Handling snakes..? - Page 2

ilovemysnake · 12-20-13, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Starbuck

If you think she may have a health issue then you ahould not handle her at all (minimally, ONLY when necessary).

I'm not. only to take the photos to see what it is.

purplegeyser · 12-20-13, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ilovemysnake

Turbine's not horrible, i mean im sure there's worse out there. but she is a texas rat snake, and i walked into this knowing the temperament of those snakes were nippy.
The guys at the pet store actually tried to convince me to not get her and to get a cheaper one that was a snow corn, i think. but i love the fact shes pure white, with blue eyes.
Wouldn't trade her bratty butt for anything.

That sounds pretty. <3
Post those pics if you can!
Snow corns are cuties, but I like the size of a rat snake a bit better.

ilovemysnake · 12-20-13, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by purplegeyser

That sounds pretty. <3
Post those pics if you can!
Snow corns are cuties, but I like the size of a rat snake a bit better.

https://www.facebook.com/TurboAndTurbine

thats my snakes facebook page. i suck at taking her picture because she's white, so when it flashes, most of the time she shows up as a long slender white blob.

though there are a couple of her on it. feel free to like the page and check them out =D

Awaiting Abyss · 12-20-13, 03:22 PM

I used to handle Lithir more than I do now... then again I haven't been doing much else lately other than working... (Retail makes me hate Christmas... with all of the rush and rude customers...)
I used to hold Lithir every day for about 5 to 15 minutes. Lately I have only been holding him when I pick him up to clean his cage.

CosmicOwl · 12-20-13, 04:13 PM

Here is what I've been doing with my young grey rat snake. I made a small snake hook out of a chopstick and rubber coated paper clip. It's sturdy enough to gently scope him up, without frightening him either. Then I place him in the palm of my hand and allow him to squirm and slither through my fingers. After a minute or two, I will close my fingers around him. Then I'll start to pick him up with my other hand and move him a bit. I do this 2 out of every 5 days, for about 10 minutes. I'm feeding him every 5 days, so I'm allowing him at least 2 days to digest and I try not to handle him before feeding.

Overall, I think he's calmed down quite a bit, but some of that is probably due to him settling into his enclosure. The important thing is to not be aggressive with trying to pick them up. Whether you like it or not, they're going to view you as a predator until they've eventually come to realize that you're a threat.

Also, I'm not expert, so take what I say with a grain of salt. I'd recommend you differ to more experienced posters if you're in doubt.

lewis13 · 12-20-13, 05:36 PM

I try to get my snakes out at least once a week for 10-15 mins usually more. I probably don't have to get them out that often, but I enjoy it and I think they like the opportunity to explore a different environment. They are all pretty docile. My jcp is a little cage defensive, but if you open her cage move with a purpose she is fine. If you are tentative with her that is when you might have a problem.

exwizard · 12-20-13, 06:34 PM

I handle mine every chance I get but with my long hours at work, it's really hard to get to everybody except on Cleaning Day. Then everyone gets handled. Well, everyone gets handled except for Pindari, my Scrub, for obvious reasons.

ilovemysnake · 12-20-13, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by exwizard

I handle mine every chance I get but with my long hours at work, it's really hard to get to everybody except on Cleaning Day. Then everyone gets handled. Well, everyone gets handled except for Pindari, my Scrub, for obvious reasons.

why dont yo handle your scrub?

exwizard · 12-20-13, 08:20 PM

Because he's a heat seeking missile with teeth.

CK SandBoas · 12-20-13, 08:28 PM

I've actually cut back on my handling on all my snakes, save for the sand boas, by quite a bit.....My BRB is getting to be quite a handful, so i only handle him when i have to take him out to clean his enclosure.

Hurrok · 12-20-13, 09:05 PM

I try to handle my snakes as often as I can, but I will usually handle them 2-3x per week. I'll take 3 out at a time and let them roam around under supervision too so they can get some exercise and have the pleasure to roam

I've had a couple snakes just chill with me for hours while watching movies, totally worth handling them at a young age so they learn to trust you.

One of my females can be nippy at times and is very sensitive to people's energy. If you are too fast or aggressive towards her she gives it right back :P she's learnt to trust me over the years but it wasn't easy. Let's just say that she will be staying with me for the the rest of her life and I'm completely content about it