Snake hands (the art of fluid motion and stillness)

[Oxylepy]

When we start with snakes (handling them, holding them, grabbing them, etc.) we tend to be unsure in our motions, slow at the wrong times, fast at the worst time, and it makes us stress ourselves and our snakes.

But over time something miraculous happens, our motions are sure, our hands and body become the ground on which the snake passes, its tree to bask in. The snake becomes less stressed, and we become less stressed.

I noticed this with my hatchlings. I went in to check for sheds and move their bedding around (evening out the humidity). A couple of them got stressed, as I didn't hold them and merely worked around them, and started to strike. But the same babies getting defensive were completely docile when I hold them for their ten minutes every 3 days. Because in my hand they first ball up, then they curiously look around, then they relax and their tongues flicker slowly and they get comfortable, then I put them back because our time together is up. They aren't stressed after initially being picked up, but man are they if I don't pick them up.

My roommate has his 24 year old corn snake, it strikes at me every time (because I take to long to open its enclosure and grab it), but for him it has no issues. And my roommate's girlfriend just got a bp and it's defensive around her because she takes too long to get it, and she moves at the wrong speeds at the worst times, but for us it's completely docile and inquisitive.

But I really think everything comes down to developing a good sense of handling for the snakes, which really comes down to grab them without fear, then hold them with calm stillness.

[Ax01]

i pretty much agree with you but i would add the caveat that some snakes are just pissy. it's their personality and who they are. some of my BP's that were like that have stopped striking, but still hiss and look ready to strike after a year of handling. they relax and will eventually explore/try to escape after a bit. i know of owners with BP's that are still pissy and bitey after years of ownership lol. confidence and good handling technique will take u only as far as the snake will allow.

[Hannahshissyfix]

Yeah it just depends on the snake. When I had about a dozen I thought I had them figured out pretty well as being mostly laid back and used to me. After another couple dozen, I've learned some are just jerks from hatchlings even when you know husbandry is spot on and to just enjoy how they look. I dont think any of my snakes really care who exactly is picking them up. I also have the most aggressive milk snake I've ever seen. Had her since she was a hatchling and handled her a lot but she's still super wirey at 5 years old and will randomly bite me after I've had her out for a few minutes.