17ft Jampea Retic

[lady_bug87]

Originally Posted by millertime89

The way you *should* handle hots is different from the way you *should* handle giants. Apples to oranges. On one hand, you've got an animal, typically smaller or more slender bodied that can be controlled with a hook while maintaining control of the tail to keep the dangerous end as far from you as possible. I want to see the same control techniques used on the big burms and retics, and I'm not talking the 8-10ft snakes, I want to see someone hook and tail a 16 footer.

I would have to humbly disagree. Though you're right it takes a much different skill set to handle each I think its much more like comparing granny smith to red delicious. Both can hurt you, both could send you to the hospital and both deserve respect. The difference is one could kill you easier than the other.

Other than that I think you misunderstood what I meant, I was not comparing the skill level it takes to work with each I was comparing the amount of attention needed to work successfully with each which I believe should be the same no matter if its an 17ft retic or a 4ft pit viper.

Originally Posted by JK Reptiles

Hey everyone, I am the guy in the hat holding the big Jampea around my neck, you guys know, the one that isnt that smart about it. A little bit of info guys, I have been dealing with retics for the last 13 years and have never even had an incident where an animal came close to choking me. Its all in how you direct there heads and body, and as long as their tail is anchored, they are not going to choke a person out.

Kyle, good luck getting facial hair like mine man. If I could you give you some of mine, I would, mine grows out of control!

I have a lot of respect for someone who keeps these impressive animals. This (in my mind) is a friendly debate that I enjoy having because I find the answers on both sides extremely interesting. I don't necessarily disagree with certified and trained owners like yourself working with these animals. I do however have a compulsive need to question. I asked Kyle the difference in holding positions and received an answer which was in my mind unacceptable.

I asked for clarification and he showed me the second picture of Travis and this had me thinking: if this is how its supposed to be done then why don't I see it more often? He explained his reasoning but I am frustratingly tenacious and like I said I find it interesting.

I would love to talk with you about working with giants and if you find this agreeable please feel free to PM me so we don't muddy-up this thread.

[millertime89]

Originally Posted by lady_bug87

I would have to humbly disagree. Though you're right it takes a much different skill set to handle each I think its much more like comparing granny smith to red delicious. Both can hurt you, both could send you to the hospital and both deserve respect. The difference is one could kill you easier than the other.

Other than that I think you misunderstood what I meant, I was not comparing the skill level it takes to work with each I was comparing the amount of attention needed to work successfully with each which I believe should be the same no matter if its an 17ft retic or a 4ft pit viper.

Nobody is claiming that you shouldn't pay attention while holding and working with these animals, not by a long shot. They are to be respected at all times, like anything potentially dangerous.

Originally Posted by lady_bug87

I have a lot of respect for someone who keeps these impressive animals. This (in my mind) is a friendly debate that I enjoy having because I find the answers on both sides extremely interesting. I don't necessarily disagree with certified and trained owners like yourself working with these animals. I do however have a compulsive need to question. I asked Kyle the difference in holding positions and received an answer which was in my mind unacceptable.

I asked for clarification and he showed me the second picture of Travis and this had me thinking: if this is how its supposed to be done then why don't I see it more often? He explained his reasoning but I am frustratingly tenacious and like I said I find it interesting.

Like I said, I wish this thread would be split off because it has taken a direction that was unintended. I'm just sharing pictures now to demonstrate that yes, this is how many people with years of experience working with these animals hold them when taking photos while holding them.

Thanks for popping in Joe.

Here's another picture, big African Rock that used to belong to a friend of mine. This I feel is unsafe, but again, knowing the snake and having a 2nd or 3rd person nearby to assist is crucial.