- Snake Hook
With the number of animals and species I work with, I have found snake hooks to be one of the most valuable tools in my snake room. Hook training all my animals has basically taken feeding responses out of the picture during normal maintenance. I also use hooks to open tubs when feeding so I get multiple uses out of them. I use and highly recommend Get Hooked hooks.
- Gloves
Nitrile gloves are a mainstay in my collection. They help keep things clean without me spending half of my time washing my hands during daily maintenance. I buy them by the case for my snake room and use them almost every time I interact with my collection.
- Utility Cart
One of the best “investments” I’ve made when it came to my snake room was my cart. My snake room isn’t big and definitely doesn’t need a cart but to have the option to have a movable platform to clean cages is invaluable when it comes to time management. If you don’t have one, seriously consider one.
- Bluetooth Speaker
Besides hands on experience, I have to credit my speaker for a lot of my knowledge. The number of podcasts out there on so many different species, the opportunity to gain knowledge through that avenue has to be taken. I also use it for music when I need a change of pace. My speaker definitely helps keep from going insane while cleaning or feeding so it isn’t done in silence.
- Disposable Cups for Water
One of my best decisions was to go to disposable cups for most of my tubs. I use two oz condiment cups for my hatchlings and sixteen oz deli cups for my animals in my ARS racks. I use them until they need to be changed then I recycle them. The time they save on washing water bowls is insane.
