Nippy snakes

Skits · 04-24-12, 12:37 PM

My new texas rat snake Otto has become really nippy. We were warned in the petstore that he was the most agressive snake in the store, but I was able to handle him twice at the store without problems, and twice at home. The other day I had him on a couch to show my dad and he wandered off a little too far, when I tried to pick him up he quickly snapped at me. I tried again a few times but he kept snapping. He hid under the couch and it took us a good 20 minutes to get him out.

Is there any way to work with snakes with behavior problems? Like handling him every day? I would just like to have him used to people so I can clean his tank without problems, and vet visits, etc.

MoreliAddict · 04-24-12, 12:39 PM

Do you have a snake hook? It's a good tool to handle and move snakes like that.

SpOoKy · 04-24-12, 12:42 PM

I find my Taiwan Beauty to be the same way. We got him and he was really docile but once he settled into his new home, that was it. Seems he has some good days and some where I don't even bother. So far I have found that if I have him out and allow him to explore the area around where I am holding him he doesn't get too upset when I need to move or adjust the direction he is travelling.

Quote:

Do you have a snake hook? It's a good tool to handle and move snakes like that.

and yes, the snake hook does work really well with him.

Skits · 04-24-12, 12:46 PM

Yep I do have a snake hook, I've been using that to move him around but wasn't sure if handling him daily would help at all. Otto's usually fine until I do let him explore, or as soon as he gets out of my hands. He's only about 5-6 feet right now so I thought I could work with him now before he gets to 8-9 feet. I will just keep using the hook and see if he can get used to me a little more.

USMCgunner11 · 04-24-12, 12:47 PM

How new is he? You may want to limit your handling of him if he is still fairly new to your home. If he is young, he may grow used to you and being handled as he matures. No guarantee of course as some just stay that way. The hook recommendation would be a good idea until he calms down and feels more comfortable with you.

Skits · 04-24-12, 12:48 PM

I got him on Friday. I'm giving him time to settle in other than having to take him out when I clean his water or any "business" he did in the tank.

Kingsnakechris · 04-24-12, 12:52 PM

Let himnsettle for a while and then do short but frequent handling sessions maybe 5 mins a day then gradually move up to ten. My female cal. King tamed down significantly using this method but my male just doesn't like being handled. Sometimes that's just how it goes..

exwizard · 04-24-12, 02:18 PM

Ok I agree with waing as far as new snakes are concerned, however, I would handle him frequently ASAP. Thats the only way he will be tamed down, esp before he gets too big. I do have experience taming down snakes as well lets just say, I got both pairs of Macklots when they were babies and they were the typical nippy baby Macks. The first pair was even nippier than the second pair. I will let these pics speak for themselves.

bushsnake · 04-24-12, 03:11 PM

texas ratsnakes always have attitudes, thats how they are

Skits · 04-24-12, 03:23 PM

I'll try to handle him more and see how it goes

Is it possible for a snake to bond to someone instantly? I noticed that Otto is usually fine when it's only me handling him, but when others are around me is when he becomes really nippy. He's bitten every person that worked at the store I got him, but I was able to take him out of the tank without problems. And everyone seemed to take him out of the tank the exact way that I was doing it.

exwizard · 04-24-12, 03:27 PM

yeah well Idk about "bonding" but yeah I have similar experiences. A Yellow for example... A friend let me handle him warning me of his attitude. He was chill on me while striking at him as he walked by. That was funny

Skits · 04-24-12, 03:35 PM

so I guess I'm not crazy imagining this haha.

He's currently in a temporary tank that's more height than length which makes it hard to get him out of, so I'll move him back into his original temporary tank and see if it's easier with him. It's a pain in the butt to have to go half inside the tank to get the water dish when there's an agressive snake in it.

I just opened the top to get his dish and got this and lots of hissing

I'm guessing the tallness of the tank freaks him out too.

exwizard · 04-24-12, 03:39 PM

Yeah he looks like he means business.

jaleely · 04-24-12, 04:21 PM

ratsnakes have attitudes, but yes frequent handling will help. I was told the same about our carpet python. OOOOH my was she fussy, not only biting but pooping on us when upset.

I've had her for...9 months? maybe longer. And she has finally gotten to where she will not bite or poop. She is still defensive in posture most of the time, but has become more curious and tolerant. I've heard it can take longer to tame them sometimes.

Just patience. At first though, just ease into it. If you just got the snake, he's still very upset at the move, the new place, and is not sure how to handle anything yet.

jaleely · 04-24-12, 04:23 PM

Also, repetition helps. My husband tries to reach in for her, and hesitates, and freaks her out and she will strike at him. I just reach in and pick her up with no problems. She is unsure of what he wants, when he hovers his hand because he is afraid of getting bit (she does NOT hurt btw lol) whereas i just do it, and so she knows what to expect.