence and ethics-based approaches and best practices in the modern zoo. Animals, 13(14), 2247.
Carroll, S. L., Sykes, B. W., & Mills, P. C. (2022). Moving toward fear-free husbandry and veterinary care for horses. Animals, 12(21), 2907.
Hellmuth, H., Augustine, L., Watkins, B., & Hope, K. (2012). Using operant conditioning and desensitization to facilitate veterinary care with captive reptiles. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Exotic Animal Practice, 15(3), 425-443.
Leotti, L. A., Iyengar, S. S., & Ochsner, K. N. (2010). Born to choose: The origins and value of the need for control. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 14(10), 457-463.
Williams, M. L., Torrini, L. A., Nolan, E. J., & Loughman, Z. J. (2022). Using classical and operant conditioning to train a shifting behavior in juvenile false water cobras (Hydrodynastes gigas). Animals, 12(10), 1229.
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