Handling tips for antsy carpet python?

[Zanzobean]

Hi forums! I apologize if I already posted this but it's not showing up in my post history so here I go again. I recently got a beautiful carpet (shes's around 5') and I let her settle in for a while, so I'm finally ready to try to tame her. I've been doing some reading, and I've heard that 5-10 minute sessions daily will help he calm down. My problem is that I can't even get her out of her cage. I so much touch her or get within an inch and shes hissing and frantically trying to run away from me. I want to tame her, but I can't even get her out of the cage :( Any tips for getting her out would be much appreciated!

[EL Ziggy]

Welcome aboard Zan. I don't really believe in "taming" snakes per se, but with time and patience they can become more comfortable with handling. How long have you had your carpet? Has she eaten for you a few times?As far as getting her out of the enclosure the best approach is to just reach in confidently and take her out. I like to reach underneath the animal and support it with two hands. I don't handle my snakes every day, more like once a week, and they're all pretty chill. If your girl is 5ft she's at least a sub adult. Did the previous keeper give you any info on her temperament? She'll most likely calm down soon. Carpets are really fun snakes to keep. Share pics of your snake and setup when you can.

[Zanzobean]

Thanks! She hasn't eaten yet and I was thinking to feed her this Thursday. I waited a week, and this is the start of week 2. I suppose just grabbing her might work. I don't want to hurt her and whenever I go to touch her she shrinks away and slips out of my grasp. I'll try again to pick her up tommorow, I don't want to bother her too much today. Thanks again for the reply! I'll try to get some pictures and things up some time :)

[regi375]

What I currently do with my Carpet Python is I get her out on the snake hook (tap/hook training I've heard is very beneficial). Then I just gently place her in my hand and allow her to crawl off the hook on her own. It seems to be a lot less stressful for her rather than me reaching in and grabbing her. Also, I haven't taken a bite so far. I just need to take care that I'm slow and calm in my movements. She's been growing in confidence ever since. Just be careful that she doesn't try to run off. I do agree with handling her once a week, it's what I do with mine.

[EL Ziggy]

I'd work on getting her to eat 2-3 times before attempting to handle her. Let her acclimate to her new environment, realize you aren't a threat, and she should be easier to handle. I agree with hook/tap training as well. I usually tap all of my snakes with a hook before taking them out.

[Andy_G]

I'd work on getting her to eat 2-3 times before attempting to handle her. Let her acclimate to her new environment, realize you aren't a threat, and she should be easier to handle. I agree with hook/tap training as well. I usually tap all of my snakes with a hook before taking them out.

I agree with this. Excellent advice. Getting a new snake to eat is crucial and should be done before anything else.

[trailblazer295]

I wait for all new additions to have at least 2 meals with me before I start handling.

[ubermenchwhite]

As everyone has stated get her feeding first. Also I find a well fed snake is normally easier to work with than a hungry snake. I personally always use a snake hook (having large pythons you almost have to) but a snake hook isn't a "snake crane" it is just a tool used to control a snakes head movement. Use the hook to guard the head from her ever reaching your hand. Once you have her out don't restrict her movements if she's still, you be still; if she's flighty keep your hands under her. Never grab, pull or restrain her. If she tenses up be patient take as much time till she continues exploring again. Don't hesitate and be deliberate in your movements. She may give you a love tap but it won't kill you. Carpets can be little buggers so WHAT YOUR FACE haha

[Louv44]

How is it going with your carpet? Everything you were dealing when is normal. Yes we have captive bred snakes but huge difference between captive bred and domesticated. They are wild animals that live by the eat or be eaten nature motto. If your still having issues let me know.

[Zanzobean]

She's doing much better! I do have a hook now and she's taken well to training. She only whistles if I move too fast, but she's almost 100% better than before. I have also elevated her cage and put more clutter in so she's more secure. Thanks for all the advice. She's slowly becoming very sweet :) and she's very curious now

[toddnbecka]

My female IJ was a holy terror when I brought her home as a wee hatchling. She struck at literally anything that moved near her. She grew out of that gradually over a period of months, now she's no problem to pick up and handle. Then today, when I opened the top of her tank to toss in a mouse, she tagged me pretty hard on the hand. Let go immediately, apparently she was hungry and I was inside her strike range. (Usually I avoid that on feeding day, lol.)

[Louv44]

Zanzo so glad she is doing better I knew she would. I can't believe I didn't suggest a hook when I first replied to you I was at work and rushed it but also knew someone else would. Your doing everything right keep it up she will be your buddy in a year and an awesome pet! Carpets are smart and fun animals to own as pets. There are a lot of species that are cage defensive carpets are one of them just always use your hook keep up your handling routine and your all set! You need anything let me know bud!