How do you pick up a corn snake?

[poodlelover2you]

I'm not sure if this is where this thread belong, but it's a guess. I also searched for threads that explained it, and didn't find anything. Sorry if there is a thread explaining it!

well, I'm getting my corn snake this weekend and I've personally never had a snake before, this one is my first :] I'm going with my step father who has had snakes for years, just hasn't had one in a while. We're kind of going to 'share' this one, but it's staying at my house
I used to be terrified of snakes, I mean, they're so quick with attacking. I guess I'm still nervous, but I've learned to trust them.

Is there any certain way to hold a corn snake?

Again, sorry if this has already been explained.

 

[gelshark]

there are some good (maybe just decent) videos on youtube, do a search for handling corn snakes on there

 

[jenneses]

I kinda scoop them up from the side. But I don't handle them much, only on feeding day. Occasionally when I am changing their water they will get curious and either try to get out of the tub (then I put my hand at the edge so they escape into my hand), sometimes they just climb onto my hand or arm when I am putting the water down. Then I will handle them for a little while.

Right now I am just trying to impress upon them that I am non-threatening by allowing them to get used to my presence and that only good things happen when I am around, like food or fresh water. It's worked for ferrets and rabbits that have been mis-treated or are timid. One of mine, would strike whenever I put my hand in her tub, now she just ignores me and has let me pick her up to put her into her feeding tub, so I think it's working.

 

[rsegerberg]

I find that if you whisper sweet nothings in their ear, snakes are pretty easy to pick up!:roflmao:Sorry bout that , I had to.

I find that a slow approach, and by not towering over them, but more of a slightly above eye level (so they dont bite your nose)

I slip my hands under them, and support their weight fully with both hands (nothing will make a snake go squirrely faster than if it thinks it is not safe.)

I see if they respond to me. I actually have one wild male that as soon as I slide his bin out of the rack, he crawls out of his hide, when I put my hands in he climbs up on them as if to say, Nice to see yah' now where's my food.

Best I can say is make the snake feel safe and secure, and they are usually much more calm and easier handled.

Hope this helps,
Rolf

 

[wycherley]

depends on how use to being handled aswell. I have an 8 week old, had him for a week and he's still scared of me just trying to get him use to my hands and being picked up. If he is like that be prepared to be paitent with him and also to get a little bite once or twice. (dont worry they dont hurt)

 

[Tracee]

Pick them up gently but swiftly, and always approach from the side rather than above as this is less threatening.

Hold them in a way that does not restrict movement but supports their weight at the same time.

Easy as that!


You're right in that they're quick when they strike, but it won't hurt. Should you be struck at, and i hope you won't, remember this! Don't back off immediately as the snake will learn this is how it makes you go away! You will be able to tell if the snake is genuinely upset or stressed.

A bit of practice and you will all be fine though

 

[v_various]

also, avoid the head and tail. Sensitive areas with those guys, even my mellowest dude will bolt a little if I touch his tail unexpectedly. I mean, just don't surprise them in those areas. I can touch tails just fine if I'm already handling them, but it's not the first thing you go for. You'll get the hang of it, I don't think any corn was ever harmed by being picked up the wrong way. Just be gentle, and you'll both get to know each other in no time.

(I always reach in from above to pick up my snakes, it's easier. They don't seem to have a problem with it, but maybe coming from the side is best if to start with).

 

[ReverseAlbinoOkeetee]

i show them my hand let them kno im there then grab them in the middle of their body and just go for it if youre scared and are hesitant they kno and wont wanna be held but if your confident its all good

 

[dpreston66]

I show them my hand let them know I'm there then grab them in the middle of their body and just go for it.

I agree.

 

[Spurticus]

i show them my hand let them kno im there then grab them in the middle of their body and just go for it if youre scared and are hesitant they kno and wont wanna be held but if your confident its all good

I agree.

Same here.
I have a couple of hides. One large cardboard tube that's burried into the substrait that she loves. . . the other is a homemade box about the size of a standard shoe box. I have that filled with Sphagnam moss. The lid on this box just lifts off, so I wait until she is in there (easier access due to the tube being burried). She will usually curl up tighter to the back of the box because removing the top naturally startles her. I will put my hand in front of her to let her see me, and smell me. I try to hold her often enough so she will get used to my scent. I touch her lightly near the thicker part of her body (usually reacts to that by pulling away) but I touch her there a couple of times until she stops being jumpy.
Then I just reach under the center of body with the open hand and lift her out (as someone said above. . . gently, but quickly) once she is lifted out of the box I put my free hand somewhere under the upper part of her body to support her and then let her crawl around a few minutes until she knows she's not in any danger. . . . . after that she pretty much goes where she wants to and I just support her from falling. Just don't grab her and restrain her movements, or put your hand over her head or face. That makes them very defensive and nervous. Don't get too close to the floor unless you want to put her down for a few minutes to crawl around. . . they will jump if they are within a foot / foot and a half of the floor. I had a wild one that jumped off of my shoulder with me standing straight up one time. . . . the one I have now won't do that, but if my hands drop any to around waist high, she starts eyeing the floor and stretching out to try and reach it.