Biting Snake

Originally Posted by Dreamsnake

When I was first transferring Balthazar into his repaired viv he shot out and got some snake air. My husband started scrambling around on the counter looking for him, while I play hot potato as the snake sprang from one hand to the other. As soon as he felt my hand close around his body he relaxed. I think he was always grasped and was unnerved by a gentle hand. He is the only snake I'll hand to my oldest son or my nephew and turn away. Some snakes do like a firm hand I guess.

Not suggesting you grab Ophelia to try and tame her that way, I just like like telling this story.

Hmm. Maybe treating her like my other snakes is what is getting me into trouble.

My snakes that I raised from babies are used to the way I act.

I guess me and Ophelia have to get used to each other.

I got bit by an aduly corn (not my own, i was helping photograph her) a few days ago. She got my finger.

I laughed. It didn't hurt, and i didn't notice it bleeding until I smeared it onto my camera. I think it was because i didn't wash my hands well enough after feeding my snake.

I'm kinda glad it happened, it cured my lingering fear of being bitten. Now I've been bitten and feel much braver.

Every snake is different. Ophelia may not have much interaction time with humans, or she had bad experiences. You have far more snakes then I do, I'm sure there is next to nothing I can possibly teach you. Once she's figured you out her reptilian brain will learn your scent is nothing to fear.

Originally Posted by Kimblee

I got bit by an aduly corn (not my own, i was helping photograph her) a few days ago. She got my finger.

I laughed. It didn't hurt, and i didn't notice it bleeding until I smeared it onto my camera. I think it was because i didn't wash my hands well enough after feeding my snake.

I'm kinda glad it happened, it cured my lingering fear of being bitten. Now I've been bitten and feel much braver.

Isn't it strange how little you can feel it?
I expected more.

The poor little snakes don't have much of a defense, do they?

Originally Posted by Dreamsnake

Every snake is different. Ophelia may not have much interaction time with humans, or she had bad experiences. You have far more snakes then I do, I'm sure there is next to nothing I can possibly teach you. Once she's figured you out her reptilian brain will learn your scent is nothing to fear.

I'm thinking that she hasn't had lots of one-on-one interaction. Not to mention that she just came out of brumation.

I'm hoping that she decides to tolerate me soon- but even if she doesn't I don't mind too much. She is a beautiful snake and she has a home among my collection.
(There are lots of fancy morphs, but I think that the classics are beautiful!! Not to mention that she is het hypo, lav, and poss het stripe!)

Here are two pics of her in a defensive pose. You can see her cereal box hides off to the side. She seems to like those.

Here are some pics of my bite on my arm.
You couldn't even see the bite on my face.

I love how you can see how wide her jaw can open!!

My daughters snake looks exactly like that. We have two corns and hers has bitten me twice now. They are 2 or 3 not sure. We have had them since they were a couple of months. The first time it hit its tail on the tank when I was picking it up to feed it. The second time was yesterday when I picked it up to feed it again. I jumped back but after it bit me I picked it up and it seemed to calm down. How often should I handle them? Will handling them more make them less nervous about being held?

I just worry because my kids are 5 7 and 9 and I don't want them to get bitten and scared of them.
My snake is a pinkish white colour and seems calm.
I feed them once every week - week ½

Thanks for the feedback.

I find the bite to itch a bit.
Still does the next day.

Originally Posted by ncaissie

My daughters snake looks exactly like that. We have two corns and hers has bitten me twice now. They are 2 or 3 not sure. We have had them since they were a couple of months. The first time it hit its tail on the tank when I was picking it up to feed it. The second time was yesterday when I picked it up to feed it again. I jumped back but after it bit me I picked it up and it seemed to calm down. How often should I handle them? Will handling them more make them less nervous about being held?

I just worry because my kids are 5 7 and 9 and I don't want them to get bitten and scared of them.
My snake is a pinkish white colour and seems calm.
I feed them once every week - week ½

Thanks for the feedback.

Snakes are a lot more defensive when they are in their tanks.

Once you pick them up, they are a lot less likely to bite.

Yes, regular handling will get them to calm down- It has worked on some of my younger snakes.

Also, you might be surprised at how little your children mind getting bit. As long as you are calm about it, your children may take it calmly.

WOW Look at that attitude. She is beautiful though. If you play connect the dots on your arm it would look like Mr Peanut complete with 2 little eyes.