Force-based vs. Choice-based Keeping

This class looks at how to recognize force-based keeping as opposed to choice-based keeping in regard to snakes. There is a large lack of general knowledge in the snake community with regards to behavior science and training and how these relate to snake species. I go over exactly what force vs. choice looks like on the continuum of care and keeping. Many people lean more towards force-based care and may not even realize it. It is important to realize that by keeping animals in captivity we are already using force and that there is a continuum of care methods and its not black and white, one or the other. Welfare science informs us that the more choice and control we give animals under human care the better welfare they experience, this is not debatable given our most current knowledge base. As keepers we should be striving towards the choice-based end of the keeping continuum; however, out of necessity we have to use the least intrusive most effective methods to provide care and this means different things for different situations and is based on the individual keeper, animal, training level, and circumstance.
AS EXAMPLES:
A snake who is trained to voluntarily exit their enclosure and cooperatively station for an injection should not be subjected to force and coercion. A snake who has not learned this behavior yet and who requires an injection for their health and welfare may have to be physically removed from their habitat and subjected to some degree of restraint. These are two ends of the force-choice continuum and as with everything there are levels of care in between these two extremes.
https://www.behavioreducation.org/
http://www.behaviorworks.org/
Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science

Resources: Zoo Animal Learning and Training (Wiley 2020), Reptelligence (Kish 2018), Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine & Surgery (Elsevier 2019), Assessing reptile welfare using behavioural criteria (Clifford Warwick, Phillip Arena, Samantha Lindley, Mike Jessop and Catrina Steedman 2013).