| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| xkirsten92x |
Posted - 17/04/2012 : 19:32:54
So my boyfriend got me a corn snake and he recons shes no more than 3 years old.
as this is my first snake im actually worried to handle her, last time i wore gloves thinking thatd make me less nervous but i panicked even more, i got part of her out and when she realised she could move further she shot forward, i ended up having like a mini panick attack.
i DO want to handle her as shes got an amazing personality and she keeps sliding up the glass which im assuming indicates she wants to come out, and each time i go to give her fresh water she gets all excited.
how can i get past this fear? |
| 20 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| xkirsten92x |
Posted - 18/04/2012 : 10:58:39
see I would think its the hamster thats causing her to be excitable but she was like this even when at my boyfriends flat and he had no other animals.
She does make me laugh, she goes to bed when i do and then she knows when im awake as she pops her head up to see me haha |
| tordyjo |
Posted - 18/04/2012 : 08:07:34
I'd say it has to be the hamster tormenting the poor snake with its odour, the snakes looking for a way out to have a nice tasty live meal, try and move the hamster even to another place in the room, just not ontop of the viv, see if that helps, but as for handling make sure he's/she's awake and know's you're there and pick some coils up, let him coil his tail around your finger/hand/arm so feels safe and enjoy |
| Georgina |
Posted - 17/04/2012 : 23:06:29
theres no need to start using a hook.
just be sure with your movments, make some noise, tap on the glass so he knows you coming and pick him up with confidence, he will get used to you doing this. xx |
| ashby_steve |
Posted - 17/04/2012 : 22:49:10
sometimes my male can be a bit touchy when getting him out of his hide
i use a coat hanger to hook him out and once he's in my hands he's perfectly fine
you can actually buy snake hooks for this reason, some snakes are just a bit territorial like that
hope this helps :) |
| smart bunny |
Posted - 17/04/2012 : 21:33:27
Er, I'd definitely move the hamster! Not really fair on the snake to constantly be able to smell a tasty meal, and your hamster could be in serious danger too! |
| Donnie |
Posted - 17/04/2012 : 21:33:02
Their teeth are only small so nothing to worry about. There are far worse things then a bite from a corn (which is very rare). |
| xkirsten92x |
Posted - 17/04/2012 : 21:30:54
yeah im wondering the same thing, unfortunatly theres nowhere for me to put the hamster for a bit to test this. |
| nickyff |
Posted - 17/04/2012 : 21:26:23
quote:
Originally posted by xkirsten92x
and i think im worried il drop her or shel go for my hamster, which is unfortunatly in a cage ontop of her viv
this could be a clue about why she's so speedy ans excitable... the smell of rodent nearby (ie dinner!) could be triggering her tummy....
is there somewher elese you could put the hamster for a bit, and see if she calms down without the constant smell of potential dinner winding her up???
I could be wrong about this of course, but it might be worth a try?
plus if yr calm, she'll be calmer too- relax and just be steady and confident in yr movements, take hold of her body in the thicker part a little behind her head/neck, and scoop up the rest of her with the other hand so yr supporting as much of her weight as you can- she'll feel more secure and won't be squirming to be somewhere else
best of luck-  |
| xkirsten92x |
Posted - 17/04/2012 : 21:12:45
Thankyou for the advice, i think its because the first time i did it she shot forward and she is bloody fast and i didnt expect her to be so strong either.
i think its the worry shel bite, but i dont know why because when she yawns i can see no teeth at all.
and i think im worried il drop her or shel go for my hamster, which is unfortunatly in a cage ontop of her viv |
| lotabob |
Posted - 17/04/2012 : 21:03:14
If the snake is coming to the window just open the door and sit in front of the viv, he'll soon pop out and come say hello. It may be worth looking into what is scaring you, if its the fear of them biting I can assure you a bite from a corn snake is very very rare, specially one thats looking up at the door and comes to you when you open it (mine does this). If its their speed then they are a bit quick when they want to be but easy enough to deal with but most will calmly slither through your hands with no bother at all. The best advice is just relax, and the snake will be relaxed too and good luck, a quick handle a few times a week and you'll soon be a pro at the handling gig. |
| xkirsten92x |
Posted - 17/04/2012 : 20:49:53
I feed her in the viv |
| Corns7 |
Posted - 17/04/2012 : 20:47:48
Oh, sounds like a dream snake! Well just get her when she's sleeping but tap on the glass before so she knows your there |
| Donnie |
Posted - 17/04/2012 : 20:46:47
How do you feed her, in or out of the viv? |
| xkirsten92x |
Posted - 17/04/2012 : 20:29:25
well this is the problem, i never get the chance to haha, as soon as i go near her viv and i undo the lock she gets all excited and is climbing all over the glass, so if i open it she decides to come out haha |
| xkirsten92x |
Posted - 17/04/2012 : 20:19:20
 |
| Mamma |
Posted - 17/04/2012 : 20:15:10
quote:
Originally posted by Corns7
Just handle her with your hands inside the viv so he can just slither across your hands and then see how you feel maybe?
thats a good idea. Just put your hands down on the aspen :) let the snake come to you |
| lupi lou |
Posted - 17/04/2012 : 20:14:18
you could always lay your hand in the viv and let the snake go across your hand, i do this with 8 when he's in one of his jumpy moods when he's so far across my hand i then lift him out the viv. |
| Corns7 |
Posted - 17/04/2012 : 20:12:28
Just handle her with your hands inside the viv so he can just slither across your hands and then see how you feel maybe? |
| xkirsten92x |
Posted - 17/04/2012 : 20:00:44
My boyfriend is hardly around that is the problem :( |
| smart bunny |
Posted - 17/04/2012 : 19:57:54
Getting the snake out of the viv is the trickiest bit - as above, get your bf to get him out so you can get confident handling him, then get him out with your bf present to start with :)
Welcome to the forum :) |
