View Full Version : Snake "Kisses"
Lichjen
07-09-13, 05:09 AM
Nimue - my red tail whenever I hold her she rubs her chin on my hand. She won't do it to my husband - only me.
And it's an all the time thing.
Anyone elses snake do this - I need to capture it on video
I am very curious as to why they do this. Hopefully we can get through this thread without everyone making fun of AaronS for thinking snakes have feelings lol.
My carpet python does this to me sometimes, and I want to know why. I have observed 3 different "types" of "rubbing" (for lack of better terms.)
1. My snakes will all rub their heads on things, including me if I am handling them, while they are in shed process. It seems like they are "testing" their shed.
2. Some of my snakes will rub frozen thawed rats before eating them. I assume this is to feel which way the rodent's hair is lying to find the head.
3. The kind of rubbing you described. It is different from the above two, and I do not notice my snakes doing this on anything else besides me. At first I was freaked out that she was going to start eating my hand, but it is a unique action. As a side note, my Savannah Monitor does this to me alot, and my bearded dragon used to do this as well.
Pareeeee
07-09-13, 08:24 AM
Yeah I'm not sure why they do it, there has to be a reason for the behaviour. I understand if they do it while in shed but other times...? Another thing both my snakes do is stretch out as long as they can toward my face and just stare at me flicking their tongues. Something to do with me breathing must intrigue them. My rosy exhibits more of these weird behaviours than my BP.
formica
07-09-13, 08:30 AM
Snakes have various pheromone glands around their head, its marking you, the same way a cat does with the corner of its mouth - take it as a sign they are happy and comfortable with you imo :)
Yeah I'm not sure why they do it, there has to be a reason for the behaviour. I understand if they do it while in shed but other times...? Another thing both my snakes do is stretch out as long as they can toward my face and just stare at me flicking their tongues. Something to do with me breathing must intrigue them. My rosy exhibits more of these weird behaviours than my BP.
Mine do this, I assume its because the mouth and your breath are warmer than the rest of you, and seeing in heat they find this interesting.
Formica: Can you explain? That is extremely interesting. I have never heard of snakes marking anything.
warehouse13fan
07-09-13, 08:59 AM
I believe animals of all types have feelings, just not as strong as ours
lady_bug87
07-09-13, 09:00 AM
I am very curious as to why they do this. Hopefully we can get through this thread without everyone making fun of AaronS for thinking snakes have feelings lol.
My carpet python does this to me sometimes, and I want to know why. I have observed 3 different "types" of "rubbing" (for lack of better terms.)
1. My snakes will all rub their heads on things, including me if I am handling them, while they are in shed process. It seems like they are "testing" their shed.
2. Some of my snakes will rub frozen thawed rats before eating them. I assume this is to feel which way the rodent's hair is lying to find the head.
3. The kind of rubbing you described. It is different from the above two, and I do not notice my snakes doing this on anything else besides me. At first I was freaked out that she was going to start eating my hand, but it is a unique action. As a side note, my Savannah Monitor does this to me alot, and my bearded dragon used to do this as well.
Ohh hes going to have fun with this one
Amadeus
07-09-13, 09:40 AM
My snake only does this if it wants to cimb
Lichjen
07-09-13, 11:38 AM
I definitely need to get a video of it - it's cute now, but I wonder what it will be like when she's bigger
Akuma223
07-09-13, 11:57 AM
My snakes do this from time to time, my monitor Oliver does it a lot though. He does it to see if I have anything in my hand for him, or to just rub his face.
Snakesitter
07-09-13, 01:58 PM
Great thread. I've not noticed rubbing on me (they're much more interested in climbing, or, in rare cases, getting back to their hides), but the neck-stretch happens all the time.
Snakes have various pheromone glands around their head, its marking you, the same way a cat does with the corner of its mouth - take it as a sign they are happy and comfortable with you imo :)
Can anybody elaborate on this? I have never heard this before- fascinating statement.
Aaron_S
07-09-13, 02:10 PM
I am very curious as to why they do this. Hopefully we can get through this thread without everyone making fun of AaronS for thinking snakes have feelings lol.
I subscribe to the opposite line of thinking. I await your apology for making a public statement about me that isn't true.
My carpet python does this to me sometimes, and I want to know why. I have observed 3 different "types" of "rubbing" (for lack of better terms.)
1. My snakes will all rub their heads on things, including me if I am handling them, while they are in shed process. It seems like they are "testing" their shed.
2. Some of my snakes will rub frozen thawed rats before eating them. I assume this is to feel which way the rodent's hair is lying to find the head.
3. The kind of rubbing you described. It is different from the above two, and I do not notice my snakes doing this on anything else besides me. At first I was freaked out that she was going to start eating my hand, but it is a unique action. As a side note, my Savannah Monitor does this to me alot, and my bearded dragon used to do this as well.
I reserve judgement until I am shown video of the original post and some of these things being described.
Aaron_S
07-09-13, 02:11 PM
Snakes have various pheromone glands around their head, its marking you, the same way a cat does with the corner of its mouth - take it as a sign they are happy and comfortable with you imo :)
I enjoy a good read and learning more. Do you happen to have some articles I can view online for this?
I subscribe to the opposite line of thinking. I await your apology for making a public statement about me that isn't true.
Lol sorry man, must have confused you with another guy.
formica
07-09-13, 02:35 PM
I enjoy a good read and learning more. Do you happen to have some articles I can view online for this?
not read anything about it for a long time, best place to start:
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=pheromone+glands+snakes
Tracy33
07-09-13, 04:31 PM
My CP mainly rubs his head on his own body , sometimes an object , the odd time , me . It looks very cat like . :)
Mikoh4792
07-09-13, 04:33 PM
Interesting comments. I've seen my snakes rub their furniture from time to time. It's not a shedding thing, because since I've gotten back into the hobby I've had nothing but complete sheds.
Mark Taylor
07-09-13, 04:38 PM
I have never witnessed that sort of behaviour I would like videos, please with a cherry on top.
marvelfreak
07-09-13, 07:59 PM
The only snakes i ever had rub their head against my hand a couple of my Red Bloods, My Yellow Anaconda, and my buddies King snake. Ever time with in 15 second it was followed with a bite. In my anacondas case repeated bites. I will add it was when they all were babies under a year old.
As for the breath thing i had a Boa that every time it got close enough to feel my breath it would strike. Then i had a psychotic Retic that like to use my face a chew toy.
Little Wise Owl
07-09-13, 08:01 PM
The only time I had a snake rub its face on me was when it was attempting to start a shed. I replaced it back into its enclosure and it continued to face rub until it began to shed.
guyabano
07-11-13, 10:37 PM
My retic loves to kiss me, but she uses her teeth.
Amadeus
07-11-13, 11:19 PM
My retic loves to kiss me, but she uses her teeth.
Those are the most loving.
My retic loves to kiss me, but she uses her teeth.
My MBK is like that, I would never let her near my face.
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