Don't be a girl about it.

I never meant anything about gender, it was just the title I chose for my post. I was simply meaning I'm scared to pick up our snake. I can hold and handle Fuzzy just fine for the most part, I change the water daily and everything, I just can't seem to be able to bring myself to grab Fuzzy out from the tank.

Don't worry, no one try to attacking you :) Just the jour title is "catching", and I understand why. See this : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjJQBjWYDTs

My big, strong husband fear to touch a snake, or fear to coming with me do bungee or parachute.

Just don't care that "girly" part. Care your snake, and care yourself to understand and calm your fears. We're different. Many cases better, many cases worst than men. That gives the balance. ;)

You will get over it over time as you become more comfortable with him and learn to read his body language. If it makes you feel better, my husband is deathly terrified of my snakes. At the repticon in Raleigh, I was able to get about 8 people who were previously fearful of snakes to not only touch but hold a ball python for the first time. I was able to change those peoples minds about snakes when I didn't even know them. My husband, I can't even get in the same room with them

Snakes have always had a bad rep. But I guess we all have our fears. I mean, I'm afraid of anteaters but I love tarantulas .


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Give yourself some time. When my husband got our snake it took me about a week to take him out of the tank. I checked in on him everyday, watched how my husband grabbed him (no sudden movements and make sure he saw us) and would change his water (involved me sticking my hand in the tank). I also figured, if the snakes going to bite me, he's going to bite me, it will hurt but I'll get over it. I'm his primary handler now, we've had him 2.5 years. Just remember to go slow and go look at him everyday. Once you feel comfortable, just do it. Make sure the snake sees you, sometimes a light pet before picking up helps. Remember to grab the upper or middle part of the body.

If it is a fear of picking him up from the tank try this.... Hold him/her for a while then place him/her in the tank and almost immediately pick him/her back up. Hold for a while then repeat. Each time take a little longer before you pick him/her back up. After awhile you should notice the anxiety you have for picking up your snake fade off. Do this over a few days if needed.

Just wanted to say I picked Fuzzy up today, all ny myself! I reached in after changing the water in the water bowl and pet him/her for a while then picked him/her up. I am beyond proud of myself. :)

I know that sounds stupid to most (if not all) of you, but I was seriously terrified to do so until today.

Congrats on the progress! Before you know it you'll find it second nature picking up your ball. Be patient and gentle - don't rush it and he/she will be comfortable with your actions. It is tough, at first to reach in and pick them up but, like people on here say, a little side rub before you take her out will let her know your intentions.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by snake.named.fuzzy

Just wanted to say I picked Fuzzy up today, all ny myself! I reached in after changing the water in the water bowl and pet him/her for a while then picked him/her up. I am beyond proud of myself. :)

I know that sounds stupid to most (if not all) of you, but I was seriously terrified to do so until today.

---

Awesome! It doesn't sound stupid. A lot of people have a fear of snakes. Once you start talking about how you own 1 or 25 you will realize how many people you know that are afraid of them. Congrats on conquering you fears and good luck with fuzzy and your next one...lol

Just wanted to say congratulations on the progress. It's definitely worth being proud of yourself for. Getting over that fear is a big step. Some of us never have the fear, some of us are terrified even after owning 5 of them for years, and some of us gain or lose the fear through time. I'm glad to hear you and Fuzzy are becoming closer.

I have a question if you don't mind me asking; have you actually been bitten yet? Ironically enough, and I'm just speaking from personal experience, getting a little nip might actually help you immensely with the hesitancy and concern. Your subconscious finally learns its not as bad as it thought. It's pretty much the same thought process as with any major fear: first time swimming, first tattoo, etc.

You've heard really good advice so far, handling and time are the two best tools for overcoming fear. You're already on the right path towards a very close relationship. I wish you luck :)