Home | Frequently asked questions

When and what do the snakes eat?

The large snakes are fed once a fortnight and the smaller ones feed weekly. Depending on the animals size and preferences they feed on mice and rats (of varying size and quantity), chicks and rabbits. We always ensure we work the snakes with empty bellies not only to prevent the risk of them passing faeces at a bad moment but also because snakes get an upset tummy and can get grumpy if they are handled or travel with a full stomach! (Imagine being asked to go to the gym right after a huge meal). They usually lose their appetite when working too. 

Do they bite?

The only reason a snake will bite is if they are scared, annoyed or mistake you for food (i.e. ratty smells or sudden movements). These snakes have been carefully selected for their placid nature and trained to become accustomed to handling, large crowds, activity, and cameras, and routinely work in schools with children as young as 3 and 4 years old. 

How do you train a snake?

Lots of gentle, patient handling so they learn there’s nothing to be afraid of, then build up their confidence by introducing them to new places and experiences- socialising them, starting with small groups at home and low key jobs, building up and monitoring their behaviour carefully so they progress at a pace they are comfortable with. If something stresses them out we go back a step and work on that area until they are happy with it, or remove it from their work repertoire. 

How can you tell if they are stressed/unhappy?

Lots of subtle behavioural signals including overall body language such as becoming tense, making sudden movements or getting “jittery” just like a person or pet dog. Some snakes vocalise too, and will hiss or huff to let us know they’ve had enough, though they are all individuals and Misha in particular is very vocal, even when not angry, and some large snakes will huff if they’re heaving their body because it’s a big effort, just like you hauling yourself off the sofa after a Sunday roast. Our larger snakes have also developed a very clever way of asking to be given a break by going floppy! Tabitha in particular has worked out that if she relaxes her body entirely she becomes a dead weight and is very difficult to handle so this is a subtle, non aggressive way for her to let us know she needs a rest! We allow the snakes to have a 15-30 minute break from a job whenever they ask for it, which is usually after the first 45mins to an hour. This often coincides with the handler needing a break too! 

Do snakes like being handled?

Each snake is an individual, and just like people, some like cuddles and some don’t. Different species have typical temperaments too, some being naturally more placid or active than others. Snakes can learn to enjoy being handled because if their handler is warm, they can make use of their body heat to gain some energy and comfort, and being out and about is a good chance for them to explore, take in new smells and generally get a bit of interest in their lives. So some seem to enjoy it, most don’t mind it and only some don’t like it, or are of a risky temperament and so for their welfare, those individuals are not expected to work live events, if at all. One of our snakes Wotan is difficult to handle and prone to throwing temper tantrums (due to a combination of his species-typical temperament and also personal character) so is only hired for photography and studio work. 
 

Do they know you?

A tricky question! They are most certainly capable of recognising individuals based on their scent, but a snake’s level of relaxation is usually based on the technique with which it is handled and how relaxed its handler is, rather than who they are. Snakes are very receptive to sudden movements, heat levels, heartbeat rate etc, and so if you are tense they can become tense. Most of our snakes are routinely paired with the same hander to allow the handlers to develop relationships and get to know the individuals better as each require their own handling techniques. In a live event situation it is very possible that a snake will prefer to be with its handler than a stranger due to their familiarity and the knowledge that when with that familiar person nothing bad happens to them, whereas with a stranger, they don’t yet know if the experience with be bad or not. Tabitha definitely demonstrates personal preference and has learned routines involved in teaching school groups too, crawling over a circle of children’s laps then returning to her handler Grace, wrapping around her and staying there until pointed in the direction of her carry case, upon which she will voluntarily crawl inside and settle there. 

Are you Insured?

We are fully insured for liability up to five million pounds. For more information and a copy of our insurance certificate please see our health and safety page

How do they travel?

Each snake has their own bag and carrier. This is comprised of a pillowcase or duvet cover (being in a dark, enclosed space relaxes them) which is then tied and placed inside a canvas holdall or rigid box or basket for protection and easy carrying. They also travel with a hot water bottle to keep them warm and cosy (as being cold blooded can become poorly if they get too cold- while working they can make use of their handlers body heat). 

How often do they shed their skin? They shed to aid growth and repair. As babies they are growing quickly so shed very frequently until they hit about 3 or 4 years of age then they slow down. Our big 4 shed roughly every 3-4 months.

How far will we travel? 

Tabitha will happily travel anywhere in the UK! We are a small independent company based on the Cambridge. Travel charges are inclusive within a 15 mile radius of our base (CB1 postal code). Distances further afield will be charged per mile to cover travel costs.