Well it was the first time that I had my new snake out, and I guess he heard somebody coming down the stairs cause he just took off! So I had to grab him... he did NOT like that! He thrashed a little bit then coiled up and started to spay me with something that stunk, and his tail started shaking really fast! Has anybodies corn done this to them yet? I didn't grab him very hard at all I just kinda pressed down with my hand gently and then gently grab him.... but he was mad!
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Spraying & Tail Shaking?
- Thread starter project1
- Start date
Chip
ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒ&
very normal behavior
The rattling of the tail is similar to what rattlesnakes do, only colubrid snakes lack the rattles. It's just a warning. Many of my corns do this, very seldom do I get bitten or musked when I grab them anyway. As for the other part, you were musked. Another defense mechanism to keep them from getting eaten. Tastes pretty bad to a would-be predator, Soderberg has a great story about getting musked right in his mouth by a flailing snake and said the taste was an experience he won't soon forget.
Anyway, your little corn was just really freaked out. I'd suggest against lying him on the floor or a countertop until he gets a bit older and more mellow. My hatchlings never get to the floor (on purpose anyway
) but I'll lay a big calm one down while I spot clean a cage. Good luck with him!
The rattling of the tail is similar to what rattlesnakes do, only colubrid snakes lack the rattles. It's just a warning. Many of my corns do this, very seldom do I get bitten or musked when I grab them anyway. As for the other part, you were musked. Another defense mechanism to keep them from getting eaten. Tastes pretty bad to a would-be predator, Soderberg has a great story about getting musked right in his mouth by a flailing snake and said the taste was an experience he won't soon forget.
Anyway, your little corn was just really freaked out. I'd suggest against lying him on the floor or a countertop until he gets a bit older and more mellow. My hatchlings never get to the floor (on purpose anyway
) but I'll lay a big calm one down while I spot clean a cage. Good luck with him!
Chip
ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒ&
uh-huh
If you catch many snakes in the field, that smell will become very familiar. Smells much like a fox's den, which is why (I believe) the corn's cousin, the fox snake got it's name. I don't experience it in captivity, though, except for a new arrival from the wild
Stuart: I have a little favor to ask of you. Please spell out words like "why." It takes only two more key taps, and you will be much more respected among us "old-timers" of the forums. Thanks in advance!
If you catch many snakes in the field, that smell will become very familiar. Smells much like a fox's den, which is why (I believe) the corn's cousin, the fox snake got it's name. I don't experience it in captivity, though, except for a new arrival from the wild
Stuart: I have a little favor to ask of you. Please spell out words like "why." It takes only two more key taps, and you will be much more respected among us "old-timers" of the forums. Thanks in advance!