What's the best way to get over fear of snakes!

Wow..this is so great! In terms of what scares me - I'm really unsure. I feel like he's unpredictable, even though he really hasn't done anything to me. When I was young, my little brother used to bring snakes home all the time and keep them in tanks around the house. One of them was a larger black snake. Whew that thing was mad all the time. Of course, he probably didn't know what he was doing, but any time someone tried to handle it, it would bite. I wasn't really bitten by that snake, but I've gotten anxious around them ever since.

In terms of knowledge - I've read everything I can get my hands on. Like I said, I stop in pet stores and ask questions. I'm not sure they really know what they're talking about given what I've learned on this site, but I still ask. I feel obsessed with Dakota. I'm happy when he poops...and eats...and stretches himself out in his enclosure. I love to watch him. I also worry all the time that I might be doing something wrong.

On the other hand, every step I take with him feels a bit like a bonding experience - prepping his mouse - cleaning his water dish - I even talk to this creature!

I think the glove plan is a good one. He eats tomorrow, so maybe on Sunday, I'll have the shot of tequila and give it a go. Any advice on how often to try this out? I don't want to stress him out in any way cuz he seems very content now and he really didn't seem happy for about a month after my daughter left for school...

Thanks so very much for all your advice! You folks are just awesome!!!

I've 'conditioned' all of my BP's to realize when I'm going to pick them up. What I do is gently brush my fingers along their backs (behind/away from their faces) to let them know that I'm there, then gently scoop them up. If you just reach in and grab them, it gives off the impression that you're a predator attacking them from above. Dakota will probably tense up once you've touched him, but you shouldn't have any problem picking him up after that.

Mine is handled daily for about 10-30 minutes except after feeding or during shed. She seems to enjoy handling though.

Just go in small steps, keep the sessions short, and wear less protection as you feel comfortable. As you get more comfortable with him you'll learn how to read him and will get mroe confident.

Your daughter is lucky to have a wonderful mom like you. And so is Dakota!!! I got over my fear of snakes by buying one. When I brought Lucy home I held her in my hands a bit before I put her in her new home. I really was afraid of her. She did the classic ball python move and formed a tight little ball with her head hidden in the middle. After a minute or two she poked her little head out and nudged up against my hand as if to say "I won't hurt you". I doubt I will ever see her form a ball again!!! I just love that little girl. People can reassure you all day long but in the end it will be Dakota who helps you conqure your fears.

Maybe try to hold it after a night out, either back from dinner or anywhere a few beverages were consumed. That's the best time to get over it. My GTP always used to try to bite me so I was very hesitant when it came time for cleaning. After a few weekends after bowling and having a few cocktails I would take him out and not care too much if he bit. Plus My motor skills were slowed a little, so I didn't risk any jerky reactions that could scare him or rip any teeth out. I figured I'd either have to tame him or just get used to being constantly bitten. It ended up being a combo of the two, but after that I had no hesitation about pulling him out to get the job done. Although he will almost definately not ever attampt to bite you, so maybe just take some baby steps until you're comfortable.

Helping people getting over a fear of snakes is a beautiful thing, and good for you in wanting to take steps to get there!!

:rockon:

Lots of good advice here, basically learning all you can about them and spending some quality time. :) If it helps at all, I wrote an FAQ to help people learn about/get over their fears of snakes. A lot of it you probably already know, but ya never know what will strike the right chord.

Also, what's helped my Mom out when she's come to visit is watching me and my brother with the snakes and petting them while their heads are in the other direction. Petting is a good place to start if you don't feel ready to hold him. Hope that helps!

I can't believe how helpful you've all been. Dakota and I will be working on our bond this coming weekend after he eats tomorrow. I loved the FAQ, Medusa. It was really great and I always wondered what the numbers meant!

Right now I think Dakota is a bit annoyed with me. His night light burned out and I bought a red one reading that it might be better, but he stuck to one side tonight during his nightly jaunt and then went to bed early! Maybe I'll go back to night and day lighting. :)

Awww!! That's so great that you have an interest in your daughter's BP!! My mom would be one of those that would freak out..LOL!! How long are you going to be caring for Dakota for your daughter? Any plans on getting one (or more...they are addictive!!) of your own someday :) :) ?

Many have already given you such great advice! I would also go with the suggestion of using a pair of gardening gloves, really great for getting used to calmly touching and picking up the BP. I also stroke my older BP on her back to let her know that I am going to pick her up. My new one I just got a week ago and she just ate the other day so I am waiting to make sure that she will eat again for me this weekend, then next week will start handling her....I can hardly wait!! I haven't really handled/touched her since she arrived at my house.

Good luck with everything!! If you ever have any questions, definately either use the search function or feel free to ask us! There are many knowledgeable people on this site, this is where I have learned the most about proper care/husbandry for my BP's. Personally I couldn't thank this site enough!!

that's really awesome that you want to get over that fear! most people don't even want to try. i really respect that.

as for getting over it, just be around him for a while. you've obviously done that already. with your daughter, or someone who is willing to hold the snake, just rub their skin gently with a finger to see what they feel like. (they really aren't wet and slimy, but rather soft!) i think you'll be suprised! then once you feel comfortable touching and petting the snake, have someone hold him with you ( just hold onto the tail or something gently). then once you feel comfortable, try holding him by yourself with someone near by. just in case you're not as ready as you thought you were. little baby steps, and then next thing you know, your daughter will walk in the room and you and dakota will be chilling on the couch!

my mom was terrified when i got my snake. but then while taking care of her for a week while i was gone, they kinda bonded. now she calls it her grand-snake-child, and they're unseparable.

just take your time and don't be in a hurry to do anything. do things at your pace and don't let anyone force you. i've gotten many people to get over their fear in a few minutes using this method! it's really cool that you want to try this.

How wonderful that you are trying so hard to bond with her snake to take better care of him!

FrankyKeno said that that her 6 yr old handles BP's regularly. I want to add to that. We have a 6 yr old and a 3 yr old who both take turns holding our BP. While I stay in the room, I don't micromanage how they handle him. And all goes well every time. I only step in to tell them things like, "Felix," our 3 yr old, "please stop making Mr. Snake nod yes and no." He gently holds the snake about 3 - 4 inches down from his head (while supporting the rest ofhis body on his lap) and slowly makes him nod yes, while saying "yeeeeeeeeeeesssssss." And nod no with "noooooooooooo." Mr. Snake just hangs out like, "Uh, are you done yet?" I ask him not to do it for obvious reasons - be gentle and kind to the snake, don't treat him like a toy. I don't worry at all that Mr. Snake would bite him in this situation.

Also, if you stop by pet stores a lot, that can be your opportunity to have someone handle a BP. Tell an employee about your situation and have him/her take one out and handle it while you watch. Maybe have the employee be sure to have control of the head if you feel nervous, then you might get up the nerve to stroke the snake's back with one finger.

I took our BP to a local library for an after school program for kids today. We did a short snake education presentation (with information on BPs, too), then I held him while kids came up to pet him, two at a time. I'll post more about it later, but just wanted to let you know, it was a nice opportunity for some parents to pet him, too. One of the librarians wouldn't pet him unless I had his head under control and pointing away from her. But I think she was glad she did it.

What if you read more about snakes in general (get a good book - I know you are doing it on-line). I skimmed through "The Encyclopedia of Snakes" and loved it. It is actually fascinating stuff!

Good luck. I have confidence that you will great there.