Now often should one handle?

I have a new corn snake, relatively young, though I can't really tell how long. She seems to be about a foot or so anyway. I was wondering if there was such a thing as handling a snake TO long? I get easily amused, and really love my new little friend, so I could hang out with her for quite some time. How much is to much?

*HOW not now oops

When they're younger they'll tend to be more jumpy and may not tolerate handling that much. Generally you don't want to handle 24-48 hrs after eating, but other than that, let the snake tell you when enough is enough. Some will tolerate it all day, some won't have any of it. But since yours is so small, I'd limit handling as they can be skittish.

I new to snakes and have had mine for just over a month, and she seems to love to be handled. She is only about 18 inches long and very placid, last week i tried to put her on the floor and she came straight back on to my hand.

smile_my_friends said:

I have a new corn snake, relatively young, though I can't really tell how long. She seems to be about a foot or so anyway. I was wondering if there was such a thing as handling a snake TO long? I get easily amused, and really love my new little friend, so I could hang out with her for quite some time. How much is to much?

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Some would say to let your snake have a period of adjustment before handling, that is after you get the snake (i couldnt wait very long). Yes after feeding i would let it be for 1-2 days, then if you time it right you can get them to poop outside their viv (less cleanup) on some paper or something. Other than that as long as your handling them with respect, they will let you know when enough is enough. Mine is very tolerant of holding, but when shes had enough she gets real ancy. Keep this in mind too, the more it gets used to you the better the relationship.

Good advice given so far. You definitely want to wait 48 hours after feeding. You may also want to check for waste products in that general time frame before handling. If mine are gotten out before their first elimination after a meal, they'll nearly always "take care of business." Not the worst experience of my life, but not the best thing for carpet or upholstery either!

If you pay attention to your pet, you'll know if s/he is stressed, or shedding, or would rather be left alone at the moment. Most corn snakes seem to enjoy being handled and exploring. I have a big, twisted stick that's a corn snake "playground." It's there for climbing on while out of the vivs, big enough for fun explorations, and small enough that I can hold it, prop it on the couch by me, or take it to another room.

Just like people, different snakes have different personalities. Most corns are pretty active, especially when they're juveniles. Some love to burrow, some would rather climb, some like your hair, some hate it. Have fun with your new friend; just stay aware of when your baby needs down time.

How long do people handle their snakes for? 5 min? 10 min? Once a day? Twice a day? How long and often for swimming?

At the mo, I handle my hatchlings/ yearlings once a day (excluding 'food digestion' days (2 days)) for 10 to 15 min (got a bit scared to handle them longer since I got pooed on). They're jumpy when taken out the tanks but calm down nearly soon after. How do I know when they want to 'go back home'? Sometimes when it's home time, they'll have a look/ sniff of their tank and try to climb else where. Does that mean they still want to play?

And...

I know some snakes are nocturnal... does that mean I'll have to wait for them to wake up before I handle them? Or is it just my corns who comes out at night...

Are all corns nocturnal? The books say they are. They're most active in nature at dusk and dawn, which classifies them as crepuscular. To wake or not to wake; excellent question (if a bad take-off on Hamlet). At home, I usually wait until mine wake up, which is generally in the late afternoon. One is usually active for a few hours in the morning. We don't really know the effect on animals of repeatedly disrupting their sleep for our convenience.

That said, do I wake mine up? Sure do. I'm a high school teacher and my snakes spend time in my classroom. From time to time I'll wake up a sleepyhead so the students can interact with him or her.

As far as how long to handle, unless the snake is demonstrating stress, you can handle it as long as you wish. Most corns are pretty active creatures, but some will settle down after a time so you can watch a movie with them. If worry about being pooped on is keeping you from handling your snake(s) as much as you'd like, consider using an old shirt, rug, or whatever as a "shield" whenever you have him/her out. It can protect your clothing and you can relax and enjoy your pet. (That's what we did with my daughter's guinea pig. It made everyone a lot happier.)

Good luck!

Caryl said:

...You may also want to check for waste products in that general time frame before handling. If mine are gotten out before their first elimination after a meal, they'll nearly always "take care of business." Not the worst experience of my life, but not the best thing for carpet or upholstery either!

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A further word of warning - when checking for waste products try to guess whether you're looking at the remains of a WHOLE mouse or not. I thought I had it sorted and got Rubes out after 48 hours and her first "elimination" for a little play and TWICE she dumped on me (Phase 2 follow-up dump).

For some snakes once may not be enough. :awcrap: