Handling a new (large) snake

[YvesA]

I have a quick question, does anyone have any tips of the best way to handle a 4 foot corn that is scared/nervous/new?

I know of the method of letting him slide to one hand to the next until he calms down, that works well for a smaller snake but how would that work for a 4 foot snake, since I need 2 hands to hold him.

I ask because I got him last week and I gave him a 'settling in' period and now I'd like to start handling him.
I did handle him to switch him to a bigger tank, should I perhaps give him another week to settle in that tank?

He's very frighten when I walk close by and darts to one of his hides and stays there until I leave (then comes out) then when he sees me again he does the same thing.

Should I maybe just wait until he gets used to me getting near his cage first?

I really don't mind waiting as long as it takes since I plan on having him for a long time, I just don't want to overly stress him out by 'forcing' him to be held.

Sorry for the rambling.
Thanks in advance.

[Argentra]

Personally, I would give him time to get used to the surroundings and your presence before giving him something else to freak out about; i.e. handling. Corns are great snakes and get used to owners rather fast...but not right away. Give him some time, and maybe sit quietly in front of the tank for a while from time to time to let him know you won't grab or hurt him if he comes out, and I think he'll come around.

I know what it's like holding a big guy. My Ghost is 4'4" right now and a total handful, even tho he's a complete sweetheart. Good luck!

[Blue Apple Herps]

Yeah, I'd give him another couple of weeks. Then just go for it. Even if they get crazy, you have to be persistent or they'll learn that hissing, biting, thrashing, means they get put down. And just be patient; he'll come around.

[Argentra]

Ah yes, right. Thanks, Blueapplepaste. The persistence and patience is very important with corns. If you let them think they'll 'get what they want' by thrashing and biting, like the male that was really a female that I had already had learned before I got her, then that's all they'll do. With gentle but firm hands and good patience, yours should come around quickly.

And don't worry, even if he ever does bite you it doesn't hurt. I got seriously nailed by that female and hardly felt a thing, and the marks were gone in a day.

[YvesA]

I have 2 young kids so I know about the 'kids learn what works'. I suppose corns are the same way!

Thanks for your input.

I guess I can continue doing what I'm doing - I sit in a chair in front of his cage, when he sees me or hears the creaking of the chair he backs up. After a little while he sticks out his head and flicks his tongue around a bit. After a few minutes I slowly open the lid and gently stroke his side for a few seconds.
I guess my reasoning is to show him 'I'm not looking to hurt you'.

[Blue Apple Herps]

Sounds like a good plan to me.

[YvesA]

I did find this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJIQzZlj3_0

I like the part where she says:"Don't poke directly into it's eyes or face"

I wish mine was that calm though. Hopefully soon.

[Argentra]

Ah yes...her. She did a video on setting up an enclosure that was less than perfect let's just say.

But, that's the general gist of handling a big corn. Just support them fully and make sure they're calm.

[YvesA]

Ah yes...her. She did a video on setting up an enclosure that was less than perfect let's just say.

Yeah, I think I checked all the vids on youtube.
The best one I found is this one:

He talks about thermostats and importance of getting the temps right before adding decoration. Things new snake users often forget.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSSa4LLJdNs

[YvesA]

Sorry for double posting but I just fed him today, he ate 2 small mice like a trooper. Is this a sign that he may not be as stressed as I thought?