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I think I need a mentor or coach... handling

dizeedoo

dizeedoo

"Samson" = Amel Zig Zag
Hi... I've had my corn ("Samson") since August 06. I got him as a hatchling.

Samson is gorgeous and I love him very much. He eats well, sheds without any issues and is quite inquisitive and will come out to see me when I come home etc.

My problem is handling.
I've only handled him about 6 times. The problem started with him being a burrower. He spends a LOT of time underground. I never knew to move him for feeding so I never did. (I now put paper down so he doesnt get any aspen bedding when he eats).

The times I have handled him, he's been wonderful and he has never been aggressive. He's seemed to enjoy it. I've always let him come to me for handling. Of course he doesn't do that very often though I do open his viv whenever he is out and about and often just touch him, but he takes off.

I'm sure part of it is worry that he might bite, although I have been bitten before by a different snake and it didnt hurt as such. I just hesitate.

I know I'd have so much more fun with him if I did handle him more but I don't want to dig him out of his bedding and cause him to become afraid of me.

Can anyone offer any advice?
I'm very jealous reading everyone's posts about handling.

Samson is healthy and happy but we'd both get more out of it if I could just overcome my ..... well, I guess it must be fear.

help!
 
You only handle him six time since August!!!! Wow!

I'm advice...dig him out, take the bit, and injoy handling you snake. learn to handle your snake by....handling your your snake. He'll get use to you.

enjoy.
 
Even if you have to wear gloves to feel comfortable, the only way to get use to handling him is to handle him. Did that make any sense?
 
yes it does make sense. Ive been thinkng about gloves.

Does anyone else need to dig their snake out?

I think about this day in and day out... like, if he was any other kind of pet the owner usually controls the contact. I tell myself. Di, if he was a dog, cat, hamster, bunny etc. etc. you'd just reach in and pick him up. I get real mad at myself.

Lenny's right I just need to take the bite if it's coming. It probably won't even happen. grrrr so mad at myself.
 
Oops sorry about the sp in that first post LOL

Most corn do bury themselves in the bedding. this is normal.
I don't know your set up but it might need more ground cover, vines and stuff to feel more secure. But then again it might STILL bury itself and be a pain getting him out with all the stuff in the way. LOL.
 
OK Lenny, I need to be accountable tho, to make sure I do it.

He ate tonite. So, my goal is Monday night
do you recommend daytime or night?

He has a glass viv, screen locked top. He has a fake (ceramic) log that he now hides in as well as his water dish. It does get a bit crowded when I get my hands in there. Here's a pic of the tank.

picture.php
 
That a nice set up. He should feel secure in that.
Here's a tip.
If you are afraid of getting bit or jerking away and hurting the snake when you get "tag" bit. Try putting your hand in the viv and search around it to find the snake without ....looking. This way if he dose bite you (which won't happen) 1. You won't feel it or know it. 2. You won't know to jerk away.

Be one with the "FORCE" LOL
 
great idea. I'm totally going to do it.
I fully want a proper handling experience with him.

He totally rocks. He's the best ever snake for someone like me.

My reward.... once I am handling him like a big girl I'm going to get an 09 hatchling.
I wasn't going to but yeah. I will but only when I deserve her.

Thanks Lenny
 
It's not all that great!
something you get poop on!!! LOL LOL
but if you time it right, know to wait three day after feeding (that varies with the snake) you should be fine.

TIP 2 Watch out for when the tail raises straight up. :puke02: hehe
 
hahaha.... I've read about some pooping fiascos. haha
I've seen him do it in his viv. I thought he broke himself or something his tail was straight up in the air. gave me a fright then I saw him finish what he'd started.

Do you give your snake a bath?
been reading about bath's wow... wonder how he'd respond to that.
 
At first my snake would run and hide as soon as he heard me opening the cage now he comes out to see whats going on. They get comfortable realy quick be patiant and remember hes just as scared of you. He is awsome handle him and show him off good luck
 
thanks melopez,
I think he will be good as you say.
I liked Lenny's idea of not looking while I dig for him.

He creates a labarynth in his beddnig but I can usually see part of him.

I think i'll move some of his things out of his tank in preparation at the times I plan to handle, less for him to attach to.

I have vivid imaginations of being able to handle him regularly.
 
dizeedoo said:
started.

Do you give your snake a bath?
been reading about bath's wow... wonder how he'd respond to that.
Click to expand...

I tried it once, he didn't seem to like it and I thought he might get loose or hurt.
It was because of an shedding issue. It seem that hatchling have a harder time with shedding than adults. Both snakes had one or two bad sheds. (didn't come off completely) so I used a damp towel and let him crawl through it and I helped by rubbing off and extra skin. I don't think bath are necessary.
 
Well handling isnt nessacry all the time. Handling can stress snakes and scince they have emotionless faces we can't truly tell what they are thinking. I handle as little as possible. all my snakes are tame and very calm. It all depends on who you are and what you want for your snake. I mean I handle when doing reptile education shows, videos , and cleanings. PM me if you have any questions
 
snakemaster24 said:
Well handling isnt nessacry all the time. Handling can stress snakes and scince they have emotionless faces we can't truly tell what they are thinking. I handle as little as possible. all my snakes are tame and very calm. It all depends on who you are and what you want for your snake. I mean I handle when doing reptile education shows, videos , and cleanings. PM me if you have any questions
Click to expand...

While handling your snake may not be necessary all the time, if you want to enjoy handling your snake and you want your snake to enjoy being handled then consistency is the key. There are times when it seems that my snake isn't "in the mood" to be handled,but I am patient, make gentle and slow movements and pick up my snake. IMHO it causes more stress on your snake when you do things with your snake that isn't in his/her normal routine. Make handling a normal routine. If you want a pet, then handle him more often, if you want a show piece then follow snakemaster24's advice and don't handle it very often. :rolleyes:I do think that you want to interact with your snake so try not to worry. You have a beautiful snake by-the-way.
 
WOW.....you have awesome will power or something.....that sankeis gorgeous! I would have that thing out every chance I get! LOL!

Todays Monday.....how did it go???
 
dizeedoo said:
yes it does make sense. Ive been thinkng about gloves.

Does anyone else need to dig their snake out?

I think about this day in and day out... like, if he was any other kind of pet the owner usually controls the contact. I tell myself. Di, if he was a dog, cat, hamster, bunny etc. etc. you'd just reach in and pick him up. I get real mad at myself.

Lenny's right I just need to take the bite if it's coming. It probably won't even happen. grrrr so mad at myself.
Click to expand...

I had to get used to handling in the beginning too. This *may* help you, but I realized with one of my corns that didnt like handling, I was nervous and afraid I may get bit.....when I was scared handling her, it seem to stress her out.

Remember you are lifting your snake up, you dont want to squeeze them but try and have them feel like they are secure and you feel comfortable holding them and wont drop them.

Think about it, would you want someone lifting you, if they handle you like they were nervous? When I got more comfortable, she seemed to too.
 
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