new snake, need some help!

[annmarie]

ok, so i have had my one corn snake for about 8 months now and he is doing great
but very recently i was given a new snake by someone who didnt want theirs anymore. he seems well fed and is getting used to his new tank but i dont thik he has ever been held! the old owner wouldnt even get him out of the tank to show him to me. i feel bad for the little guy and i was just wondering if you have any tips for me. i am guessing that he is almost a year old. the previous owner had him for 7 months.

sorry bout the long post but i need some help

[python.princess]

Not exactly sure what the problem is- does he bite? Shy away? Try to slither away as fast as he can?

My corn tends to get the "I'm gonna eat you!" posture from time to time so I usually use something to block her head when I grab her out so I don't get bit. By the time she's actually in my hands, she doesn't mind the handling.

[annmarie]

hes incredibly shy. i know how to handle a snake, but im unsure about this guy. but since ive had my other snake since he was a baby, hes used to being handled. just curious if there was any tips for handling an older shy snake.
i guess thats my question

[Jenn]

Frequent handling will calm him right down. Let him settle in for a week or two then start with very short handling periods. Several times a week should do it over time.

Keep in mind that A) You may get bit. and B) Some snakes are always going to be shy.

[annmarie]

im not worried about getting bitten or anything, im just afraid of stressing him out too much.

thanks for the help

[Jenn]

He will be just fine Katie. Just leave him alone for at least a week or two, and make sure he's eating ok. Then get to know your new snake. Corns are amazing. I had a very nervous adult and I actually saw the moment he calmed down. I just let him struggle and slip through my hands like crazy for about ten minutes and then he just stopped and went limp. It kind of scared me. He's been fine ever since.

[annmarie]

thanks for the encouragement. just this guy hasnt had the best life so far and i want to make it a lot better now

i agree, i love corns too, i wouldnt trade either of my guys (im already in love with the new one).