What feels good to a snake?

[pdomensis]

Originally Posted by NargleBeliever

Hi everyone,

I'm curious about whether or not there are ways to "pet" your snake or otherwise interact with it in a way that feels good to the snake. With a dog, you would scratch behind its ears, rub its belly, etc. Are there particular spots or movements that would give your snake a similarly enjoyable experience?

This is all with the assumption that the snake knows you and is comfortable being handled by you, of course.

Thanks!

Avoiding the whole snake psychology discussion, there are definitely ways you can handle a snake that cause them stress, ie quick movements either by the handler or those around you, coming at them from above, etc. Mine also flinch at touches near the head or on the back.

The best way to handle them is to be a tree, slow moving and supportive, especially in the mid-section where the weight is.