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What's the best way to get over fear of snakes!
I've been caring for my daughter's bp and I am admittedly afraid of Dakota. I'd like to get over that for taking care of him without actually picking him up, although do-able (I've read alot on this site) is a challenge. Any helpful hints?
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Re: What's the best way to get over fear of snakes!
A couple of shots of tequila might help.
Just have someone take her out and start by holding her little by little.
Truth is the snakes are much more afraid of you. But they can't drink tequila :D
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Re: What's the best way to get over fear of snakes!
Just try and admire they're beauty. And know that its a ball python. And unless you smell like a rat. Your more than likely not getting bit.
I hate to say it. But ball pythons are magnificant I don't know how anyone could be afraid of em!!!
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Re: What's the best way to get over fear of snakes!
Quote:
Originally Posted by West Coast Jungle
But they can't drink tequila :D
says who??? lol the best way to get over ur fear is wats called the "NIKE" way. just do it. dont think about it, just reach in and pick it up. close ur eyes if u have to.... just avoid sudden movements and touching the head. eventually the two of u will grow on each other. snakes are the best pet in the world!!!!! do it for ur daughter!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Re: What's the best way to get over fear of snakes!
oh...he's a beautiful animal - I'm fascinated and obsessed with doing the right thing! I spend hours on this site, for example - stop in at pet stores - order mice online - even pet him on Sunday (after a scotch - but tequila might be better), but only while his head was in his hide. :) brave, huh? There's no one here who will pick him up to help me out with this project! I was quite proud of myself after getting him in a box to clean out his home..now I really want more! Maybe the Nike way would be best. I held him once when he was real little, but he's much bigger now!
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Re: What's the best way to get over fear of snakes!
as was said before, holding them is the first step.
i know the first time i held a snake i wasnt "scared" per-say... but i wasnt comfortable.
the guy holding it was at a petstore and i wanted one, hes like "here" and handed him to me.
just gently hold the body, dont "spook" it (quick movements; especially at the head of the snake) and relax.... eventually he or she will loosen up to you and start to explore, being to crawl. and you will also get more comfortable with it as time goes on...
the main thing is, if youre uncomfortable (jumpy/nervous) odds are thats how the snake will be. youll be nervous, but the trick is to remain calm.
if all else fails, DO NOT!!! freak out, scream and drop it. (seen it done.)
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Re: What's the best way to get over fear of snakes!
I would suggest washing your hands, removing his hide, and seeing if he'll just come over to you for some attention.
Avoid his head, that will most likely make him jerk away, scare you and make it a no go.
If it will reassure you: Put on a long sleeve sweater and some garden gloves, pick him up, hold him for a bit, put him back. Keep doing it till you're comfortable enough to try gloves with short sleeves, then move up to no gloves. It will add in the 'bullet proof' reassurance that even if he did snip at you, he couldn't get through the layers to hurt. And since he's a BP he probably won't snip.
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Re: What's the best way to get over fear of snakes!
yeah basicly just pick him up with confidence, he'll be just as calm as you are, let him explore a little but make sure he knows he isnt getting away haha. I have a few bps and one of my adult females used to bite me pretty much daily and it didnt even phase me. doesnt hurt. I was more worried she might hurt herself on my hand hahaha, but most bps wont even try biting, they're too shy.
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Re: What's the best way to get over fear of snakes!
Like Adri said, if for now gloves give you the confidence you need then by all means use them. I think it's far better to do that and feel calmer then to try to handle the snake bare handed and be nervous of him.
Just pick a quiet evening when Dakota's had a good meal in him a couple of days before, gently remove him and just sit quietly and watch a bit of tv while he gets used to you (that way you won't fixate on him and be more relaxed). Just make sure he can't get away on you and if he tries remember to redirect him by moving his body, not grabbing near his head. Something short like 15 minutes and then back home he goes, both of you having had a nice handling experience. Don't handle him within 48 hours of a feeding or right before a feeding when he's in a hunting mode.
If it helps, my 6 year old regularily handles snakes and I wouldn't allow that if I thought it was particularily dangerous. He knows already it's all about being calm, quiet and steady with the snakes so you don't trigger them to feel defensive. I'm sure you'll do fine...just take it slow.
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Re: What's the best way to get over fear of snakes!
I believe it depends a lot on just how scared you are, and what exactly you are afraid of.
Since you say you have held the snake before, and are able to do things like getting him in a box to clean his enclosure, and reach in and touch his tail when his head is hidden, you obviously don't have a really big out of control fear of snakes. So in that case, the "just do it" advice may be best, but I'd never recommend that to someone who had a greater fear... they'd need to work up to it more gradually. Only you can judge if you are at the "just do it" point or if you need to take more baby steps first.
What do you think you are afraid of? Are you afraid of being bitten? In that case, the gloves and long sleeves that have already been suggested could build your confidence a lot. An alternative to this would be to have the protective layer on the snake. Put it in an inside-out pillow case, and tie a knot in it (make sure the snake is well away from where you are tying so it doesn't get hurt). Then curl up in front of the TV with it on your lap. The snake will feel secure in that nice dark place, and you'll feel secure knowing you can't get bitten, but you'll also both get to feel each other through the layer of fabric.
Also, you might want to at some point consider getting bitten on purpose, and you'll see that it really doesn't hurt as much as you might think. I DO NOT mean aggravating your BP until it finally bites you. Instead, find someone that has a nippy snake and handle that one. Also, hopefully this is obvious, but I'm talking about doing this with a small snake. Pet stores frequently have baby snakes that are a little nippy partly just because they are babies, but partly because the pet store employees don't handle them often enough and/or don't know how to do it in a way that helps the snake calm down and stop feeling defensive.
Maybe your fear isn't so much of a bite in particular, but just snakes in general, perhaps rooted in "snakes are evil" stuff that comes out of the bible and so many other sources in our culture, or perhaps from Hollywood making totally unrealistic movies about snakes. In that case, educating yourself about snakes will probably help a lot. Learn which snakes are dangerous and which aren't. Learn how almost all snakes, even the dangerous ones, would much rather be left alone than do anything to hurt a human being. Learn that when people get bitten by snakes, it is most often because the snake was afraid. Sometimes it can also happen if the snake mistakes a person's hand for something it can eat, such as if the person was handling a rodent so their hand smelled like food.
Learning about your BP in particular can help too. For example, do you know that the name ball python comes from the fact that they tend to curl up into a ball when scared? This is part of what makes them good pets; even when scared they are less likely to bite than many other species of snakes. Just watch your BP in its enclosure. You'll notice it spends most of its time hiding. You may see it moving from one hide to another in order to thermoregulate itself. Try checking in on it late at night after the room it is in has been dark and quiet. That is when it is most likely to be active.
Like Joanna, I have kids (10 yrs and 5 yrs) that regularly handle our BP. It is probably far more dangerous for the snake, if they weren't careful and dropped it or something, than it is for the kids. While we were in the shopping and researching phase before we bought it, my 10 year old got bitten by a baby king snake in a pet store, and I was momentarily afraid she would freak out, either in that moment and hurt the snake, or just in general and decide she didn't like snakes anymore. But she found it didn't hurt at all, and stayed calm. The experience actually increased her confidence level so it ended up being a good thing.
Good luck! It seems to me you are already having lots of success and I'm sure soon you'll be looking back and laughing at yourself because you used to be afraid of your wonderful BP!
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Re: 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!!!
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Re: What's the best way to get over fear of snakes!
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.
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Re: What's the best way to get over fear of snakes!
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.
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Re: What's the best way to get over fear of snakes!
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.
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Re: What's the best way to get over fear of snakes!
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.
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Re: What's the best way to get over fear of snakes!
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!
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Re: What's the best way to get over fear of snakes!
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. :)
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Re: What's the best way to get over fear of snakes!
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!!
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Re: What's the best way to get over fear of snakes!
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.
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Re: What's the best way to get over fear of snakes!
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.
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Re: What's the best way to get over fear of snakes!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Purrrfect9
If you just reach in and grab them, it gives off the impression that you're a predator attacking them from above. that.
not true at all. I dont need to let mine know they are about to be handled, I just reach in and pick em up and they all do fine, mine just really dont seem to care. If I put my hand down they'll slither over and climb up my arm.
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Re: What's the best way to get over fear of snakes!
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Originally Posted by Kennyxemerson
not true at all. I dont need to let mine know they are about to be handled, I just reach in and pick em up and they all do fine, mine just really dont seem to care. If I put my hand down they'll slither over and climb up my arm.
true dat :rockon:
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Re: What's the best way to get over fear of snakes!
My daughter will be away - off and on - for 4 years. At some point, she may have the ability to take Dakota to live with her, but then she has to worry about vacation times, etc. So...could be for another year or 4.
Unfortunately, Lydia is our one and only daughter and, frankly, my husband is sick if hearing me talk about ball pythons - but he doesn't touch Dakota either. So that's no help. :)
The pet shop idea is a good one.
But, thanks to your help, everyone, I'm starting a more positive thought process and am actually looking forward to Sunday - sort of.
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Re: What's the best way to get over fear of snakes!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kennyxemerson
not true at all. I dont need to let mine know they are about to be handled, I just reach in and pick em up and they all do fine, mine just really dont seem to care. If I put my hand down they'll slither over and climb up my arm.
To each his own. I'm just sharing what has worked for me and all of my snakes.
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Re: What's the best way to get over fear of snakes!
I think you'll be surprised once you really start handling Dakota how much you enjoy it. :) I know a number of people who were once afraid, and the more they got to know the snakes the more they fell in love. A positive mindset helps a lot! You're well on your way! :gj:
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Re: What's the best way to get over fear of snakes!
I was actually scared of picking up my BP when I 1st got her. I got over that fear by sticking my hand into the cage after talking to her. I know that snakes can't hear, but they do feel the vibration. I then reached down and rubbed her on the back until she raised up letting me know she was alright with me holding her. I then picked her up. I agree with everyone though, I don't mess with her head.
If you are not picking her/him up, I am assuming that you feed her/him in the cage that she/he is in. I do not do that. I feed in a seperate container, actually a card board box with a lid on top. This way, they do not mistake your hand for food. I have had my bp for about 2 1/2 months now, and she has never attempted to bite me. EVEN when she was shedding, she let me handle her and rubbed her head into my palm trying to start the shed! That tickled me to death (LOL)!
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Re: What's the best way to get over fear of snakes!
Quote:
Originally Posted by brelea79
If you are not picking her/him up, I am assuming that you feed her/him in the cage that she/he is in. I do not do that. I feed in a seperate container, actually a card board box with a lid on top. This way, they do not mistake your hand for food.
I used to do that too with my snakes, before I learned it was a myth. Now I feed them where they're comfortable, in their enclosure. :) So long as you don't smell like food they shouldn't mistake you for food.
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Re: What's the best way to get over fear of snakes!
Funny! I talk to Dakota all the time and just assumed he could hear me. He always seems so attentive! I think we're gradually getting to know each other. He gobbled up a mouse tonight and allowed me the privilege of putting my hand in his enclosure while I changed the water and made some space for the big hunt - all while waiting patiently on his branch. Of course, I realize that I'm just projecting my own thoughts onto Dakota. Clearly he only had a meal in mind, especially once he caught the scent. I think the more he hangs out (literally - he doesn't ball up or hide) when I'm arranging his furniture, feeding or watering, it means he's comfortable to an extent with my intrusions? Am I right? or...just hoping for the best? :oops:
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Re: What's the best way to get over fear of snakes!
Snakes may have a limited ability to bond with us Cheryl or to understand certain concepts but they are an incredibly astute creature when it comes to their instincts and knowing what is dangerous to them and what isn't. If you establish certain regular habits about how you handle, how you offer food, how to do cage maintenance Dakota will fairly quickly become used to what is happening. Once his instincts assure him that this activity by the big heat signature human person isn't of any particular danger to him, he'll just watch or basically ignore you. I have some big adults that I can move them while I'm cleaning and if they are snoozing they barely bother to acknowledge I'm there (scuse me lady, sleeping over here...zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz) :D .
Just try to think a bit like your Dakota. If he's hungry and a warm hand is moving rapidly near him, this could trigger a strike...not his fault...not a bad natured animal...just instincts....hunger + heat signature moving = opportunity for a chance for dinner in his mind. Same with a snake deep in shed. They aren't terribly comfortable I would think, they just want to hide away and get that old nasty shed off....so as keepers we need to remember this isn't the time to mess about with them more than we have to. As you get used to Dakota you will learn to read his cues to you. Body posture, tenseness of his muscles (that's where stroking them lightly down the end of their body really helps to judge), rate of tongue flicking, intense gaze, defensive posturing.....you'll quickly learn just what he's telling you about his current mood.
Stick with routines, simple routines done over and over again. It will help you feel more confident as you perform them and help Dakota learn to recognize that this means that sort of thing. We stroke each snake a certain way only when they are about to be removed for handling....eventually they get to know in their simple snake way that there's nothing to fear or get nervy about. If they react poorly to the stroking then we know they really just don't want to be handled by us bothersome humans at that particular moment. :)
As far as your early exposure to wild caught snakes...again think like that snake. Taken from it's natural home, suddenly confined in an environment it cannot possibly understand....I'd likely bite anything that came near me too hon. It's not meanness, it's simply a wild creature trying to survive and adapt to a very sudden change in it's circumstance. Even a captive born snake can have trouble adapting to a lot of sudden changes so as keepers of snakes it's our job to make that transition as low stress as possible.
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Re: What's the best way to get over fear of snakes!
Quote:
Originally Posted by MedusasOwl
I think you'll be surprised once you really start handling Dakota how much you enjoy it. :) I know a number of people who were once afraid, and the more they got to know the snakes the more they fell in love. A positive mindset helps a lot! You're well on your way! :gj:
I had my gf's co-worker and his fiance (who was deathly afraid of snakes) over for dinner a few weeks ago. We started small and did not force anything on her. She held one of our baby balls first, and by the end of the night, she was comfortable enough to hold our 7+ foot boa.
Just make sure the snake knows you are there first, and try scooping them up so to speak by sliding your hand under their belly. Just relax at first, The snake wll also relax after a few minutes and start to explore. The key is slow and deliberate movements. Try and keep handlings limited to 5-10 minute sessions once a day. In no time at all, you will see that it is not that big of a deal.
My first snake was a large boa, and i was also afraid of taking him out of his enclosure at first too. Looking back now, it seems kinda silly with how docile he is.
At any rate, good luck, and don't worry if you do get bit, it doesn't hurt and you will barely notice it. It is also a good confidence booster once you realize that they are really basically harmless to a human. :)
Robin
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Re: What's the best way to get over fear of snakes!
Just reading your stuff makes me feel quite mellow about it. I think I'm going to move my big move up to tomorrow night. I get home from work at 10pm...my hubby will be sleeping...the dog too. I think Dakota and I will try a quiet few minutes together. I'll let you kow how it goes!!!!
Thanks a trillion for all your great advice.
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Re: What's the best way to get over fear of snakes!
I was thinking about moving my big event to tomorrow night. Although I work a 15 hour shift - I'll get home at 10pm and all else will be quiet (hubby, dog, cat) and I think that would be a good time.
I love all your advice - it helps me to stay calm and focused.
One question - I cut myself tonight accidently fixing dinner. So you think if he smells my blood, he'll be agitated?
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Re: What's the best way to get over fear of snakes!
Nah, he's not a Piranna, it should be fine. ;) It's specifically rodenty and birdy food smells that would get his attention, not blood in and of itself. Have fun! I just spent about an hour with a sleepy Gomez (our BP) draped over my shoulders as I was working at the computer. Very soothing stuff. :)
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Re: What's the best way to get over fear of snakes!
Just pick your most quiet time when you feel calm and confident. Handling is more about you than the snake in so many ways. Make sure his handling time starts and ends on a gentle, quiet note and he'll sort out eventually that you are no threat to him. Even 2 minutes of good handling repeated often enough is a pattern you are setting down that the snake can pick up on. :)
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Re: What's the best way to get over fear of snakes!
sooo....I've waited for him to come out of his hide for this big event, but he's just hangin out in there. Do you take the hide out and then pick him up? Or wait until he's more active? I don't want to stress him before I get started!
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Re: What's the best way to get over fear of snakes!
I take the hide off, stare at her for a sec, say hiya the scoop her up
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Re: What's the best way to get over fear of snakes!
Hi,
It's generally ok to lift the hide off him.:)
Just try and avoid scaring him by swooping down like a big predator - I know it's hard to beleive but he will probably be more scared/worried than you are. I would stroke him along the side first to let him know your there before trying to lift him and when lifting him sort of scoop him up from the side/underneath so he's sitting on you rather than you holding him if you see what I mean.
But you can wait if you prefer - there's no rush after all.:)
dr del
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Re: What's the best way to get over fear of snakes!
Yep, I'm gonna wait until tomorrow night, but you know that feeling you get when you're afraid of doing something, but dying to do it? That's how I feel.
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Re: What's the best way to get over fear of snakes!
maybe you should give the snake some tequila, he wont be able to bite u cause hes totally smashed and cant aim. just kidding, bad idea. just look at him as more of a teddy bear or something. and then over time begin to see him as more of a snake.(thats what im trying to get my mom to look at my bp as)hehe:banana:
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Re: What's the best way to get over fear of snakes!
Just wondering if you held your daughter's snake. I have been thinking of you this weekend.
You can just pick up his hide. Or you can turn off his light and wait an hour or two, then peek to see if he's out. He'll be more active at night when it's dark in there since BP's are nocturnal.
Good luck and keep us posted!
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Re: What's the best way to get over fear of snakes!
somehow I keep ending up with double messages...sorry!
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Re: What's the best way to get over fear of snakes!
Well - first I had a drink - then I picked up his hide. He was peeking out a bit anyway, keepin' an eye on me. I stroked his back (he kept wrinkling his back, almost like a cat does when you pet them). I started to pick him up, felt the weight in my hand and then....totally chickened out. So I pet him a while longer while internally fighting with myself. When all was said and done, he was quite cute. I turned around to smell himself as if to say, "what the heck was that!?" Then he was quite comfy for a couple of hours and I couldn't really put his hide back in. He was just happy in that dark corner of the tank. Eventually, he moved over to the warm side hide and I put his furniture back into place. I had fun, but it's gonna take a while, I guess. By the way, do you use two hands? He seems too big for one and if I should steer clear of his head, how should I balance him so he doesn't fall? These are probably silly questions, but I really wasn't sure once I got there...
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Re: What's the best way to get over fear of snakes!
I mean, of course, that he turned around to smell himself!
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Re: What's the best way to get over fear of snakes!
That's a great step in the right direction! Good job!
I think I remember you said that your daughter got this snake 2 years ago, so it isn't a little baby. I don't think that picking it up with one hand will hurt it, as long as you are supporting at least one point somewhere vaguely close to the middle of its length. However, the snake will probably feel more secure if you support more of its length. Since you say he seems to big for one hand, it sounds like you might also feel better using 2 hands.
The snake will actually do a lot of the balancing so he won't fall all by himself. When we are handling our little girl, if she starts to feel insecure she'll wrap herself around our wrist, and suddenly we have a snake bracelet! :) However, you do still need to be careful because BPs aren't as graceful as some other snakes and will fall sometimes. If you search the forums enough you'll find lots of times that people mention their BP fell off the driftwood or whatever in their enclosure.
I am really impressed with the efforts you are making to overcome your fear. I hope our daughter appreciates all that you are doing to take care of her pet!
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Re: What's the best way to get over fear of snakes!
I find myself rushing to my computer each morning to see how you are doing. Very nice step in right direction last night. Good for you!!!
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Re: What's the best way to get over fear of snakes!
Well...took out the hide...stroked his back - he was sort of wrinkling almost like a cat - is that normal? Then I started to pick him up. Honestly, my heart was beating a mile a minute! I felt his weight in my hand and chickened out! So, I pet him some more. When I stopped, he turned around to smell himself probably wondering what the heck was going on! I was wondering, do you use two hands? I mean, how do you support his weight and stear clear of his head? I'm usually such a decisive person - I can't believe I'm struggling with this so much!!!!
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Re: What's the best way to get over fear of snakes!
You are doing SO GREAT! I am so proud of you.
Yes, it is normal, for a BP to arch his back, or move slightly, as you pet them. It feels good to be stroked and IMO they like it. Once you get more comfortable, try stroking his side or belly and you'll see him sort of wiggle or squirm b/c it sort of tickles. It's actually funny and cute once you get used to it.
You can use two hands or one, either is OK. Sometimes, I start with one hand, then as I lift him up, I use both.
Don't worry - you are on your way to being a snake lover!! We are all so proud of you. Keep at it!
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Re: What's the best way to get over fear of snakes!
Hi,
You're doing super-duper great! ;)
I, too, have been reading your progress, and it's wonderful that you're making such an effort.
I was going to comment that my BP isn't head shy at all... I know you might be more comfortable not being near Dakota's head, but what I mean is that he might not care. :P Obviously, if you make a sudden movement toward his head he might recoil a bit, but after a couple of shots you'll be smooooth, right?
When you're petting him does he seem to be annoyed when you get near his head?
As for your initial grab, I would have to say again that most of them don't really care. :) I just sort of hook a section with my fingers and lift, supporting a different section with the other hand if necessary.
And I, too, talk to them before picking them up- it sounds dumb, but with Milton I usually say "Hey, buddy!". :)
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Re: What's the best way to get over fear of snakes!
My snakes all do the leaning up against your hand like a cat, the sensation must be nice. :) You're doing really well! And yeah, you can lift with one hand but it's good to support with both hands once you've got em out.
I'm glad Swingline mentioned headshyness! I forgot that this spooks a lot of people when their snakes get spooked. Ball pythons will sometimes jerk their head away really fast if they get nervous and the fast movement might startle you. It doesn't mean he's going to bite, it just means "OMG, not my head, I need that!" like he's scared your hand might smoosh or eat his head or something. Gomez used to do that, but he's a lot less headshy now that he's older and used to us. That's why they're called ball pythons, they're more likely to ball up and protect their when spooked then bite you.
...omg, that just gave me a great snake fleeing zombie hand visual that I may have to draw..."Brainz..." "Eeeee!"
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Re: What's the best way to get over fear of snakes!
the way i did when i had my corn snake was to put my hand fully into the cage, hand flat onto the substate and let him crawl up my arm, did not need to pick him up persay, he just picked himself up then just remove my arm and not let him fall
a good idea may be to coax him into a bag or box (not one you would use for feeding if you use one and not a plastic walmart bag, paper bag like the one the scotch and tequilla came in ^^)
carry the bag to say a bed or chair and open it up on your lap. let him crawl out and onto you, then you can let him just slither all about on you. would suggest having someone there experienced with snakes for support for you or to snag him if he makes a dash for it. just my 2 cents
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