Child party entertainers - either snakes or other animals?

[Koumak]

Hi, my son missed out on a party last year due to moving house and although we never had a big party for him we always made a fuss (like taking a few of his friends to cinema now he is bigger etc.) but last year failed to do anything.
He is turning 8 in January and I was thinking of having something at home, just a few of his closest friends in our very tiny front room...
He is crazy about snakes at the moment but any creepy crawlies would do to. Other that he would love a German Shepherd as a best friend but doubt people let you borrow one for day! lol
Anyone out here who used an animal party entertainer before, someone you would recommend? You know the kind that come to your house, let the kids stroke the animals and tells them a bit about them?
Any tips please? Thank you.

[stealthsquiggle]

I have seen some really good (and some not so good) ones, but it really depends where you as they mostly charge quite high travel costs.

[Koumak]

i am in north london, do you know any that you would recommend so i could start ringing around? thanks

[Khaterine]

I believe that a music doll or plush toy is always loved by children. Also you can think about a drawing kit or various games like Monopoly, Darts, Rummy.

[Khaterine]

You can try searching on www.snakesalive.co.uk . A week ago I was at a friend's birthday boy, but there weren?t snakes, only clowns and magicians. They are recommended as sensitive to the needs of their audience and the presentations are adjusted to ensure that even the most nervous of viewers feel comfortable. Good luck!!

[HipHopOpotomus]

you have to be careful re handling reptiles as they can carry lots of nasties - salmonella etc on skin. just make sure the kids all wash hands etc properly after handling the animals and before eating. sounds like a great party.

[TheMoreItSnows]

Have seen these guys in our local town on a 'festivity' type day, my daughter is still talking about when she can book them.

They had tables of mice, loads of guinea pigs, a tarantula or two, bearded dragons, an owl, a parrot, a snake of some description (a big squeezy one that wrapped itself around my daughter), a porcupine - I could go on.

Not sure if they'd come as far as you - worth trying though.... //www.animalmagic.co.uk

[Koumak]

thank you for your tips, I am going to investigate now