Handling

Piggybuns · 12-28-15, 07:22 PM

My corn's still a baby yet, and curls up, watches my hand and strikes occasionally when I go to pick her up, which is fine because I already read babies tend to nip because they're spooked and need handling so they learn you won't eat 'em. Once she's out, she's fine, it's just getting her out... she really doesn't like the process of actually being picked up. XD

But my question is... how LONG do you handle your snakes? 10 minutes? An hour? I know they can be stressed into not eating so it's kind of a mystery on what a good balance is for me. So far I've only held her about 5 minutes total each time I let her slide around my hands to explore.

**Minkness** · 12-28-15, 07:30 PM

Depends on the snakes. I have some that I handle just to handle and get them used to me. Could be 5-10 minutes. But I have some that will hang out for hours. Baby corn should be in smaller bursts IMO. Like 5 minutes a day, except for the day of and after feeding.

Piggybuns · 12-28-15, 10:32 PM

Oh okay! So my timing's been pretty good. I gave her a 4-day break to settle a bit, and then handled her a bit more tonight. No striking this time but she did eyeball me. XD I guess that's a step in the right direction.

Bandit · 12-28-15, 10:42 PM

Sounds like you're doing things right. Like Mink said, it really just depends on the snake because they're all different. Don't get frustrated or upset if she takes a while to settle down. Patience is key.

Humble308 · 12-28-15, 11:26 PM

I wouldn't worry too much. Hatchlings are just nippy by nature. My bull snake nailed me alot for the first few handlings and then she calmed down. My gopher snake isn't aggresive at all but is like trying to hold onto a wet noodle for about 5 minutes before she calms downs and just chills. My gray rat snake is my favorite to handle and he just likes to explore and be curious. Gradually increase your handling time as the SNAKE allows. I usually give about 10-15 mins to each snake but start small and work your way up. My hognose will sit for hours because she's sedentary and boring haha. Most of the time the snake will let you know when it's ready to go back in it's cage....mine usually get a little restless and start wiggling around more than usual.

**Minkness** · 12-29-15, 12:32 AM

Generally you shluld wait to handle until after 2 or 3 consecutive meals are taken without a fuss. This isn't mandatory, but it's a fod guidline.

Piggybuns · 12-29-15, 04:45 PM

Thank you guys. ^^ She calms down the minute she's actually in my hand, she just really dislikes seeing me go for her to get her out, despite coming from the side, or just "going for it" so I guess I'll just keep it up till she warms up. :3 I just wanted to be sure I wasn't bringing her out too short, because I wasn't sure if 5 minutes a day was really long enough for her. Sometimes I skip a day and let her alone, so I may actually be under-handling her. (Plus my friend is over right now who is weird about it, but seems to be chillin' out now, so that's good.)

Again, thanks! ^^