If I'd been into snakes when I was at Uni I would have had no problems getting hold of measuring instruments, the lab stores sold all sorts of useful stuff that I could use now for both snakes and fish. Although a Gilson pippette may have been an overkill I think I probably would have got hold of one just because I could.
Now I need to find someone who is studying a proper subject, most of the students I know are doing silly B.A. degrees and not a proper B.Sc. I shall have to ask around and try to get hold of some syringes.