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Zincubus
Hatchling
197 Posts |
 Posted - 14/09/2010 : 01:56:45
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I have read that Black Rat Snakes especially juveniles like my 14" one are known to be a bit feisty . Mine shows no real signs of aggression when he's out of the viv on my hands , it's just when he's in the viv when I go near him to pick him up . Although he is certainly a lot livelier / active than my corn snake of a similar size . I could relax with the corn but I'm on edge with this little fella . I know he won't hurt even if he does bite but I can't see how I will be able to put my hand in the viv as he grows older and bigger .
Am I correct in thinking that it's UNLIKELY to bite once it's out on my hands ???
If that's the case I could start using a snake hook to get it out of the viv thus avoiding that nervous time when I try to pick it up with my hands , as he's so defensive at that time .
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gregDT
Egg
United Kingdom
84 Posts |
Posted - 14/09/2010 : 11:16:23
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At the moment your snakes teeth are so tiny it's doubtful they would even break the skin. Constrictors teeth are designed for getting a grip on their prey rather than actually stabbing and killing them. If you wear a thin pair of cotton gloves you'll have no chance of getting bitten.
Snakes like Corns and Rat Snakes will bite when they feel threatened. Initially they will identify your scent and huge looming hands as a threat and therefore could bite. After a while when the big hands don't actually cause them any harm they'll break that association. You won't be a threat any more. They might find you slightly annoying  but not a danger. So by handling your snake now when it's a relatively harmless nipper (no pun intended) by the time it grows big enough that it's bite might be a little painful, it will be quite comfortable being handled by you.
As mentioned some snakes are more docile than other and while species has a lot to do with that, every type of snake has it's calm and aggressive examples. One of the most deadly snakes, if not the most deadly snake, is the coastal taipan. I've been reliably informed that it's the most placid snake and can easily be handled. Yet if it bit you then you'd be dead in under an hour.
I'd work on the assumption that your Rat Snake will start out jumpy but as you handle it gently and calmly it will calm down and become easy to handle. Like I said the most important consideration is probably how you feel about your new pet. If you like it's looks and active nature then stick with it. I doubt you'll have any problems. |
Greg |
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Zincubus
Hatchling
197 Posts |
Posted - 15/09/2010 : 22:22:14
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Update .
I spent days reading up as much as I could on Rat Snakes including hours of utube videos.
After much consideration and a couple of sleepless nights , bearing in mind how active it was when I was handling it , how fast it was compared to my old Corn Snake and how BIG they can potentially grow , not to mention the time it dropped down on me from the top of the viv as I was changing the water and scared thepoopout out of me !!
I decided to bite the bullet and take the Rat Snake back to the shop !!
I am now the proud AND relieved owner of TWO baby Corn Snakes ...... A beautiful Snow Corn and a stunning Amelanistic Corn both are albino and both about the same size ...around 8 inches . They are in matching vivs side by side ??
Thanks for all your replies and input !!
Incidently , my ex snake - the Anery Corn had been SOLD to a young girl , which is kinda nice .
Corn Snakes FOREVER !!!!!!
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rachiepotatoe
Hatchling
United Kingdom
393 Posts |
Posted - 15/09/2010 : 22:51:08
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I'm sure you have made the right decision :)
Lets hope the young girl takes good care of your old corn eh?
and stop changing your mind!! hahaha :')
stick with your hatchies now, they sound beautiful !! |
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Zincubus
Hatchling
197 Posts |
Posted - 15/09/2010 : 23:15:14
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quote:
Originally posted by rachiepotatoe
I'm sure you have made the right decision :)
Lets hope the young girl takes good care of your old corn eh?
and stop changing your mind!! hahaha :')
stick with your hatchies now, they sound beautiful !!
Thanks , I am sure that I will be a Corn Lover forever now .
My Amel Corn looks just like your Doyle but with red eyes :) |
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Sta~ple
qeeun speler
United Kingdom
6129 Posts |
Posted - 16/09/2010 : 00:14:19
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But all snakes are prone to hinding, that's what they do most of the time, hide. It doesn't matter what species they are. Some snakes do come out and wander, one of my corns is always out of his hides and exploring but I have had him for many years so he probably feels comfortable doing this.
Congrats on your 2 new snakes though. |
   
A very special super, duper thanks for K :3 |
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n/a
deleted
4 Posts |
Posted - 28/10/2010 : 15:43:36
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are you sure you couldnt sneak the corn back and keep the rat? my other half said I couldnt have any snakes, i got one, then another, and last week i got two hatchlings, got one out while watching telly that night, he just looked at me and sighed. he hasnt spotted ive actually got two yet even though they have a lunchbox each next to each other on a shelf in the lounge! if youve got one whats the difference with two?  if you or your daughter are a bit nervous then the calmer snake would seem the best option? I had a really grumpy corn years ago and ended up giving her to a breeder, but all of my 4 now are well chilled theyre lovely to have around, and both my kids handle them with ease and really enjoy them. |
2 kids
3 dogs
4 corns
4 horses
4 chickens
1 tropical fish tank |
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gregDT
Egg
United Kingdom
84 Posts |
Posted - 02/11/2010 : 14:31:37
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| Who knows maybe you've bought what will become the Guinness Book of Records worlds largest corn snake, at a staggering 8ft 6 inches hahahaha. Seriously as long as you're happy and the snakes are happy then alls well. Enjoy |
Greg |
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Inkygirl
Hatchling
United Kingdom
256 Posts |
Posted - 02/11/2010 : 19:11:22
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| enjoy your new babies, glad everything has worked out for you :) |
1 Bearded Dragon, Gino
1 Terrapin, Tulip
1 Iguana, Edward
3 Corns Cora, Travis,Leon
and Angus
1 Normal Royal Python, Lexi
1 Boa Constrictor, Zara
1 Granite Burmese Python Bernie
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Oh How Original
Yearling
United Kingdom
591 Posts |
Posted - 14/11/2010 : 21:53:27
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Agreed the rat snake is a beautiful LOOKING snake.
However, I personal wouldn't have one, especially over a Corn.
No offense but you said you wanted something that didn't bite, or bites less or whatever, but you want something that comes out more, surely the more it's out the more chance you have of startling it and it strikes out of instinct?
ALL snakes bite, and if someone says there's doesn't, I would call them a liar.
And for me personally, I would never have a rat snake. |
When on the Forums, always be nice, stick to the rules and help when you can.
1.0.0 Normal Royal - Ronald.
1.0.0 Carpet Python - Magic.
1.0.0 Amel Corn - Pendulum.
1.0.0 Anery Corn - Chilli.
0.1.0 Snow Corn - Wormsle.
0.1.0 California King x Mexican Black - Lucy.
0.1.0 Leopard Gecko - Bear. |
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jonoandapril
Hatchling
United Kingdom
171 Posts |
Posted - 07/01/2011 : 21:49:30
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| i think any snake with enf care and handling will in the end become tame just comes down to time really. |
1x amel corn (tango)
1x carolina corn (pepsi)
1x carpet python (butch)
1x normal royal (rachel)
1x bumblebee royal
wishlist: abbotts okeetee female, crawl cay boa, emerald tree boa |
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Kehhlyr
ǝʞɐɔ sǝʌoן
United Kingdom
8173 Posts |
Posted - 08/01/2011 : 01:43:47
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| Old thread seemingly being resurrected again.............. |
-=Kehhlyr - The Resident Loon
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Have I just made a massive mistake ????
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