How can i get my snake to like handling??

[kzr22]

I just got my first snake 2 weeks ago. He is a six month old orange cornsnake and he is about a foot long. Whenever i try to handle h he runs away and once i get him he is always trying to get away. How can i get him to like handling or at least calm down!

 

[carnivorouszoo]

I just got my first snake 2 weeks ago. He is a six month old orange cornsnake and he is about a foot long. Whenever i try to handle h he runs away and once i get him he is always trying to get away. How can i get him to like handling or at least calm down!

Wait for him to grow up, lol! No really! Juvies are more timid than adults and now is the time to build trust by being gentle. I limit handling to 5-10 minutes a day since my girl is so small and shy. Had her over a month now and she is already getting a little better about handling. Just be calm and patient with him and he'll settle as he gets older. Also try to come at him from the side rather than above as predators would grab from above in most cases.

 

[kzr22]

Ok thanks I'll try to limit my handling

 

[kzr22]

Btw I named him cream because he is orange and everyone makes fun of me LOL

 

[danielle]

I wouldn't limit your handling except for a few days after meals. After a few months if you handle regularily it should calm down no matter the age. Its true younger animals are usually more skittish and feisty, but the only way your snake will get ued to you is to hold him.

 

[Cat_Eyed_Lady]

Since you only had him 2 weeks and he is relatively young.... I would certainly limit the handleing. I would do maybe a few minutes every other day. Of course no handleing for atleast 2 days after eating. Once they are totally settled in and get used to you and your scent, they will Normally settle down and not be so "I have to get away before he eats me" mode

 

[kzr22]

Ok thanks for the help

 

[carnivorouszoo]

I wouldn't limit your handling except for a few days after meals. After a few months if you handle regularily it should calm down no matter the age. Its true younger animals are usually more skittish and feisty, but the only way your snake will get ued to you is to hold him.

The problem with telling newbies to not limit handling is that they may go the way a guy I used to know did. He held his snake all the time and the poor thing ate badly, shed badly and had quite a temper the little time he was allowed to be in his cage. I think handling should be limited until a snake is 1) used to its home and 2) stops showing signs that being held is stressing him or her really bad (for example striking when being retrieved or frantically slithering away when being picked up for handling).

I know I am new to having a snake but I would think that it would be the same with any animal, limit handling until the animal adjusts to being handled then slowly increase how much time you handle them. Don't you agree?

 

[Kali]

Is this maybe a difference in what you consider "limited handling" ? My opinion is also to handle every day or every other day (except 2 to 3 days after feeding), but to keep it short, a few minutes (=my personal opinion, others may disagree). To some people this is limited handling. to others who are not in the habit of holding their snakes every day, it's not limited at all.
You're trying to get it though the little ones head that handling is nothing to be afraid of, so "regularly" (another vague term ) but shortly sounds sensible to me.

 

[necromantica]

Its exactly like they said move in steps giving your snake plenty of social/ alone acclimation time.

You dont even have to jump right into holding being you've only had the snake a few weeks.
If your snake is like death frightened, start by just hanging out around the tank let her checkout "sniff, lick" your hand for a few minutes a day. Then work your way up slowly to gradually more and more one on one time each day. Keeping in mind the space between feedings your snake needs to prevent regurgitation.
And if your snake shows agression just ignore the behavior, in no way show that your snake can bully you.

If you like to run by scedules heres a good step by process to try.

First week or two, dont pick up your snake just linger around let your snake check you out when he/she feels like its safe.

2nt to 4th week start slow handlings slowly working up from a few minutes to 10 to 15 minutes twards the 4th week.

Keep a set 2 to 3 days "snake alone time" between feedings. Which can be a little bit of a hassle if your feedings are 5 days apart. The scedule above would be based on if the snake were only eating once a week.

If the snake is REALLY young you may want to broaden the space between steps to more then just a week or two.

Some snakes will come around asap, while some you need ALOT of patience.

 

[tommiegunnz]

In my experience its been best to leave my snakes alone for the forst week or so, then starting the second week, handle your snake for short periods of 5- 10 minutes. As you snake gets used to you and being handling you can gradually increase this time. My latest snake my anery Smokey I've only had for 2 or three months but he'll wrap around my wrist and get comfy almost immediately and will just sit there for about a half hour or so, then he gets squirmy so I know its time to go back. The key is to slowly increase the amount of time you handle him, go slow and gradual your snake will come around. And as previously mentioned NO handling 2 -3 days between feeding, I would aim for three days to be on the safe side.

 

[carnivorouszoo]

Is this maybe a difference in what you consider "limited handling" ?
You're trying to get it though the little ones head that handling is nothing to be afraid of, so "regularly" (another vague term ) but shortly sounds sensible to me.

Thank you! Yes Regular handling with Limited time durations, that is totally what I meant! And with words like these it is so easy to be saying the samething and think you are disagreeing!