| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| ozziesmum |
Posted - 12/02/2011 : 11:25:01
Morning all,
is it absolutely necessary to handle your corn snakes? the reason I ask is that with Rhubarb and Custard they are total opposites where handling is concerned.
Rhubarb hates being out of his viv I've tried over the last month building the time up slowly to try and get him used to it but he just struggles to get back in, no matter where I sit with him he just makes a very rapid beeline back to the viv. When I go to lift him out he goes into the strike position although he has never struck out yet but he has rattled his tail a couple of times, last night I came and sat in the room with them just watching them and from 10pm until 1am Rhubarb was fully active in the viv climbing, roaming and paddling, he knew I was there but didn't bat an eyelid so he was obviously very happy and relaxed.
Custard on the other hand loves being out and being handled she has no fear what so ever and would happily stay out all day if you would let her even now when she is in full blue.
Up until a week ago they lived together in one viv (that's how they lived when I got them) and he was always they very shy one but I put that down to maybe her having the more dominant personality and although he has become more active and confident in the viv out of it there is no change.
I know nothing of their backgrounds so don't know if anything might have happened in their past that might be causing Rhubarbs fear of being handled. Should I continue handling him even though he clearly doesn't like it or should I persevere and hope that one day he will realise that I am not going to hurt him. |
| 2 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| herriotfan |
Posted - 12/02/2011 : 13:03:39
It's up to you.Like Danny said they don't have to be handled but if you want to try and build up his confidence then keep going. Even if you only hold him for very short periods at a time it will all help. It may take him ages to feel happy with you but he will learn gradually to tolerate you and be less threatened by being out. Good luck....  |
| DannyBrown91 |
Posted - 12/02/2011 : 12:14:20
Nope it is not necesary to handle the snakes, but if you do continue handling, even just for a short amount of time once a day, gradually he will become more tollerant. Sometimes it just takes a little persistance. All of my corns have been flighty when i first started handling. Reggie was just super quick and trying to get away and casper would attack anything that moved, but now they're great. |
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