Little holes in the substrate - is she burrowing?

[LRRoberts0122]

This morning, I woke up to an empty enclosure. When I can't locate her, I always get worried that she escaped, but it's really impossible for her in the type of enclosure she's in. There are three little holes that I can see on the edge of the tank.

Does this mean she's in the substrate?

[Mikoh4792]

What kind of snake is she? I would say yes.

[Pirarucu]

I want to say it's a corn, but I could be wrong. Yes, I would say it's very likely that she burrowed.

[LRRoberts0122]

Whoops, sorry. Yeah, she's a little corn snake. My first one! She did come out and is currently up on the vines, hiding (she likes to hide in the vines more than her 3 hidey holes I've provided her - anyone have any idea as to why?).

How long does it typically take for them to be comfortable with you? I've only had her for three days, and she's hiding from me whenever I'm around. However, last night, she was watching me, sticking her neck up and being overly curious, and I just let her do that until she got bored and crawled away. Trying to let her know I'm not interested in eating her, lol.

But today it seems she's back to being scared. I feel kinda bad, I can't imagine how scared she must be. Is there anything I can do to make her feel more secure? The breeder recommended I didn't feed for a week, and didn't handle until after she digested (2 days).

So is there anything I can do for this cutie?

Thanks,

~ Liz

[EL Ziggy]

Patience is the key Liz. I'd say it took my new snakes a month or two before they learned to "trust" me. Meaning they didn't scurry away whenever I came near them and they openly roamed their enclosures as opposed to hiding most of the time. Once she's had a few meals and some gentle consistent handling she'll become more comfortable with her environment and with you.

[Obsidian_Dragon]

My MBK's been with me about a month and a half, and sometimes he'll still nope out of sight when I walk in. Mostly not, but sometimes!

As to the garter I've had for 4 days...what garter? Oh, you mean that lump under the paper towels?

[LRRoberts0122]

Haha, good to hear. Yeah she's been a bit curious. I haven't handled her much at all yet, really. Just when I place her in her enclosure. I'll wait until she's fed and digested, and then I'll handle her a bit from there. I just change her water every other day.

Good to know. ^_^ She's a sweet girl, doesn't ever go in defensive or ever try to bite, so I think she'll be fine, once I'm able to handle her after she gets settled. Thanks for the input!