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Snakes outside?

Eponine

Eponine

New member
I was wondering, what are people's thoughts on taking snakes outside? I have heard of some people letting them hang out in the grass or on trees and that seems like awesomeness but I don't know all about it... Thoughts here?
 
I take mine outside once they are nearly adults, or as adults. I DO NOT put them on the ground though. I always have my hands on them. The one time I put one of my corns on the ground, I was very lucky to catch it again before it went got into another yard. Trees, flowers, and ornaments that the snakes have to hold on to are a different story, I've never had mine try getting away from those. BUT my boa gets very upset if I let him get into a tree and try to take him out.
 
Mine hates being put on the ground if he's outside, he tries to climb up my leg and generally acts very scared. I can put him on the porch railing or walk around with him and he's fine though.
 
If the weather is nice, I like to take my snakes outside. You'll definitely want to keep them within arm's reach - I never walk away from my snakes. Mine love to burrow down into the grass, so I usually keep a hand on them to keep them getting away from me.

You'll also just want to be aware of any possible pesticides or poisons, so I would only let them go in an area where you know it will be safe for them. And watch for bugs, too.

It has inherent risks, but I enjoy it, and I think if snakes were capable of feelings, they would too.
 
I take mine outside. I just had 2 out today for pictures. I have a kid helper with me and they are always ready to grab the snake if it is ready to flee, but I am in an area where they can't just fly down a hole or under the deck or something. If I am holding any of them, I will walk outside if I want to but I only set them down to take a picture.

I wouldn't just let them hang outside in the grass - not at the sizes mine are.
 
Living in an apartment, I worry about pesticides and herbicides that have been put down, so I won't put my snake on the ground (can't wait to live in a house....!). I would never worry about her getting away from me, though. She's active but never goes anywhere too quickly.

But she does get very alert and interested in all the smells if I carry her outside for some fresh air. It's good enrichment, I think. Being outdoors is good for getting nice natural light for pictures. :)
 
I sometimes take Floyd out onto the porch for some fresh air but never for long yet because he is just a hatchling and though so far very calm when being held I don't like going too far from the viv in case he tries to make a run for it. He does seem to get extra interested and curious though when out in the fresh air, so I too think he "enjoys" it.
 
Aside from general fear of chemicals or escape, I also worry about pesky, nosy neighbors. You may not care what they think, but if they freak out, or think that snakes are the spawn of Satan himself, you might have some awkward moments ahead.

If you do let them climb, make sure you can reach the top of the tree (or whatever), because you can sure bet they will!
 
captainjack0000 said:
Aside from general fear of chemicals or escape, I also worry about pesky, nosy neighbors. You may not care what they think, but if they freak out, or think that snakes are the spawn of Satan himself, you might have some awkward moments ahead.
Click to expand...

But that is the best part!
Our neighbors cut down our bushes last year so they could see into the yard. Well, they also were terrified of snakes.
I made a point to bring the snakes out every day.
The bushes grew back this year!
 
AliCat37 said:
But that is the best part!
Our neighbors cut down our bushes last year so they could see into the yard. Well, they also were terrified of snakes.
I made a point to bring the snakes out every day.
The bushes grew back this year!
Click to expand...

:laugh01::cheers:
 
Things to worry about when taking snakes outside: hawks (stay very close if the snake is crawling freely on the ground), climbing out of reach in a tree (don't let the snake get out of your reach), falling to the ground and disappearing into overgrowth (only place the snake on the ground in a clear area where it can't burrow under leaves or crawl into dense foliage), contamination with pesticides, fertilizer, herbicides, etc. (don't set the snake down unless you know the vegetation has not been treated with anything), overheating (do not take the snake out if the temp is over 82F, do not place in direct sunlight if it's hot, do not place on a hot surface) and aquatic predators (do not place in water where a frog or fish could eat the snake before you can react).

Things not to worry about: snake mites (snake mites do not live out in your yard- they live on other snakes, and in other snakes' bedding. You'd pick them up at a pet shop or reptile show or on a new acquisition, not out in the wild), snake running away (cornsnakes cannot move fast enough to outrun a human).

Be very careful when transporting your snake in a car. Snakes can disappear in a flash inside a vehicle, or rapidly overheat if left in a car in warm weather. I recommend placing the snake in a deli cup or snake bag, and placing that in a locking plastic container (with air holes) like the feeding container, Sterilite, etc. You can then place that in a reuseable grocery bag and be able to carry the snake anywhere discretely, so you don't leave it in a hot or cold vehicle.
 
A few years ago a Hawk almost carried away my Kingsnake when I had him out by a pool. If I wasn't very close by he'd been Hawk lunch.
 
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