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Twitchy hatchling

ickle_moose

ickle_moose

Unashamedly Addicted
So I'm thinking of re-naming my little striped snow 'Psycho'. Every time I get her out for a handling session or feeding attempt (refused her first feed but not too worried yet) she goes ram-rod straight and lashes from side to side in my hand, arching around occasionally to give me a good biting. I'm used to bites now and she's so small she barely draws blood but I'm wondering if I should leave off the handling completely until she's eaten a few times. I'm as gentle with her as I can be with her lashing around, support her fully even though that brings me withing biting reach. I don't want her completely stressed out and have only been getting her out for 10 mins every other day (and it's hard to end the handling sessions on a positive note as she refuses to calm down), but I also don't want this behaviour to continue. Obviously I have to get her out to clean her little viv and she gets a couple of bites in then too, not one to miss an opportunity! Any thoughts?
 
Personally, I don't like to handle until I've had at least one good feed attempt. Even then, I usually put off handling them too much for after a few meals. It's really personal preference, but I think it limits the stress and increases the likelihood of a successful feeding attempt.

When you've got her in your hands, just try to be firm when you hold on to her. Let her know that she's not going to get away from you, and when you feel her stop struggling against you release your grip a bit. If she starts to spook or go crazy just get a good hold of her again. At the same time, don't crush her :rolleyes: It's not hard to judge the right amount of pressure though.
 
My baby amel was the same way for the first few months. He was convinced that I was going to eat him, and he would FREAK OUT when I took him out to be handled or fed. I'm quite sure that this is just instinctual for these little critters and they are likely intimidated by our size. Mine has since calmed a great deal and we now have wonderful handling sessions, without the frantic struggles.

My advice would be to make yourself a known event in the snakes life, handle frequently (althought not after meals) and be gentle. In time the snake will learn that it isn't on the dinner menu and should stop spazzing out.
 
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