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New Corn Behavior

F

ForestofWolf

New member
I have an Albino Corn named Aevion. I've had him since 2/9/09, and I was wondering how long it generally takes for thme to warm up to you. When I'm handling him, he's fine, but he gets uncomfortable when I try to pick him up, and sometimes tries to slither away. And when I put him back he usually goes straight to his hide real fast. I take him out almost every day. I've read that they usually end up very friendly and come to you when you take them out. How long will it take to get him to become that way? Is it just because he's young and vunerable?

Aevion.jpg
 
idk the answer to your question but i just wanted to say that i got my first corn on 2/9/09 also and its also an albino (amelanistic). i guess great minds think alike lol
 
It really seems to vary greatly as to how long before they don't run for cover when they see the giant coming to get them. Some tame up quite quickly, and some will always be a little shaky with handling.

Just be gentle with him so he knows he's safe with you, handle him often so he gets used to it, and be patient. Other minor suggestions are to not "chase" him around his viv, just pick him up carefully and quickly, so as to minimize stress. Also, if he gets squirmy try to let him calm down before putting him back, so he doesn't associate squirming with getting let down.

I'm sure he will warm up before long. Its all new to him and once it becomes routine for both of you, I'm sure it will work out. :)
 
ForestofWolf said:
I have an Albino Corn named Aevion. I've had him since 2/9/09, and I was wondering how long it generally takes for thme to warm up to you. When I'm handling him, he's fine, but he gets uncomfortable when I try to pick him up, and sometimes tries to slither away. And when I put him back he usually goes straight to his hide real fast. I take him out almost every day. I've read that they usually end up very friendly and come to you when you take them out. How long will it take to get him to become that way? Is it just because he's young and vunerable?

Aevion.jpg
Click to expand...

Congratulations on your first corn snake! They're all individuals, and some are more laid-back than others. Yours sounds typical of a baby. Since baby snakes are preyed upon by so many things, they generally spend a lot of time hiding. Most of them do less of that as they grow.

When you're picking him up, a scooping motion from beneath is less scary for him than a pincer-grip from above. Be sure you give him 2-3 days after feeding to digest his meal without handling. I know; that means you can't handle a baby as much as you might like, but they grow fast and you want to do what best for your snake and prevent any regurges. (Those are much more serious in herps than most of us think when we're new to this.)

If your snake does bolt away when you reach for him, be patiently persistent until he's caught. Hold him until he's calm again. This prevents him from learning that running away means avoiding being picked up, or that skittish behavior is rewarded.

Some of them get to where they come to you when you put a hand in, some don't. Nearly all corns are gentle as adults, especially if you have the time to invest in frequent handling.

Good luck with yours!
 
It sounds like your doing fine. Babies are normally much more skittish than the adults. It may take some time before it gets used to humans. As they get older, they tend to get more bold, but it all depends on the snake. I've had my first for two years (she's three now) but she still is in her hide more often than my '07 female. Snakes like to feel safe in their environment, and sometimes leaving them alone is actually a better way to make them feel safer. I'm not saying that you should never hold your snake, but finding a balance, like ever other day (excluding the 48hrs you should leave them alone after feeding), might be best. Another method might be waiting until it's already out of its hide to pick your snake up. This way, the snake knows that it is safe inside its hide, but it gets fed when it goes out.

Also, snakes in general don't neccessarily ever 'warm up' to someone. They may be less afraid with a familiar scent or with a more steady hand, but unfortunately they never really show any special affection towards someone. There is the occasional oddball who does come out when called (or the viv is tapped, or whatever you do to let them know your there), but probably the best you can hope for is tolerance. Anything beyond that is gold.

Anyway, good luck with the youngster.
 
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