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Tip for handling your snake?

R

Ruderpinne

New member
Ok so we have had our snake (my gf and I) for over a week he was fed almost 48 hours ago.


I told her I would attempt to hold him tomorrow, Im kind of nervous of getting bit or w/e even though his mouth is small it cant hurt that bad.

On a plus I got home and I went to check on him and he came out of his hide and kinda came over to me like saying hi and I smiled and talked to him for a sec, as lame as that sounds. Then I told him night and we both went to bed.

Kinda made me smile so tomorrow I am going to hold him any tips?

My biggest fear so to say is him biting me in the face, hands I can handle face I cant...
 
I was bitten by a ~3 month old corn earlier today on my index finger just below the knuckle, and it didn't hurt; it tickled.

As for holding him, pick him up gently but firmly, then go over and sit on a bed or couch, that way he won't get hurt if he wiggles out of your grasp. Also, if he squirms when you go to pick him up, don't be afraid to gently hold him with your fingers or thumb so he doesn't get hurt.

Here's a pretty good video: CLICK ME



Also, I wouldn't say no to talking to your snake, quietly, of course. Probably makes it feel more special to you. :D
Also, I think it's fine to handle him two days after feeding, but some people may disagree. Go with your gut; it's never wrong.
 
It sounds like a calm snake, if so it will try to get away from you, and maybe give you a little tail rattle, long before it tries to bite you. And if you don't hold it up to your face, it can't bite you on the face! (Unless I've misunderstood and this isn't a small, young snake, I can't tell from your post). I've had my fella for 10 years and never been tagged, although he's missed me once or twice, but then he is a grumpy old man :)

Some babies are more aggressive, you'll see them called "hatelings" on here, but it's really just a defence, they're scared of you. When they're so small it's just cute, and if a strike did connect I promise it would NOT hurt. It'd be over so quick you could almost miss it! With a snake like this it just takes time and patience to get over; you have to build up a relationship of trust whereby the snake no longer feels so threatened by you that it has to strike to defend itself. Most corns are pretty placid so you'll probably never have to deal with this, but even if you do, there's still very little danger of you getting hurt.

If you're really worried about being bitten this first time, you can wear gloves to give you more confidence, although it might make it harder for you to pick the little guy up. Try not to come at him from above but from the side, and scoop rather than pinch. Shenzi gave a great tip, as soon as you have the snake, go and sit on the couch, so you're more relaxed and can use your lap whilst handling.

Most importantly, don't show fear, or you risk teaching the snake that in order to be put back, it has to be aggressive. A lot of people when they're just getting used to snakes can only think about being bitten and retract their hand as soon as the snake tries to get away. If you stay composed and relaxed, you will find the whole thing much easier - hopefully enjoyable!

Let us know how you get on :)
 
You've gotten great advice so far. I just want to add that you should expect your snake to move a lot at first. Most babies do, and so do many adults. You're both getting used to each other at first. Be patient and move calmly, and your snake will soon learn that it's safe with you.

And it's NOT lame to talk to your snake. (Heck, I do it all the time.) Despite what you may have been taught in elementary school they're not deaf, and it's reasonable to think that they learn to identify voices.
 
lol yeah thats what I thought that they were deaf and I kinda felt dumb but eh

so I just went to check on him and he came out and said hi again!!!

=P
 
That's cool. It sounds like you have one of those delightful curious babies. I expect that you'll have lots of fun with him.
 
WOW GUYS OMFG!!!

I just held him my gf decided she wanted to hold him and I read and some people say 24 hours some say 48 but he wanted to see us LOL

well not lying I was kind of scared for the first ....10 minutes then it became natrual and he is very very nice, never acted like he was getting defense with me it was awesome!!!

I do have a question how long can we keep him out and play with him?
 
That's cool. It sounds like you have one of those delightful curious babies. I expect that you'll have lots of fun with him.
 
I usually make sure I handle my corn 48 hrs after he's fed. Lebowski is a pretty chilled dude. I used to get some tail rattle and closed mouth strikes, but now he squirms for a minute, then relaxes. Like said above, it takes time for the snake to get used to you, just like it takes time for you to get used to him.
 
I start out only holding new snakes for 10 or 15 minutes at a time. After a few good feedings I make it a deffinite 15 minutes each time, after a few more good feedings and at least one shed I make it from 15 mins to 30 minutes. Oh and I do not hold for 2 days after feeding. For example I feed mondays, I don't hold until thursday and then hold them a bit each day until Monday, on monday its a shorter holding so they are not stressed out at feeding time. I don't really plan on holding any more than 30 minutes a day, ever, but that is just me.
 
I do have a question how long can we keep him out and play with him?
Click to expand...

ROFL..that was adorable..you sound like my 10 year old *grins*

I hold mine for as long as he seems happy. When he starts to crawl up my sleeve and tries to settle in there..I usually take him back to his viv as I figure his curiosity has been satisfied and he's ready for a snooze.
 
Ruderpinne said:
WOW GUYS OMFG!!!

I just held him my gf decided she wanted to hold him and I read and some people say 24 hours some say 48 but he wanted to see us LOL

well not lying I was kind of scared for the first ....10 minutes then it became natrual and he is very very nice, never acted like he was getting defense with me it was awesome!!!

I do have a question how long can we keep him out and play with him?
Click to expand...

Tee hee that's great! Had a feeling you has a good little guy there :)

Yeah to start with handle for 10-15 minutes at a time, which you can increase as time goes on and you both get used to each other.

Just remember not to handle until 2-3 days after feeding. I know it's hard, but you could risk a regurge.

Have fun! Pictures please!
 
I'm so glad the first handling session went well. It sounds like your little guy is a real charmer. Keep us posted as he grows!
 
I'm glad the handling session went well. It sounds like you have a little charmer, there. Have fun!
 
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