does the scent trick work?

[magicmed]

Hey all, I'm referring to the method of using a small washcloth or article of clothing with your scent on it under the snakes hide. I've heard this trick can ease a bp into considering your scent safe. Is this true? Anyone have luck? Loki isn't showing any signs of aggression, hasn't struck, but I'd like to utilize every tool in the chest, if it's valid?

[Deluge]

Never heard of that. If that IS true, then you basically accomplish the same thing every time you handle it. I think BP's and snakes in general rely on instinct, rather than learned behavior. As long as you don't smell like food or approach it like a predator, I think you'll be fine.

[Sauzo]

Never heard of that done for snakes but I have heard of it used for bearded dragons. If your snake isn't aggressive, then just handle it and it will be fine. I never did that with Rosey my 6' BCI and she is puppy dog tame. I can reach in and pet her head straight on and all she does is flick the tongue a few times and then lay there. Of course when she is in shed, she gets kind of cranky so I usually just leave her alone during that time. I think its more about learning your snakes signs and patterns as simply handling them will get them used to you, you just got to learn to read what they are saying other than the obvious bite or hiss which is usually the last warning sign you get before its full on chomp mode

[Citrus]

I wouldn't try it. A month or two ago someone posted a thread because he tried the same thing. The snake ended up trying to eat it. Maybe drape the shirt/towel over the cage on half of the top, or I it's a tub just put the shirt/towel next to it but I would definitely avoid putting the towel in the cage.


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[kitedemon]

I have tried it, maybe. herd to say the cloth needs to be replaced every now and again. The snake in theory becomes used to the scent of the keeper and ignores them as if they are a branch or some other object. The snake I looked after was crazy aggressive, after the cloth and careful handling it is reasonably safe to reach in and change water spot clean, ect. Handling is still a crap shoot however.