I need help with my snake?

dannybgoode · 04-07-17, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doug 351

Funny, my snake loves it, and REALLY loves to meet new people. (I don't think she knows she's a snake.)

I know it sounds funny, and you may wonder how I know, but just like tail rattling tells you they are are upset or scared, rapid tongue flicks coupled with relaxed muscles indicates anticipated excitement.

Except this isn't true. You don't know if your snake is excited or stressed to the point of trying to act calm.

I'm not saying it's one of the other but to say you know a snake is 'excited' to meet people is nonsense I'm afraid.

None of my current snakes seem bothered by handling whether by me or anyone else (even my ATB isn't defencesive) but I don't assume I know how they feel because I simply don't.

They may well be relaxed, they may be terrified. I therefore work on the assumption its the latter and keep handling to a minimum.

Doug 351 · 04-07-17, 01:16 AM

Well, since I got my snake as a baby, and have had her 15 years, I think I know her just a little bit better than you.

She has been handled by over 100 people, most kids.

And just maybe, I can actually read animals better than you. I catch and play with wild animals all the time.

And I should have added, just like a happy dog, she can't sit still....it's just she's not tense. I think if she was scared, she'd have bit someone in 15 years.

Let me tell you something else...I used to tease her a lot, one time, I pushed her too far, and she bit me, but didn't even break the skin. She was just telling me to quit! So, to think or say Oscar could be stressed into compliance is absurd.

I KNOW MY SNAKE!

My personal best: tying her in three knots....( she doesn't like that game....and now...I can barely tie her in one!)

I have to add one more thing...I have gone to local stores with Oscar draped over my neck. She is perfectly fine with that.

BillyCostume · 04-07-17, 04:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dannybgoode

Except this isn't true. You don't know if your snake is excited or stressed to the point of trying to act calm.

I'm not saying it's one of the other but to say you know a snake is 'excited' to meet people is nonsense I'm afraid.

None of my current snakes seem bothered by handling whether by me or anyone else (even my ATB isn't defencesive) but I don't assume I know how they feel because I simply don't.

They may well be relaxed, they may be terrified. I therefore work on the assumption its the latter and keep handling to a minimum.

I wish I could handle my ATB without getting bit haha. He's getting better but still a feisty bugger.

dannybgoode · 04-07-17, 04:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillyCostume

I wish I could handle my ATB without getting bit haha. He's getting better but still a feisty bugger.

I get him out before he knows what's happening and once he's out, whilst always ready to strike, I don't give him a target.

There's plenty of time yet though for him to have a nibble

Now when I get the scrubs...