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Need a bit of help!

corny_gurl333

corny_gurl333

Currently Addicted!
So, remember how Dante wasn't eating a while back? Well, he's doing it again. But it's not like it was before. He won't let me catch him. I don't have a proper snake stick, so I can't get him that way, and I'm afraid of him, so I can't use my hands. In general, I'm not afraid. Majik and Liv don't scare me. Maybe it's because they're babies... Whenever I put my hand in his viv, he rears like he's going to strike, and then if I wait a minute until he goes to burrow again and I grab him gently by his back portion, he darts out of my hands quicker than I thought he could. Or, if he doesn't dart, and I get his head out of the shavings, he turns around to strike, and I hafta let go, because I'm not going to be willingly struck at!

This is the third week I haven't been able to feed him, since two successful feedings after his winter anorexia. I'm really starting to get worried, and I'm afraid I won't be able to catch him to feed him, and he'll starve!

Any suggestions please!
 
Hi,
If it were me, I'd put leather gloves on if you're afraid of being bitten, and just dive in like you're not afraid. Otherwise you may be teaching him some really bad behavior. :wavey:
 
corny_gurl333 said:
Or, if he doesn't dart, and I get his head out of the shavings, he turns around to strike, and I hafta let go, because I'm not going to be willingly struck at!
Click to expand...

hate to say it, your going to have to take a few for the team. Baby snakes are just like any other animal and will need to be broken of biting.

I have found with my lil guy, that snakes learn with apathy. If it does not bother you, then there is not point in doing it.
 
In as sincere and nice manner as possible I say: Suck it up and let him bite you if that's what he's going to do.

Are you really willing to just let a pet go hungry because you're afraid of him. Have you seen this thread Worst Bite So Far ? It may look bad, but ask yourself how deep the wound really goes. I'm sure you've experienced much more painful things in your life than what even the largest adult corn snake can do to you. Shoot, I've pulled a sliver of glass the size of my fingernail out of the bottom of my big toe with a pair of tweezers. I'd let a corn bite be 100 times before I'd do that again (and I bet there'd be less blood). :)

The only way to break a snake of biting is regular handling. Wear gloves if you HAVE to, but don't let a little bit of fear stop you. It can be startling when they lunge for you, but just shake it off. I think you are being overly dramatic about this.
 
I'm sorry...I am being kind of a weenie huh? :cry: And he's an adult, so it's not just baby bitings. I guess I will just have to suck it up and go for it.

I don't like being afraid of him...but, today when I was taking them all out for feeding, I was trying to get him out, and by the time I gave up, I could barely stand on my legs! They felt like jelly and I was shaking because I was so scared.

Maybe I just need to be bitten and see what it feels like. I get bit by my lil puppy every day, and I bet that hurts way worse than a snake bite...but IDK...it's just thinking about it that makes me scared I guess...I'll suck it up...I'm sorry....
 
The leather gloves would be a good way to start. If the snake were able to bite through those I'd be surprised. Even though your fear is more of a gut level reaction to the striking it will diminish as you get more used to it. I used to flinch when the smallest baby struck at me, now I just let them. It's funny how quickly they give up if you are not intimidated.
Once you have picked up the snake and it has realized it is not in danger it will usually just settle down and cruise around in your hands. Enough of this kind of daily handling will make most of them lose the tendency to rattle and strike every time the tank lid is opened. Just remember the snake is just as afraid of you and it's legs would be like jello too - if it had any!
 
Ask for help

Kristen,

No need to apologize for your fears. They are natural instincts and will pass as you see that Dante can not do you any harm. He is more scared of you. I notice you are 14, so I assume there is an adult in your household that helps you out with stuff sometiems. Why not ask for their help , even if its just getting you a pair of gloves to make you feel safer till you get past the fear. I am proud of you for caring enough to face your fears. You and Dante will be much happier as an outcome.
 
It's the shock of how fast they are that's the worst. And all the programming about snake bites we get growing up. Even though it's a non-venomous corn, there's a bit at the back of your mind that remembers all the stories about people getting bitten by venomous snakes, plus everything we see on TV and in the news. It's daunting to think about willingly being bitten by ANY snake. You just have to let it happen once to get past your fear, or at least learn safe handling techniques with gloves and a hook.
 
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