Anyone have a cure for Snake phobia!

[Jet]

My daughter in-law is so scared of snakes, that she actually cried when one came up on the porch last Summer. Unfortunately for her, I collect them (along with Tarantulas and Scorpions). She doesn't mind the Arachnids at all and even helps me feed and handle them, but simply refuses to hold a snake. She watches me handle the snakes and bathe them during difficult sheddings and seems to have become a bit interested. I tried to get her to hold a really sweet baby boa, but she still refuses. I feel that I could possibly change her mind, if I got one and told her it was all her's. Any suggestions on a really docile snake that can be easily handled without much fear of a bite? I have been thinking of the Eastern Hognose. I think she would get tickled with it's character.

Please let me know of any suggestions that I can use in helping her with her phobia and an interesting snake. Thanks!

Jet

[Invictus]

I would not recommend a hognose at all, simply because if they DO bite, your daughter in law will never lose her snake phobia, especially if she gets envenomated.

That said, I've cured several people of their snake phobias simply by having them hold a snake, so you're on the right track. I'd recommend an adult corn snake or an adult kenyan sand boa. Those tend to me the most docile and least threatening. Jeuvi to adult boa constrictors can be ok, but they tend to hold on pretty hard, which scares those who are already afraid of being killed by one. Good luck, I hope she gets over the fear.

[Linds]

Rubber Boas are very small and biting is typically a last resort. Rosy Boas are for the most part very docile, but you get the odd one here or there that decides its a human feeder. It's really quite funny. Mine are all great, except my Whitewater Canyon Rosy. She doesn't strike - just slowly, and methodically pushes her nose in to your skin and opens her mouth :flick: They make fairly good snake for display, and if you give them climbing branches, they will usually make very good use of them Ball Pythons rarely bite, and are great for handling since they tend to be quite inactive in hand. I personally do not find them to be interesting. Corns can be ok, but I wouldn't recommend a young one. Babies can be quick moving and more defenive (as can adults, but you have a better chance of getting a calmer snake with one thats acclimated). I would say these probably have the most 'personality' out of the ones I've listed. Children's Pythons are pretty good for handling and stay small, as well as Spotted's (although you do get the occassional snappy one).

I agree a Hognose probably wouldn't be a good choice. While they are funny little snakes, they can also be skittish and snappy at times.

[capsicum]

My first snake was a spotted python, and she has helped innumerable people get over their fear of snakes

TK

[Jet]

I can't say that I am familiar with "spotted pythons," and will have to look them up! I appreciate it!

[capsicum]

Here is a pic of my girl, Malfoy.



And her eating a fuzzy rat (she takes much bigger though, this is what we had at the time).



Thanks for looking!

TK

[Cruciform]

Spotteds are great The adults a small, and not as flighty as other snakes that are juvenile at that size.

My new baby boas are really relaxed too. I was really impressed by how unfazed they are by handling. Both have a thing for resting their heads on the tip of my nose though, which would probably scare a phobic person into an early grave.

[Siretsap]

I would go for a cornsnake, colors can be very nice, and most are calm.

I have some children's pythons, and they are really nippy. They are suppose to calm down as they grow, so only time will tell for mine.

I think she would like a cornsnake, since it is quite small when it's a baby and colors are very diversified.

[Vanan]

I vote for a baby kenyan sand boa. Even my mom who's snake phobic actually picked one up off my hands. Totally surprised me when she did that. We've had others who've never held a snake pick up a KSB for the first time. They look more like a slug than a snake.

[nat_the_brat]

if she has a phobia then you should hold off on any snake until she's comfortable with being near them let alone holding them. If she doesn't have a phobia .. merely is scared of snakes due to her fear of being bitten then pick the more docile snake you have and let her come to you while you hold it. If she's not interested in approaching you while you are holdind the snake no amount of pestering her about it is going to help. Its hard to say what the right way to go about it is without knowing more info. I am just interested in phobias at the moment as I am studying them in univerisity as well as learning the differences between phobias and mere fears... to me (though like I said, don't really know the situation) she doesn't have a phobia or she would be having panic attacks at the mere idea of them being in the same house as her). Just keep taking baby steps until she adjusts her comfort level

[Nicki]

I'd sugget not buying her a snake until she wants one of her own. But if you want to get a new snake she'll be comfortable with (ie if you think yours are not appropriate) I'd suggest a young ball python, because in my own experience, these are the slowest, most deliberate, and least likely to bite. Then when you are holding it, ask her if she'd like to watch, then slowly move up to having her just touch its tail, while you very carefully make sure its head doesn't turn towards her.

Bit by bit, she may get used to being near the snake and eventually may even hold it in her hands. And before you know it, she'll be hooked!

I can't guarantee that'll work, but that's been my best method for getting people used to my own snakes, and for helping the public touch them when our club is doing shows. If you know another very unintimidating girl who could be there to hold the snake as well, it may show your daughter-in-law that it's not just big tough guys that can enjoy the snakes, too...

Just some thoughts, good luck, and MOST OF ALL don't force anything. It'll happen slowly and naturally!

Nicole

[askaboutrep]

One thing I have done with my cornsnakes(any size), that would probably work with most snake breeds....and this has helped a lot of people get over their fear, is I hold the snake behind their head, firm enough so they cant really move, but not too firm of course, and then hold the back end, leaving a space for them to pet the snake, telling them to pet front to back cuz of their scales.
Some people have just run the tip of their finger along their skin. And then work up to their hand.

Have you tried asking her why she is scared? Maybe its something really weird.

[SerpentLust]

I agree about the Spotted Python thing. That was my first snake, I must admit, although I was always facsinated with them, I was nervous about the handling. She took all the aprehension away. They stay a good handlable size. Very acclimated to captivity.

My ex was afraid, he still is, but he'll actually hold her with no problems. I started by letting him hold the tail while I held her upper body and slowly worked his way up.

Here's my spotted. Love her to death. Actually thinking about getting another one at the November 21st expo lol



Jenn

[BoidsUnlimited]

Id go with a Corn, King, or Milk.

Although they are quite flighty, maybe a calm adult? Or even a Small Boid such as a Ball Python?