I got her 3 weeks ago but I haven't touch her. I'm afraid she might bite me. I need some advise.
2007-01-21 16:16:43 · 11 answers · asked by Barb 3 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
Just be gentle with her and don't try to make any sudden moves.
When she is sitting nicely in her cage and not moving around, grab her from the middle to the middle-back and pick her up. She should be fine. Pick her up from where she can't see you. If you come towards her head she will percieve that as a threat and defend herself. If she pulls her head back when you are around her, she is preparing to strike, leave her alone. If she wants to bite you and you want to train her not to, rub your hands and arms down with rubbing alcohol before picking her up. They REALLY don't like the taste of that stuff and catch on really quick.
If she does bite you, it will probably be a quick defensive bite. They usually don't latch on. If you are super paranoid, wear a leather jacket and gloves when you first pick her up. If you hear her start making hissing or heavy sighing noises, she's had enough and she wants to be left alone again.
The more you socialize with her, the calmer she will become.
Good Luck!
2007-01-21 16:31:17 · answer #1 · answered by sorcergeek 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
There's nothing to be afraid of. Corn snake bites don't hurt at all, especially if it's from a baby. You really shouldn't have a snake if you're so frightened of it.
Just reach in and scoop her up. Don't hesitate, animals can sense fear. Do NOT wear gloves - gloves make things worse as you tend to grip harder and can't feel the snake. If the snake bites or tries to threaten you, do NOT put her down or react, keep holding her. If you put her down immediately after she bites, she'll learn that if she bites she can go back in her home, which is what she wants.
2007-01-22 02:30:33 · answer #2 · answered by Jason 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm sorry, I have to get this out of my system first.....
Why on earth did you buy a snake if you're scared about it biting you? Didn't you think about this at ALL before making your purchace? *mutter*
Ok, now that it's out of my system. How big is it? About the size of a pencil? Little tiny, or decent sized? If it's little, you'd hurt yourself biting your own finger more than it would hurt if your little snake bite you. If it's big (and by big, I mean by corn snake standards, 4 feet or so) it's pinpricks. If you DO get bitten (and you own a snake now, chances are, you will be bitten at least once.) the main thing is to remain calm. Your snakes teeth are curved to the back of it's mouth, jerking away WILL make the bite worse. Better to have punctures than lacerations, and best not to have any teeth broken off in your skin. After a bite, wash the wound with antibacterial soap.
Do NOT reach straight down on your snake, this makes their instincts say "BIRD!!!" and they get defensive, reach from behind the snake, at about half it's length, hook a finger underneath, and there you go. Don't squeeze, don't restrict it's movement. The snake will want to cruise around, this is why you have two hands. As it moves, keep a hand there where it THINKS it's moving, but really it's staying where it is. If it's little it WILL (most likely) be a spaz. This is natural. Newly hatched snakes are food for EVERYTHING. With regular gentle handling, your snake will become used to you. I urge you to locate some books on the care and maintenance of your snake for future refrence... the more you know, the better off you AND your snake will be.
Oh, by the way, if you take care of it, expect to have it about 20 years or so.
2007-01-22 00:59:49 · answer #3 · answered by gimmenamenow 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I have a baby albino corn snake (about 6 months, had her since she was 6 weeks) and usually, I go into her cage and if she's not in her hide, then I usually stroke her a few times on her backso she knows I'm there and then I gently pick her up. She's still sketchy, even with regular handling, but I just let her run through my hands for about 5 minutes, then she calms down and just hangs out with me. I hold her while I'm watching TV that way she's used to being out and handled and that way I'm not bored after 5 minutes. She has never tried to bite me, she's so gentle and sweet even my 4 year old loves to hold her!
2007-01-22 14:14:47 · answer #4 · answered by BimboBaggins 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
when i first got my corn snake and opened the cap to where it was it stuck a little, but then it was nice. You should grab it with a glove or something and then when you see it wont bite you you can take off the glove. When corn snakes get mad or scared they will move their tail fast like a rattle snake.
2007-01-22 19:58:08 · answer #5 · answered by Fernando 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You need to handle! That way she is used to being handled. My friend has a boa thats pretty tame, but there is some tricks. We feed it outside of the cage in a box. That way when we have our hands in the cage, it won't mistake us for food. When he is in the box, he knows food is coming and we try not to stick our hands in there. Here is a website all about tips and safety while owning a snake. It'll help.
2007-01-22 00:25:08 · answer #6 · answered by Florencio P 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
there's only one answer to this question.
reach in and grab her.
if she bites, it'll be the best thing because you'll find out it doesn't hurt and the fear will be gone.
as long as you flinch from her, your teaching her to continue that way.
corn snakes are about the sweetest pet snake you can imagine.. honestly, i don't imagine she'll even do it.
look at cornsnakes.com for more info. they can help you with everything you'll want to know.
2007-01-22 01:29:28 · answer #7 · answered by buster 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I wouldnt' touch her with a 10 foot pole...until you find out if she's a biter and if the bites are poisonous. Didn't the corn snake salesman give you any instructions?
2007-01-22 00:22:31 · answer #8 · answered by Sweet n Sour 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
i would try to pick her up as if you don't, as she gets older she will be aggressive towards you and may try to bite. i would hold her as soon as possible. if you are a bit scared of being bitten then i would wear a pair of gloves and then pick her up. just remember that you don't try to grab her head as snakes don't like being grabbed by their head and it will hurt them. i hope my info has helped!
2007-01-22 08:33:57 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
wear a glove and then try to touch her.
2007-01-22 00:19:46 · answer #10 · answered by Da 1 N only 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋