Handling snakes..?

[ilovemysnake]

I was just wondering how often and how long you guys handle yours for?

with me i go back and forth, one day its turbo, then the next turbine, handling them for about 15-30 minutes.

Now being the fact that Turbine's VERY NIPPY and can't be still, would you suggest i handle her for a longer period of time, or less? Or is 15-30 minutes a precise handling time?

[EL Ziggy]

I don't really handle my snakes a lot. Maybe 2-3 times a week for about 5-10 min each. They're both super sweet, I just prefer watching them more than handling them.

[kwhitlock]

I handle mine for how ever long, I handle then both the same amount usually 2-3 times a week. If one of yours is nippy, I would say a couple minutes a day but always end on a good note, never put him back after a bite only. Teaches if I bite I can be put back.

[Mikoh4792]

I handle the nippy ones to calm them down. Other then that I don't really bother them. Only reason I handle my snakes is so they are easier to work with as adults. Wouldn't want an arboreal python that can potentially grow to 8 ft biting at my face!

[infernalis]

I don't handle mine except for feeding maintenance.

They don't want some giant molesting them.

[CosmicOwl]

I don't handle mine except for feeding maintenance.

They don't want some giant molesting them.

I love this perspective. I do think some them like to be taken out so they can climb around get some exercise though.

[Lankyrob]

I only have three corns now, throughout this year they have probably been held once each, maybe twice.

[Terranaut]

I used to handle mine more often. Now I find myself only handling when I do spot cleans or watering. Just for 2-3 min to check them out. Occasionally I will leave my carpets out to roam a bit or hang with company but keep it to about 15- 20 min

[purplegeyser]

I handle mine about 2-3 times a week on average.
Usually for cleaning. Sometimes I'll let them explore before I feed them as well.

When I'm up late just chillin' and they're active in their enclosures, I'll take them out for a while. It really mellows them out and they seem to be okay with it. Xena looks forward to it and will sometimes make it hard for me to put her back in her enclosure.

[ilovemysnake]

I handle mine about 2-3 times a week on average.
Usually for cleaning. Sometimes I'll let them explore before I feed them as well.

When I'm up late just chillin' and they're active in their enclosures, I'll take them out for a while. It really mellows them out and they seem to be okay with it. Xena looks forward to it and will sometimes make it hard for me to put her back in her enclosure.

i've had that happen with Turbine. I've tried to put him back, and he won't get off my hand.

[purplegeyser]

i've had that happen with Turbine. I've tried to put him back, and he won't get off my hand.

xD Yep. Xena will act like she's going, then pause, then turn right around and up my arm again. However Ekans usually knows whatsup.

As far as being nippy, I hear that the more you handle them the better they get about that. kwhitlock just about had it.

I dunno, Xena wasn't too bad, but she'd get a little moody. After consistent handling for about a week I already saw a difference in her temperament.

[ilovemysnake]

xD Yep. Xena will act like she's going, then pause, then turn right around and up my arm again. However Ekans usually knows whatsup.

As far as being nippy, I hear that the more you handle them the better they get about that. kwhitlock just about had it.

I dunno, Xena wasn't too bad, but she'd get a little moody. After consistent handling for about a week I already saw a difference in her temperament.

Turbine's not horrible, i mean im sure there's worse out there. but she is a texas rat snake, and i walked into this knowing the temperament of those snakes were nippy.
The guys at the pet store actually tried to convince me to not get her and to get a cheaper one that was a snow corn, i think. but i love the fact shes pure white, with blue eyes.
Wouldn't trade her bratty butt for anything.

[Starbuck]

If you think she may have a health issue then you ahould not handle her at all (minimally, ONLY when necessary).

[alessia55]

I only handle mine if I want to get a photo, or when I need to get them out of their enclosure for cleaning purposes.

I read on another thread that one of yours may be sick; I would suggest not handling that one until it can be determined that he is no longer sick.

As far as nipping... if you're snake is young, nipping is normal. Short handling sessions are best. But if you think about it... your snake is nipping at you because it feels threatened; you are a huge predator. Be patient.

[MizCandice]

It varies on my schedule as well as their agreeableness... If I open the tub and they seem in a feeding mode I let them be though they all come out 1x a week at least for a more thorough clean, and then for the occasional soak.

[ilovemysnake]

If you think she may have a health issue then you ahould not handle her at all (minimally, ONLY when necessary).

I'm not. only to take the photos to see what it is.

[purplegeyser]

Turbine's not horrible, i mean im sure there's worse out there. but she is a texas rat snake, and i walked into this knowing the temperament of those snakes were nippy.
The guys at the pet store actually tried to convince me to not get her and to get a cheaper one that was a snow corn, i think. but i love the fact shes pure white, with blue eyes.
Wouldn't trade her bratty butt for anything.

That sounds pretty. <3
Post those pics if you can!
Snow corns are cuties, but I like the size of a rat snake a bit better.

[ilovemysnake]

That sounds pretty. <3
Post those pics if you can!
Snow corns are cuties, but I like the size of a rat snake a bit better.

https://www.facebook.com/TurboAndTurbine

thats my snakes facebook page. i suck at taking her picture because she's white, so when it flashes, most of the time she shows up as a long slender white blob.

though there are a couple of her on it. feel free to like the page and check them out =D

[Awaiting Abyss]

I used to handle Lithir more than I do now... then again I haven't been doing much else lately other than working... (Retail makes me hate Christmas... with all of the rush and rude customers...)
I used to hold Lithir every day for about 5 to 15 minutes. Lately I have only been holding him when I pick him up to clean his cage.

[CosmicOwl]

Here is what I've been doing with my young grey rat snake. I made a small snake hook out of a chopstick and rubber coated paper clip. It's sturdy enough to gently scope him up, without frightening him either. Then I place him in the palm of my hand and allow him to squirm and slither through my fingers. After a minute or two, I will close my fingers around him. Then I'll start to pick him up with my other hand and move him a bit. I do this 2 out of every 5 days, for about 10 minutes. I'm feeding him every 5 days, so I'm allowing him at least 2 days to digest and I try not to handle him before feeding.

Overall, I think he's calmed down quite a bit, but some of that is probably due to him settling into his enclosure. The important thing is to not be aggressive with trying to pick them up. Whether you like it or not, they're going to view you as a predator until they've eventually come to realize that you're a threat.

Also, I'm not expert, so take what I say with a grain of salt. I'd recommend you differ to more experienced posters if you're in doubt.

[lewis13]

I try to get my snakes out at least once a week for 10-15 mins usually more. I probably don't have to get them out that often, but I enjoy it and I think they like the opportunity to explore a different environment. They are all pretty docile. My jcp is a little cage defensive, but if you open her cage move with a purpose she is fine. If you are tentative with her that is when you might have a problem.

[exwizard]

I handle mine every chance I get but with my long hours at work, it's really hard to get to everybody except on Cleaning Day. Then everyone gets handled. Well, everyone gets handled except for Pindari, my Scrub, for obvious reasons. ;)

[ilovemysnake]

I handle mine every chance I get but with my long hours at work, it's really hard to get to everybody except on Cleaning Day. Then everyone gets handled. Well, everyone gets handled except for Pindari, my Scrub, for obvious reasons. ;)

why dont yo handle your scrub?

[exwizard]

Because he's a heat seeking missile with teeth.

[CK SandBoas]

I've actually cut back on my handling on all my snakes, save for the sand boas, by quite a bit.....My BRB is getting to be quite a handful, so i only handle him when i have to take him out to clean his enclosure.

[Hurrok]

I try to handle my snakes as often as I can, but I will usually handle them 2-3x per week. I'll take 3 out at a time and let them roam around under supervision too so they can get some exercise and have the pleasure to roam :) I've had a couple snakes just chill with me for hours while watching movies, totally worth handling them at a young age so they learn to trust you.

One of my females can be nippy at times and is very sensitive to people's energy. If you are too fast or aggressive towards her she gives it right back :P she's learnt to trust me over the years but it wasn't easy. Let's just say that she will be staying with me for the the rest of her life and I'm completely content about it :)

[kwhitlock]

Because he's a heat seeking missile with teeth.

This made me laugh a lot :laugh: :)

[ilovemysnake]

Because he's a heat seeking missile with teeth.

what exactly is a scrub?

[Mikoh4792]

what exactly is a scrub?

Scrub python from new guinea. Forgot how long exactly but can grow to lengths of 14ft.

These guys eat kangaroos....

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e8/High-Yellow_Sorong_Amethystine_Scrub_Python.jpg/800px-High-Yellow_Sorong_Amethystine_Scrub_Python.jpg

http://www.reptilepets.co.za/images/sroo4.jpg

[ilovemysnake]

Scrub python from new guinea. Forgot how long exactly but can grow to lengths of 14ft.

These guys eat kangaroos....

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e8/High-Yellow_Sorong_Amethystine_Scrub_Python.jpg/800px-High-Yellow_Sorong_Amethystine_Scrub_Python.jpg

http://www.reptilepets.co.za/images/sroo4.jpg

holy crap. my little butt would be an appetizer for one of them.

[exwizard]

Well, Pindari is still pretty young. At 2 years old, he's about 8' long and on Large rats weekly, but his 'tude is about 3X his size.

The "heat seeking missile with teeth" description is originally from Shaun but it's a description that fits perfectly.

[ilovemysnake]

Well, Pindari is still pretty young. At 2 years old, he's about 8' long and on Large rats weekly, but his 'tude is about 3X his size.

The "heat seeking missile with teeth" description is originally from Shaun but it's a description that fits perfectly.

ha, turbine has a similiar attitude.

[shaunyboy]

i only handle when it's 100% neccesary

i split the snakes i co habit up at feeding time,then return them to their tanks after they've ate,i always make sure i support the feeding bulge,when putting them back into their tanks

after feeding it's best to leave them for 48 to 72 hours before handling,to allow their food to digest


cheers shaun

[exwizard]

ha, turbine has a similiar attitude.

I just wish I had gotten him as a baby. This way I could've tamed him like I did my Macklot's.

[SSSSnakes]

I don't handle mine except for feeding maintenance.

They don't want some giant molesting them.

I agree with ineralis. I only handle when necessary.

[Lichjen]

Merlin is held for short periods of time as we've only h ad him since November. He is still getting used to being handled. All he wants to do is get away. But Nimue has worked her way up to the fact I can have her on my neck/arm for hours at a time. I've fallen asleep on the couch with her wrapped on my wrist

[ilovemysnake]

Merlin is held for short periods of time as we've only h ad him since November. He is still getting used to being handled. All he wants to do is get away. But Nimue has worked her way up to the fact I can have her on my neck/arm for hours at a time. I've fallen asleep on the couch with her wrapped on my wrist

im terrified to fall asleep with them. i'd lose them, theyre so little.

[Starbuck]

im terrified to fall asleep with them. i'd lose them, theyre so little.

Good instincts. Several members have lost snakes because they fell asleep with them on the couch etc.

[ilovemysnake]

Good instincts. Several members have lost snakes because they fell asleep with them on the couch etc.

i make sure that when i handle them im wide awake, then if i feel myself getting tired, i put them back. i would be devasted if i lost them.

turbine has paper towels in her enclosure at the moment, and shes white, so i always think she's escaped because she blends in.

[shaunyboy]

why dont yo handle your scrub?

Because he's a heat seeking missile with teeth.


:D just gotta love scrubbies :D

intelligent,fiesty,super fast killing machines

cheers shaun

[exwizard]

:D just gotta love scrubbies :D

intelligent,fiesty,super fast killing machines

cheers shaun

I don't remember. Did I ever post about what happened with him during his feeding session almost 2 weeks ago? It was a sight to behold!

[Aaron_S]

I don't handle mine. Like ever. Even at cleaning it's picking them up, put them into a holding bin, back in the "home" tub.

There are a couple of exceptions. My daughter's snakes get handled a little more so they aren't as nervous but they came out that way. No increase or decrease of handling has changed my snakes attitudes. They either bite, don't bite, are nervous and flighty or just plain calm.

[exwizard]

Ahh yes. I found it...
http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/giant-python-discussion/103440-pindari-s-feeding-day.html

[SSSSnakes]

I don't handle mine. Like ever. Even at cleaning it's picking them up, put them into a holding bin, back in the "home" tub.

There are a couple of exceptions. My daughter's snakes get handled a little more so they aren't as nervous but they came out that way. No increase or decrease of handling has changed my snakes attitudes. They either bite, don't bite, are nervous and flighty or just plain calm.

I agree. I do not handle my snakes for fun. I think it is more the way you handle the snake as to how the snake react to you.

[Aaron_S]

I agree. I do not handle my snakes for fun. I think it is more the way you handle the snake as to how the snake react to you.

I hope you don't handle snakes for fun! You'd die! LOL

[LiL Zap]

I usually handle my corn whenever I go to the pet store or when I'm just at home chilling. She enjoys it alot. I'll let her lay all over me (she's pretty long) while I watch TV.

I truly do believe some snakes enjoy handling.

[Mikoh4792]

I truly do believe some snakes enjoy handling.

I don't think so. There is no way to tell.