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→Physical restraint
[[Image:snakeheadhold.jpg|200px|thumb|right|'''Restraint of a [[Royal Python|Royal python]]''' © RVC]]
[[Image:snakeheadhold.jpg|200px|thumb|right|'''Restraint of a [[Royal Python|Royal python]]''' © RVC]]
==Physical restraint==
==Physical restraint==
Physical or [[Lizard and Snake Anaesthesia|chemical restraint]] of snakes is frequently required in order to follow safe protocols for a [[Snake Physical Examination|physical examination]]. The best method for transport of non-venomous and non-aggressive species is simply a cotton bag into which snakes will often retreat voluntarily. Prior to handling any snake it is important to establish the species otherwise dangerous snakes may be inadvertently handled without due care. Ideally snakes should be handled minimally. Hypothermia is not a method of restraint. The oculovasal reflex is not seen in snakes. When handling a snake for the first time it is safest to grasp just behind a [[:Category:Snake Anatomy|snake’s head]] before lifting the rest of the body.
Physical or [[Lizard and Snake Anaesthesia|chemical restraint]] of snakes is frequently required in order to follow safe protocols for a [[Snake Physical Examination|physical examination]]. The best method for transport of non-venomous and non-aggressive species is simply a cotton bag into which snakes will often retreat voluntarily. Prior to handling any snake, it is important to establish the species or else a dangerous snakes may be inadvertently handled without due care. Ideally snakes should be handled minimally. Hypothermia is not a method of restraint. The oculovasal reflex is not seen in snakes. When handling a snake for the first time, it is safest to grasp just behind a [[:Category:Snake Anatomy|snake’s head]] before lifting the rest of the body.
*Be gentle when handling any snakes.
*Be gentle when handling any snakes.
*[[:Category:Snake Species|Some species]] must be handled with care, even though they are nonvenomous, since they can be very aggressive. These include reticulated pythons and anacondas.
*[[:Category:Snake Species|Some species]] must be handled with care, even though they are non-venomous, since they can be very aggressive. These include reticulated pythons and anacondas.
*Large snakes, such as [[Burmese Python|Burmese pythons]], should not be handled by one person alone in case of accident.
*Large snakes, such as [[Burmese Python|Burmese pythons]], should not be handled by one person alone in case of an accident.
*Some snakes may defecate during manual restraint so it is advisable for the [[Vent|vent]] and lower part of the body to be kept in a bag (e.g. pillow case).
*Some snakes may defecate during manual restraint so it is advisable for the [[Vent|vent]] and lower part of the body to be kept in a bag (e.g. pillow case).
===Handling===
===Handling===
Non-venomous snakes should be physically restrained by holding the head at the quadrate/mandible level and supporting the body of the snake. For every three to four feet of snake body, an extra handler should be positioned to support the spine. A snake should never be handled by being placed around the neck of a human. The behaviour of the animal should be observed from a distance prior to grasping. Large constrictors should only be handled when there are two people present. They are extremely powerful and a single handler is in danger of injury and even death. There may also be legal considerations regarding the possession of dangerous animals so ascertain that these are fulfilled.
====One-handed technique restraint====
====One-handed technique restraint====
Most pet snakes are accustomed to some handling so in many instances restraint can be minimal. While the snake is allowed to grip a wrist and forearm, the hand restrains the snake's head at the base of the skull. The other hand is then free.
Most pet snakes are accustomed to some handling so in many instances restraint can be minimal. While the snake is allowed to grip a wrist and forearm, the hand restrains the snake's head at the base of the skull. The other hand is then free.
====Two-handed technique restraint====
====Two-handed technique restraint====
A snake needs to be supported at a minimum of two points on the body. One person can hold the body and move with the snake as it moves. A second person uses minimal pressure to control the head.
A snake needs to be supported at a minimum of two points on the body. One person can hold the body and move with the snake as it moves. A second person uses minimal pressure to control the head.
==Transportation==
==Transportation==
Aggressive snakes should be restrained before they are removed from their transportation bag. This is achieved by holding the head behind the occiput using the thumb and middle finger, while the index finger is placed on top of the head. The larger pythons and anacondas can exceed 6m in length and 150kg in weight and are powerful and potentially dangerous. For these animals, a second or even third handler will be required to support the body during the examination. It is usually safer and more convenient to sedate a large pugnacious snake than to struffle on and risk injury to the snake, client or staff.
Aggressive snakes should be restrained before they are removed from their transportation bag. This is achieved by holding the head behind the occiput using the thumb and middle finger, while the index finger is placed on top of the head. The larger pythons and anacondas can exceed 6m in length and 150kg in weight and are powerful and potentially dangerous. For these animals, a second or even third handler will be required to support the body during the examination. It is usually safer and more convenient to sedate a large pugnacious snake than to struffle on and risk injury to the snake, client or staff.