Hi everyone. I am new to the forum, as well as new to snakes in general. I was always a big lizard person, but decided to get some snakes to add to my collection. Two weeks ago (as of yesterday), I bought two corn snakes (a hypomelanistic and a charcoal ghost) from Rich at a reptile show that went through Raleigh, NC. I have handled each of the snakes, and initially both of them were fine with me. I have found that the charcoal is starting to try and strike at me, and it also rattles its tail like a rattlesnake at me whenever I am near it. The hypo seems fine with me, but I do feel rather jumpy and less confident in my handling the snakes now, as I feel as though everytime I touch them, they may bite me. I hate feeling this way, as I like my snakes very much. I have not handled my charcoal since it tried to bite me, which was only a day or two after I purchased her. The snakes are male and female. Do any of you have any tips? They are eating fine, and there are no problems that I know of going on. I think I have given them ample time to settle. I would appreciate any help/tips you all could give me. Thanks.
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Do my corns hate me?
- Thread starter NCSUjle
- Start date
kenalotia
New member
I guess the first thing is that it's usually a good idea to give snakes about a week or so before starting to hande them. This gives them time to get adjusted to their new environment. When you first get them they are understandably quite nervous, most of the time. After all, they've just been through a big change.
That being said, it's fairly normal for very young corns to be a bit snappy at first, especially if they aren't used to being handled. A bite from a baby corn snake won't hurt, so relax. Keep handling them gently and calmly, and they will learn that you aren't planning to eat them or hurt them. If one does bite you (and just because they go into the striking position doesn't mean they are actually going to try to bite) don't put it down right away. That would teach it that it can get what it wants by biting.
That being said, it's fairly normal for very young corns to be a bit snappy at first, especially if they aren't used to being handled. A bite from a baby corn snake won't hurt, so relax. Keep handling them gently and calmly, and they will learn that you aren't planning to eat them or hurt them. If one does bite you (and just because they go into the striking position doesn't mean they are actually going to try to bite) don't put it down right away. That would teach it that it can get what it wants by biting.
CAV
Dazed and Cornfused
First off, welcome to the forum. Rich does have some great animals doesn't he?
To your post, check out the recent posts on the Behavior section:
http://www.cornsnakes.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=9
This behavior is fairly common, especially with new arrivals. I ususally don't handle them at all for the first 2-3 weeks, except to feed. This gives them ample time to settle in to the new home. I usually will place my hand near the snake, palm open and up, without actually touching it. Give the little guy a few moments to realize that you aren't a threat and let the defensive activies subside. Once he is more comfortable, slowly move your hand closer and actually make contact with your finger tips, but don't pick it up yet. Usually they will check you out, lose interest and start to slide away. This is usually an good indication that you are no longer viewed as a threat. It is just a matter of taking your time, being careful and getting the little fellow used to being handled.
Good luck!
To your post, check out the recent posts on the Behavior section:
http://www.cornsnakes.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=9
This behavior is fairly common, especially with new arrivals. I ususally don't handle them at all for the first 2-3 weeks, except to feed. This gives them ample time to settle in to the new home. I usually will place my hand near the snake, palm open and up, without actually touching it. Give the little guy a few moments to realize that you aren't a threat and let the defensive activies subside. Once he is more comfortable, slowly move your hand closer and actually make contact with your finger tips, but don't pick it up yet. Usually they will check you out, lose interest and start to slide away. This is usually an good indication that you are no longer viewed as a threat. It is just a matter of taking your time, being careful and getting the little fellow used to being handled.
Good luck!
Thank you, both of you. I will take the tips both of you posed, and I will definitely try and give them another shot. I love them so much, I just need to get over this weird fear of getting bit, although I know it wouldn't hurt if I were to get bit. I hope this passes 
I will definitely keep you all updated, and thank you for the welcome to the forum.
And yes, there were DEFINITELY a bunch of beautiful snakes at Rich's setup at the show. Him and his wife were very wonderful and helpful people.
I will definitely keep you all updated, and thank you for the welcome to the forum. And yes, there were DEFINITELY a bunch of beautiful snakes at Rich's setup at the show. Him and his wife were very wonderful and helpful people.
surfrkidTS
New member
My snake was not shipped but I picked him up and he is great. I held him a little the first day, gave him about 15 hours, and then while I was changing his water, just picked him up a little bit. It doesn't seem to phase him not having a week of rest and he seems to like it. He rattled at me once, but no striking or hissing. I think that not letting them warm up isn't as important as holding them.
Drizzt80
Dakota Corns
Even after handling snakes for some 12-15 years myself, I tend to respect their unpredictableness. I have found corns to be the single BEST snakes as far as handling goes. I have yet to get bitten (or be struck at) by an adult snake, and only a few times by hatchlings. One way you can relieve some of your 'fear' is to initially handle the snake with a glove on (rubber or otherwise). It's amazing the confidence that little layer of cloth gives you between your hand and the snake!!
I tend to use one initially when handling any new snake or whenever I handle boas or pythons. This allows you the time to adjust to the snakes behavior. With new snakes I have generally used this technique until I know their tendencies. Believe it or not, and I'm sure others would say the same, but every one has its own behaviors and personalities. You just get a feel for when they are agitated, and tail rattling can be a signal to that. Or they may just think yer a mouse! My hatchlings and yearlings usually tail rattle at feeding time.
D80
I tend to use one initially when handling any new snake or whenever I handle boas or pythons. This allows you the time to adjust to the snakes behavior. With new snakes I have generally used this technique until I know their tendencies. Believe it or not, and I'm sure others would say the same, but every one has its own behaviors and personalities. You just get a feel for when they are agitated, and tail rattling can be a signal to that. Or they may just think yer a mouse! My hatchlings and yearlings usually tail rattle at feeding time.
D80
CAV
Dazed and Cornfused
Tyler,
While you are right that some snakes adjust faster than others, it is impossible to see "stress" in your snake. Why run the risk of causing unnecessary harm just because you are impatient and want to play with your new pet? Stress is one of those things that we as keepers know about, but really don't fully understand yet. People with a lifetime of experience in keeping various retiles all agree that a period of adjustment is needed.
Think about this in human terms. Would you not be disoriented if your family decided to move to another city? Now imagine that you are very young and making that move all by yourself. This is exactly what your new snake is going through! He/she has a new home that smells, tastes and looks completely different than the home that it has been accustomed to for its entire life to this point. The water is different. The substrate is different. And now it is thinking "OMG there is this giant "thing" coming at me to pick me up! Is it trying to eat me?"
Please realize that just because you are confortable with the situation does not mean your little friend is. I'm sorry if I am preaching here, but I think this is important. Put yourself in the snake's mind. Would you still feel as comfortable it that scenerio??
Do your snake a favor and give him/her a chance to settle in before getting to know each other. There isn't a rush and both of you will still be around in a week or two.
(stepping down from the soapbox.............)
While you are right that some snakes adjust faster than others, it is impossible to see "stress" in your snake. Why run the risk of causing unnecessary harm just because you are impatient and want to play with your new pet? Stress is one of those things that we as keepers know about, but really don't fully understand yet. People with a lifetime of experience in keeping various retiles all agree that a period of adjustment is needed.
Think about this in human terms. Would you not be disoriented if your family decided to move to another city? Now imagine that you are very young and making that move all by yourself. This is exactly what your new snake is going through! He/she has a new home that smells, tastes and looks completely different than the home that it has been accustomed to for its entire life to this point. The water is different. The substrate is different. And now it is thinking "OMG there is this giant "thing" coming at me to pick me up! Is it trying to eat me?"
Please realize that just because you are confortable with the situation does not mean your little friend is. I'm sorry if I am preaching here, but I think this is important. Put yourself in the snake's mind. Would you still feel as comfortable it that scenerio??
Do your snake a favor and give him/her a chance to settle in before getting to know each other. There isn't a rush and both of you will still be around in a week or two.
(stepping down from the soapbox.............)
surfrkidTS
New member
Cav, I have heard this before and yes, I am a little selfish or immture but can you blame me? Although I don't like it, I am giving him alot of time to cool off on the weekdays because I don't live with him. This weekend there was a lot of excitement and even though the first day might have been a little rough for him, I am refraining from over-loading and I appreciate the response. I am not trying to go into defense mode and even though I love him, I really do need to do what's best and let him cool off. Luckily, I have my pictures of him from this weekend so that will keep me busy with my website. He is scheduled to feed on Wednesday so we will see how that goes. Now I am worried that he will have an emotional scar We cannot correct the past but must live and learn for the future. My own quote maybe my next for the signature....
Thanks again,
Tyler
We cannot correct the past but must live and learn for the future. My own quote maybe my next for the signature....Thanks again,
Tyler
Darin Chappell
Very Senior Hillbilly
Your snake doesn't hate you any more than anyone else's loves them! Snakes do what they do because that's what they're meant to do.
You can overcome the striking by handling the animal as much as possible, but if you are not able to be there with it as much as you'd like, try putting a t-shirt you've worn but not yet washed into the tank with your little guy. The shirt will get pooped on, but your snake will associate your smell as being normal, and it will help him get used to you faster.
Have fun!
You can overcome the striking by handling the animal as much as possible, but if you are not able to be there with it as much as you'd like, try putting a t-shirt you've worn but not yet washed into the tank with your little guy. The shirt will get pooped on, but your snake will associate your smell as being normal, and it will help him get used to you faster.
Have fun!
8Corn*Freak8
New member
this has nuthin to do with this thread but my dog just ate my friends gecko
surfrkidTS
New member
umm, you're right it doesn't. But that is very sad and my heart goes out to the owner
