| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| dizzie85 |
Posted - 06/10/2010 : 12:29:08
Hi guys I did post when I first needed some assistance on my snake.... snake first :D now ready to come and say HELLO!
Im Dawn, My snake's a baby corn sunglowxNormal 8weeks old and absoloutely gorgeous!
I fed him succesfully on Monday in his little starter tub. He was handled the day I had him but otherwise I've left him alone.
I have a brill 3ft Viv for him but I think he is too small for it so put a 1ft plastic tank in the viv half on the heatmat ready to transfer him into... The thing is when I open his tub he's straight up being nosey and I sort of have to grab him as he's escaping his tub and I held him that way as he proceeded to slither from hand to hand (then was a nightmare to get back in his tub!!)
SOO I have the challenge of moving him again do I go in and pick him up or is it ok just to allow him to attempt his escape and get a grip of him that way? (gently of course).
He is all curled up and looking a bit defensive at the moment absoloutely terrified he is going to strike out at me ( that was the feeding haha I offered him his pinkie and he struck at it with no warning which I wasnt expecting,, now half expecting him to strike at my hand when I go to pick him up...
I've been reading most of your psts, a really great site to gather info and heres to hoping one day I may be as good as you guys for advice when it comes to corns :D .....
p.s how do I upload a pic of Charlie on here? 
Pretty nervous about handling him
*moved to intros* |
| 20 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| dizzie85 |
Posted - 08/10/2010 : 14:14:54
What next? a second snake haha... not yet though!
I did read it made for some really good reading, as have a lot of threads on this board!
I plan on leaving him alone for a couple of days esp now as my youngest has come down with shingles! So no doubt she will be taking up a lot of my time day and night as she is only a baby still.
As long as I dont have to brain the mouse OR have to deal with regurgitated one I'm ok pmsl! |
| Kellog |
Posted - 08/10/2010 : 02:59:27
Kdlang has given you great advice about handling Charlie when there is peace and quiet....rather than lots of noise around. I find that even now my adults can get stressed if there are lots of kids around paying them too much attention, especially Silvesta. Doing your handling after the kids have gone to bed is perfect....and then introduce them to him slowly and calmly, maybe not all at once....but only when you are confident in your handling of him. Did you read the thread about Handling? It does give some good tips on how to deal with a nervous snake and explains how natural it is for them to be like that.
As for when to feed him, you probably dont need the full week settling in period as he is used to the smells and sounds of your house....but he is getting used to a new enclosure and has also had a bit of a scare before he got put into his new tank. So I would suggest you leave him for 4/5 days, then feed him, leave him for the necessary 48hrs and then you can start your handling again.
You are doing really well conquering your fears! Having been terrified of snakes you now have one of your own and despite being rather squeamish you are handling pinkies  ....wonder what will come next  ?!
xxx
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| dizzie85 |
Posted - 07/10/2010 : 20:21:11
Good advice in hindsight lol! I had up till today only held him when it was quiet. We had guests over today and the kids were excitable and they wanted to see him so I decided to pick him up and move him whilst they were here. I guess the crowded room and kids all about wasn't his scene! Will look into the feed thing. Im not too concerned if he doesnt take it but could really do without him regurgitating it as It took a lot for me to handle the pinkie (im a big wuss pmsl) never mind have to scrape out a regurgitated decomposing one!! I think I might wait the week to be on the safe side I know it wont hurt him to wait that long im sure :D. |
| kdlang |
Posted - 07/10/2010 : 19:44:24
I always handle my new snakes when the kids are in bed and it's quiet as it gives me chance to guage what kind of temperament they have and to focus solely on the snake instead of being distracted. And a huge plus is that it is quieter for the snakie as it is getting used to all the new smells and being handled. its usually only for a couple of weeks tho.
He may rattle again the next time you pick him up or he may not. But at least now you know that it doesn't mean he is going to strike at you. It may take quiet a few sessions for him to get used to being handled but each time you do it you will get more confident and you will pass that confidence onto him. I'm not to sure when you should feed him but I wouldn't have thought he would need a full week as he is already used to the smells in the house. Saying that it wont hurt him to wait for the week to be up if you want to make sure he is settled properly |
| dizzie85 |
Posted - 07/10/2010 : 18:36:59
Well ~i've just picked Charlie up to move him into his new tank out of his hatchling tub and I really honestly think he doesnt much like traffic noise! The kids were about and as soon as I picked him up he started rattling his tail so I put him straight into his new enclosure within the viv and turned off the light and covered him over so he can get used to his new little home in peace.
Now should I attempt to feed him before a week is up as I know I have to leave him to settle (he was last fed Monday) or should I go ahead and try to feed him again in a few days when he would be due one?
I was surprised I thought I would drop him and panic when he rattled but I didnt I calmly but hastily put him straight into his new setup.
Do you think he will rattle again next time I pick him up (in a weeks time now as he been moved). He didnt bite me though and he had the oppertunity! Think the next month or two I may choose to handle him after the kids are in bed until he has a little more confidence in me :D |
| dizzie85 |
Posted - 07/10/2010 : 10:49:42
Hiii (hangover on board lol). Cant believe I needed half a bottle of douch courage last night to actually hold him hehe.. Though glad I did and next step is to handle him without my courage pmsl.
I will have a look at your links incase I havent read them and Thankyou for all the pointers, always helpful :D I love your snake Silvesta!! I was looking at pics on here yesterday of Hatchlings and saw a gorgeous one similar to him I just thought... I mite get one like that later on ... then having a little giggle to myself I've got to get used to the one I have before planning on adding to the collection atleast for a year or two. Not sure my house is big enough for more snakes but hey... the kids may "want one" later on in their rooms :P.
Still not talked the other half into even holding him yet, he thinks im totally crazy... told my neightbour this morning about our addition n she almost ran out the garden pmsl... good considering we have a shared front garden! |
| Kellog |
Posted - 07/10/2010 : 09:34:20
Hi Dizzie, it is really good that you have joined us! It is obvious you have been around for a while on the forum and done some great research, which is wonderful to hear. You will have seen what a great forum with lots of experienced owners happy to give their advice and support. You also get lots of fun and friendship .
Its obvious you have already browsed the TCS site and forum, and found that it provides great information. You have probably already checked out these threads  (but better told twice than not at all ). The best place to look is Care Sheet helpful. Also have a look at Your 1st snake. As it is a hatchling you have then Setting Up A Hatchling Corn Snake - My 101 is definitely required reading!
It sounds like you have done really well getting over your nerves and handling Charlie....and I am not surprised you were nervous having experienced him striking at his pinkie  ....amazing isnt it! I also totally understand your concerns about when to get your kids involved. This thread is quite good at giving advice on Handling....and you have already picked up on the most important thing - its is a case of quality not quantity.
In your last post you mention about not knowing signs of destress in Charlie. He is going to be scared naturally at the moment....you try and imagine a great big hand coming down and picking you up ! But as he gets used to you and you get used to him, he should calm down. This is a good thread to help you look out for Signs of Stress.
You have probably already found that there is a large amount of conflicting information out there about corn keeping – on the internet, in books, etc. Even on here you will find that people have different opinions.....but at least you have a place to ask what you need to know and get the answers from experienced owners. Then you can decide what to do with what you are told.
Unfortunately a lot of us have found that many pet shops cannot be trusted with what they are telling you  . Like the fact that so many shops will sell a snake with a starter set up, but not let you know that you need a thermostat to control the heatmat and a digital thermometer to monitor the heat - 2 vital pieces of equipment. I know that I double check anything I am told on here. On this forum no question is regarded as a silly question....it is much better asked and answered, you will probably find others who want the info too! First place to look is in the top right hand corner of the screen where there is a search button....type in what you are worried about and see if you can find an answer. I know you can get swamped with different topics including what you are searching for, so it is a bit daunting but worth a look. If you cant find the answer you are looking for then dont hesitate to ask!
I am not sure if you have thought of doing this with Charlie, but I keep my own 'Snake Diaries'....noting things like weight, length, feeding dates and what you feed, shedding dates, health problems, when you do full viv cleans. I know it seems a bit over the top but it is actually really helpful keeping track of your snake's health - I even note when Kellog and Silvesta poo !!
He really is a gorgeous snake! I am not surprised you fell for him and are smitten already ! I cant wait to see how his colours change as he grows being the sunglow x normal that he is.
A warning - corn snakes are addictive.....and yes, the majority of us have stood up, said "hello my name is ****, I am addicted to corns........! And I am proud of it!" You have just started down that corn path so be warned!!
xxx
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| dizzie85 |
Posted - 06/10/2010 : 22:43:03
Ok Ive resized to small... see how this goes! I hope he turns out to be confident he can lead me then hehe! I only had him out for about a minute or so. I really want him to learn to trust me. As a newbie I dont know their signs of distress or things and hoping I catch on but I get the feeling he wants to come out for more already but I really feel If I work little and often It will be better for my confidence and his in the long run! He is still actively looking for his escape hehe... before he was coiled up uninterested! Sooo tempted to get him back out but dont want to over handle him... want him to see me as something safe :D... Smitten isn't the word lol I absoloutely respect and admire him Always wanted one and the facthe can overcome my fear is so much more :D |
| Mort13 |
Posted - 06/10/2010 : 22:22:03
I've never been scared of snakes,but spiders are a different story!!
I did the same thing when I first came on here. If you go to photobucket and select edit for your photo,then click on resize it comes up with different sizes......think its small I clicked on.
He sounds like a confident nosey snake,reckon you'll be having some fun with him I just got Loki out for 5 minutes to begin with and he seemed fine. You sound smitten already |
| dizzie85 |
Posted - 06/10/2010 : 22:11:46
They are something aren't the ~I've always wanted a snake but ALWAYS been terrified but everywhere I read said it is natural human instinct to be scared of snakes, you kust learn to push it aside. Well I picked him up and held him this eve which was amazing and now he is trying al ways to get out of his tub. I have a bigger tank to put him into tomorrow in the viv but I have visitors n once I put him into his new tank I know I have to leave him alone so going to move him tomorrow after guests have left.
Your pic is a lot smaller than mine what did I do wrong?
He didnt even try to bite me which was amazing he came back my way too close to my hand I thought he might but was keeping my cool but he didnt he seemed intrigued then settled in my hand,,, which is when I took the pic! Now he is super active as if he is trying to get out but I darent pick him back up think little and often is much better so he can get used to me picking him up and putting him back without harm coming to him which surely in the long term can only help him become the PREFECT snake :D |
| Mort13 |
Posted - 06/10/2010 : 22:07:11
Pic wasn't there when I typed my reply lol! He's such a little cutie,lovely pic |
| Mort13 |
Posted - 06/10/2010 : 22:04:46
Well done,onwards and upwards from now on then. I must admit I was nervous when I first got Loki. Was so small and he seemed so frightened. He'd go into a strike pose but he never even attampted to bite. I don't even think about it now,he's a true member of the family now
Bless your son,thats so cute of him! I'm sure it won't be long till you're more comfortable and even if you kids just get to stroke him at first then its better than nowt.
Look forward to seeing the piccie of him |
| dizzie85 |
Posted - 06/10/2010 : 22:01:56
Just managed to upload a pic,,, tho seems slightly large haha!! Have I done something wrong?? Thats Charlie btw... of course lol |
| kdlang |
Posted - 06/10/2010 : 21:59:55
Hi and welcome. I'm glad your handling session of Charlie was a success. They are quick little blighters aren't they. I have to try and remember my hatchling isn't as big as my older corns and so there isn't as much length for him to wrap around my hand. I've nearly dropped him several times as I'v run out of snake to hold lol.
He probably didn't get a scent of mouse this time and that is why he didn't try to strike. You should be fine picking him up as long as you haven't been handling any mice first :) |
| dizzie85 |
Posted - 06/10/2010 : 21:48:42
I Did it :D I picked him up just fine he came to sniff me but didnt attempt to bite was amazing! Put him back after just a minute of holding him so he knows I wont hurt him as I got the feeling he was slightly anxious so thought little and daily would be great to build upon :D Got a BRILLIANT pic and now im one VERY happy snake owner ¢¾Charlie¢¾ |
| dizzie85 |
Posted - 06/10/2010 : 21:19:30
Hi Figs! He is adorable!!! I dod all the reading I could before I got him but in hindsight think I should of gone and handled snakes before I got him!
Still Im determined to make him one ofmy best friends and whilst im teething at getting to grips with handling him it cant be bad that he gets to sniff my scent and hear my voice and leave him alone so he is learning I'm safe. Though I've had him now 5days so everything is still brilliant for him but I need to be doing my bit now and Im (admittedly having a hard drink to get the courage hehe).
I absoloutely dont know what im scared of because I know he cant hurt me. I think im possibly more scared of hurting him though he seems so friendly, last time I took a peek he uncoiled n came to say hello so I must be doing something right :D... By the end of today I intend on getting him out and saying hello properly :D.... Thats the plan anyway hehe |
| Figs |
Posted - 06/10/2010 : 21:12:27
Hello and welcome to you are Charlie!
I'm sure it wont take long for the two of you to bond once he realised you are the one that feeds him  |
| dizzie85 |
Posted - 06/10/2010 : 21:00:03
Thats a good tip Mort13!! I might try that though my midle child has extra needs shall we say, he would love nothing more to hold him but I NEED to be confident with Charlie before I can trust my kids with him! At the moment everytime I got to unlock the viv my middle son shouts "snake eats mouse" and hides hehe... so cute but to everyone else he is adamant "charlie eat cheese" Bless!!
Anyway I need to hold him right about now and my guts are in my stomache! I cant believe Im so nervous,, its so much better when Charlie is active and just escapes and I catch him. Never had to go in and pick him up so Im really really nervous.... picking up courage atm hehe!
I will look at that site about pics tomorrow that is planning I get some good ones of him when I finaly get the courage to pick him up this eve (dont worry Im not going to bed until Charlie has been picked up :D. I was absoloputely fine and handled him then I fed him and it seems to of totally scared me the way he struck at me (not really me was his feed and he caught the feed and not me! - a lot to learn!! I know he cant hurt me I've just got to tell my shaky hands this lil snake not much larger than a worm can possibly hurt me hehe!
Aww newbie snake owner!!! Cant wait till me and Charlie have accustomed to each other and are the best of friends :D |
| Mort13 |
Posted - 06/10/2010 : 19:45:17
Hi,congratulations on your new little addition. My kids are 8 and 10 and when we first got Loki (7 weeks ago) I got them to sit on the floor in a circle with me so if they did drop him (which never happened) it wouldn't be far and I'd be able to grab him quick. |
| crazy JJ |
Posted - 06/10/2010 : 18:56:44
heya n welcome here :) |
