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Handling Question

heafer285

New member
I have had my snake for 4 weeks now. She (I am calling her a she even though I do not know for sure) is a snow about 15 inches. I handle her just about everyday (unless she has just been fed) however she spends most of the time that Im around (5pm on) hiding and the only time I see her patroling is in the morning. She always runs aways when I go to handle her (she has never tried to strike me). Is she still getting used to me and is still nervous, will she always flee or what? Also will she always spend her day hiding? Im interested to hear your thoughts. Thanks for the feedback
 
I have had mine for about a week. He was very curious when I first go him and would cruise all around his cage, but after I fed him he decided he wants to hide alot. Especially now that he found he can borrow under the substrate. I'm guessing (and kinda hoping) that it is just personality and with a good regime of handling they will become less shy. Also, from what I understand it is very common for corns to hide for a while after feeding in order to digest. Finally, It seems prior to shedding a lot of corns will hide.

I'm still learning my way, but I hope this helps a bit. Maybe someone more knowledgable can help you further. :)
 
Get used to it. as they age they may come out a bit more but the majority of the time they are hiding. That's just the way they are.
 
It depends on the personality of the snake. You may just have a shy one. I'd recommend you cut back on the handling for a while and let her get more used to her surroundings. Two to three times a week for 15 minutes each time is enough for baby corns. It is also normal for them to hide all the time. They are more active at night naturally. None of mine will come out until the lights go off.
 
Personally I handled my latest 4 babies much less than the first ones, after Lil's non-eating period I wanted as little stress for them (and me!) as possible. So the only handling was on their feeding days. They are excellent feeders and no different in ease of handling than the ones I picked up more. They have changed from being tail rattling biters into nice calm snakes with minimal work, so I'd say once a week is enough for a nervous hatchling to learn to be handled without panicking
 
Moody

I think corns honestly have mood swings. Because I know when my corn is in blue, and I know not to handle it then. I also do not handle it until it fully digests and I see it has defecated about 2-3 days later. But some days I go and run my hand along the snake and it is chill as ever, flickers its tongue a bit and moves right onto my hand or allows me to pick it up all balled up. Other days it is like a wolf in a hen house and jetting around its surroundings when I put my hand in to get away. At these times I just wait and try again later. I honestly do believe they all have different personalities. Mine has definately gotten used to me though. Sometimes even if it is a little skittish before being picked up, after you get it in your hands they calm down considerably. Just allow it moving room between your hands. Also if it tries to jump or get away if you grasp it firm not too close to the head but down past it 4-5 inches, maybe not even that far and hold it for a minute it will cool it's jets. When mine is all jumpy I do that for about 20-30 seconds, it rests its head on my fingers or hand, then when I let go it just moves around slowly exploring and gets easier to handle. It will have it's times. That's the nature of the corn. It's why I enjoy it, you never know what to expect, they look awesome and they are actually quite intriguing. I can't wait to pick up my next one :)
 
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