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

franks · 07-09-13, 06:43 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.

**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

franks · 07-09-13, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pareeeee

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by franks

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.

franks · 07-09-13, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by formica

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by franks

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.

Quote:

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by formica

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?

franks · 07-09-13, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aaron_S

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.