| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Kittypuss85 |
Posted - 24/05/2011 : 15:14:28
Hi all,
I bought my first corn snake on Sunday, the shop has a great reputation and is the best in the county where I live for selling reptiles, i travelled over 20 miles to be sure they set me up properly for my first snake.
However, I have been reading through the care sheets on here and other sites I have found, and the advice given seems to be different from what they said.
They said I should handle her every other day from getting her home, apart from when feeding- when I should leave her 24 hours before trying to get her out again.
They also said aspen wasn't good substrate for snakes and I have small bark chip in my faunarium.
I handled her in the shop and she is very calm, they even allowed my toddler to hold her, and she was fine, so i figure she was obviously well handled at the shop.
I fed her Sunday night, and went to get her out today, but she doesn't seem interested - she curled up into a tight ball and just stuck her head and neck up at me - i dont know if this is smelling or warning, but she seemed wary so I left her.
Am I trying to handle her too soon? Should I try again tonight or just leave her. She was so friendly in the shop - I dont want to lose that by not handling her if i should be.
Thanks
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| 8 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| thistle |
Posted - 24/05/2011 : 20:21:49
Not handling a new snake for 7 days, to let it settle and get used to it's new surroundings, is good advise. However, not handling for 48hrs after feeding is a rule. If the snake is not given that time to digest then there is a real danger of it regurgitating it's meal, which isn't pleasant for either the snake or owner (I've heard the smell is awful).
After the 48hrs it is safe to handle the snake, however beware, after digestion they tend to poo, and slithering through nice warm hands can really get things moving. Lol. Some people wait until their snake has poo'd before handling, I just have some newspaper ready and look out for the tail lift which is the signal to hold him over the newspaper. |
| Spindle |
Posted - 24/05/2011 : 18:31:57
When I took my snake home I left her alone for a few days taking the advice from these guys. When I did try to handle her after that she got a bit nervous and kept trying to escape when I went to grab her. Ive had her for a few weeks now and she doest even flinch when I get her out and she seems happy to be handled |
| Mamma |
Posted - 24/05/2011 : 15:33:25
quote:
Originally posted by Ailsa
I've learned snakes don't want to be handled but want to be left alone, handling is for the owners benefit not the snakes. A good general rule would be handle little and often once she's settled in, that's what I do with my little hatchling.
Depends on the owner really. I handle my snakes regularly and it doesnt seem to bother them. But yes. Snakes naturaly like being left alone if a huge giant alien is poking and prodding at them. But if they get used to your smell etc and know you are no harm then things will be ok. |
| Ailsa |
Posted - 24/05/2011 : 15:30:07
I've learned snakes don't want to be handled but want to be left alone, handling is for the owners benefit not the snakes. A good general rule would be handle little and often once she's settled in, that's what I do with my little hatchling. Just make sure you check to make sure the faun is nice and secure and she can't get out, I'm always checking mine is secure in her faun lol. 
Once she's settled in she'll be fine and then you can put up some pics of her . |
| Mamma |
Posted - 24/05/2011 : 15:28:38
she will be ok once she has settled in.  Once she has then pop some pics up so we can have a wee peek! xxx |
| Kittypuss85 |
Posted - 24/05/2011 : 15:27:33
thanks for the advice guys, I will leave her be for a while longer.
But will this work in the opposite way -i mean if i dont handle her, then she wont want to be handled even more? Or will she be ok once shes settled.
Thanks again |
| Ailsa |
Posted - 24/05/2011 : 15:22:06
How old is your new snake?
I think you have been given wrong advice, as a rule you should give a new snake at least 7 days to settle in and adjust to their new environment - smells, noise, movement etc, you should only go into faun to change the water during this time.
Also, as far as I am aware Aspen is a perfectly good substrate for snakes as it allows them to burrow and make wee tunnels however, for young hatchlings the best thing to use is kitchen roll, this lets you monitor their poop more easily and is easier to spot clean.
Also, when you feed your snake you should leave them at least 48 hours after feeding before you handle them, if you dont then your snake can/will regurgitate their meal. Warnings snakes give to leave them alone is tail rattling and hissing. If I were you I would just leave her be for the moment. |
| Mamma |
Posted - 24/05/2011 : 15:21:26
Aspen is good for the snakes as they like to burrow in it. After feeding dont handle for 48hrs at least... gives snake time to digest and reduces regurge. You should leave snake ideally in her home for 5-7 days before trying to handle as he/she will feel unsure about her surroundings as it is.... snake needs to get used to the smell of their home before being introduced to new smells. xxx |
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