Yah they do rattle when freaked out!
a funny story...
I just got my first corn, and a buddy of mine was there when I opened the container. Kattie was rattling her tail and my buddy freaked out. He told me they sent me the wrong snake and I said that they do rattle when nervous. So I proceeded to pic her up and she nipped at me (the only time ever) and he wanted to rush me to the hospital for anit-venom. Anyway, he looked like a dork and it was quite funny!
Rainey