Handling snakes..?

ilovemysnake · 12-19-13, 11:49 PM

I was just wondering how often and how long you guys handle yours for?

with me i go back and forth, one day its turbo, then the next turbine, handling them for about 15-30 minutes.

Now being the fact that Turbine's VERY NIPPY and can't be still, would you suggest i handle her for a longer period of time, or less? Or is 15-30 minutes a precise handling time?

**EL Ziggy** · 12-19-13, 11:56 PM

I don't really handle my snakes a lot. Maybe 2-3 times a week for about 5-10 min each. They're both super sweet, I just prefer watching them more than handling them.

kwhitlock · 12-20-13, 12:11 AM

I handle mine for how ever long, I handle then both the same amount usually 2-3 times a week. If one of yours is nippy, I would say a couple minutes a day but always end on a good note, never put him back after a bite only. Teaches if I bite I can be put back.

Mikoh4792 · 12-20-13, 12:12 AM

I handle the nippy ones to calm them down. Other then that I don't really bother them. Only reason I handle my snakes is so they are easier to work with as adults. Wouldn't want an arboreal python that can potentially grow to 8 ft biting at my face!

infernalis · 12-20-13, 12:26 AM

I don't handle mine except for feeding maintenance.

They don't want some giant molesting them.

CosmicOwl · 12-20-13, 12:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by infernalis

I don't handle mine except for feeding maintenance.

They don't want some giant molesting them.

I love this perspective. I do think some them like to be taken out so they can climb around get some exercise though.

Lankyrob · 12-20-13, 03:31 AM

I only have three corns now, throughout this year they have probably been held once each, maybe twice.

Terranaut · 12-20-13, 05:07 AM

I used to handle mine more often. Now I find myself only handling when I do spot cleans or watering. Just for 2-3 min to check them out. Occasionally I will leave my carpets out to roam a bit or hang with company but keep it to about 15- 20 min

purplegeyser · 12-20-13, 05:14 AM

I handle mine about 2-3 times a week on average.
Usually for cleaning. Sometimes I'll let them explore before I feed them as well.

When I'm up late just chillin' and they're active in their enclosures, I'll take them out for a while. It really mellows them out and they seem to be okay with it. Xena looks forward to it and will sometimes make it hard for me to put her back in her enclosure.

ilovemysnake · 12-20-13, 05:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by purplegeyser

I handle mine about 2-3 times a week on average.
Usually for cleaning. Sometimes I'll let them explore before I feed them as well.

When I'm up late just chillin' and they're active in their enclosures, I'll take them out for a while. It really mellows them out and they seem to be okay with it. Xena looks forward to it and will sometimes make it hard for me to put her back in her enclosure.

i've had that happen with Turbine. I've tried to put him back, and he won't get off my hand.

purplegeyser · 12-20-13, 05:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ilovemysnake

i've had that happen with Turbine. I've tried to put him back, and he won't get off my hand.

xD Yep. Xena will act like she's going, then pause, then turn right around and up my arm again. However Ekans usually knows whatsup.

As far as being nippy, I hear that the more you handle them the better they get about that. kwhitlock just about had it.

I dunno, Xena wasn't too bad, but she'd get a little moody. After consistent handling for about a week I already saw a difference in her temperament.

ilovemysnake · 12-20-13, 06:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by purplegeyser

xD Yep. Xena will act like she's going, then pause, then turn right around and up my arm again. However Ekans usually knows whatsup.

As far as being nippy, I hear that the more you handle them the better they get about that. kwhitlock just about had it.

I dunno, Xena wasn't too bad, but she'd get a little moody. After consistent handling for about a week I already saw a difference in her temperament.

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.

Starbuck · 12-20-13, 07:34 AM

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

alessia55 · 12-20-13, 08:08 AM

I only handle mine if I want to get a photo, or when I need to get them out of their enclosure for cleaning purposes.

I read on another thread that one of yours may be sick; I would suggest not handling that one until it can be determined that he is no longer sick.

As far as nipping... if you're snake is young, nipping is normal. Short handling sessions are best. But if you think about it... your snake is nipping at you because it feels threatened; you are a huge predator. Be patient.

MizCandice · 12-20-13, 08:11 AM

It varies on my schedule as well as their agreeableness... If I open the tub and they seem in a feeding mode I let them be though they all come out 1x a week at least for a more thorough clean, and then for the occasional soak.