I've had this snake for about six months now. I think it's a little over a foot long. I had heard they were very skittish when young, so I haven't tried to handle it much.
Would this be a good time to start trying? Any advice on timing and approach appreciated.
Someone suggested I first try this in the bathtub with the drain closed so it wouldn't go far if it slithered faster than I expected.
2006-08-29 03:01:43 · 6 answers · asked by pixelscapes 3 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
Don't worry, I'm not afraid of bites at ALL. :) I mainly want to know what schedule, frequency, and approach would be best for the snake.
I mean, I know technically he'd probably be happiest not being handled at all, but I'm selfish enough to hope he could learn to enjoy a warm hand, yanno?
2006-08-29 04:31:50 · update #1
Milksnakes are known for their flightiness, as well as their level of secretivenss, even in captivity. Found mainly under rocks and in crevices, milksnakes are not usually found in open areas, and this is a defense mechanism employed by snakes to ensure that their natural predators such as hawks, coyotes, etc. cannot eat them as easily. That being said, one note that has not been brought up is the way to approach the snake. First of all, make sure that your snake is comfortable in its surroundings before attempting to pick it up, i.e. eating well weekly on its own, etc. Second of all, try not to come at an angle from the top as this puts the snake in defense mode, as the only reason a snake would be approached from the top is by predators seeking to eat it in the wild. try instead to come from the side, standing to the side of the cage and moving your hand along side it and then under it, supporting its weight carefully in order not to cause the animal any damage. NEVER restrain a snake from moving its body, which could cause spinal damage, instead let it crawl through your hands. I would recommend handling be limited to about once a week to avoid overstressing, and always give a few days after eating to ensure digestion of food. Snakes can regurge their last meal if they feel threatened or stressed.
2006-08-29 07:24:46 · answer #1 · answered by angelicarboreals2004 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The bathtub idea sounds pretty good. You can never really "tame" a snake, but you can make the more tolerant of your handling. Milksnakes are notorious for being squirmy, but the more you handle them and the more older they get, the calmer they will become.
Try to support most of the body and don't grip him too tightly. Allow him to move through your hands and keep moving one hand in front of the other as he moves until he calms down. Just handle him a few minutes at a time a only a few times a week at first. You can increase that time as he gets older and more used to handling.
2006-08-29 04:07:30 · answer #2 · answered by xyz_gd 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should be handling your snake at least 4 times per week. Handle gently & do not squeeze! Take the snake from it's cage & sit down . The snake will feel more secure on your lap rather than dangling 3-4ft in the air from your hand. They will generally pick a direction & head that way. Simply keep placing another hand out for the snake to crawl onto. Be careful about handling the snake when it's getting ready to shed it's skin.( it will have cloudy blue eyes). They can't see well while shedding & may nip if startled. Start handling your snake today!
2006-08-29 05:02:52 · answer #3 · answered by preacher55 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
With my new baby I held her everyday at least twice. She would be real spastic at first when I picked her up but within a few minutes she would calm down. Before I opened her cage I would make sure she knew I was there, that way she would get use to the idea that I was going to stick my hand under her and pick her up. Just be careful, some milk snakes like to poop on you when you pick them up. They will stop after they get use to you.
2006-08-29 05:23:31 · answer #4 · answered by Reptile lover 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's the thing. They are skittish when they are young. You should have started when you got him. Waiting is just going to make it harder. You have to start when they are young and skittish.
2006-08-29 05:30:43 · answer #5 · answered by Boober Fraggle 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you first have to get over your fear that its going to bite, then if you cant handle ite bite get some rubber gloves. its teeth cant be that big at this point. but you have got to start handling him. if he gets bigger his bite will hurt worse. so handle him allot now.
2006-08-29 03:11:32 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋