Stick Training

[sur3fir3]

How to train larger snakes on using snake sticks? So this is my issue. My Blood python is always under his bedding. This makes it quite difficult to go in there and pull him out with the snake stick. Is it ok to search through the bedding with my hands until I find him, and then use the stick? or should I be using the stick to try to find him? I've only ever dealt with Corns and kings before now, and I never tap trained them. So basically to stick train a snake can I use my hands to find his body, and then use the stick, or should I be using the stick to search through the bedding for him?

[WhompingWillow]

Our Dumeril's is constantly under her bedding as well. Normally if I'm not sure where she is I use the hook to try to find her, gently tap her a couple of times to let her know it's not food time, and remove her with my hand. I don't use the hook to actually remove the snake.

[Bogertophis]

I don't 'tap' train my snakes & I've never worked with a 'blood', but I think it's safe to say that you'll find him alright when searching for him with your fingers,
but maybe not the way you want to? These snakes hunt by ambush, & "searching fingers" are just asking for an accidental nip, so for sure, I'd search with
a snake hook (or stick), and gently, of course. Unless of course you can talk him into wearing a little pointy hat so you can see where he is?

[sur3fir3]

I don't 'tap' train my snakes & I've never worked with a 'blood', but I think it's safe to say that you'll find him alright when searching for him with your fingers,
but maybe not the way you want to? These snakes hunt by ambush, & "searching fingers" are just asking for an accidental nip, so for sure, I'd search with
a snake hook (or stick), and gently, of course. Unless of course you can talk him into wearing a little pointy hat so you can see where he is?

LOL. I think the pointy hat idea is perfect. let me go get my super glue. :-P

[Bogertophis]

LOL. I think the pointy hat idea is perfect. let me go get my super glue. :-P

I know I'm a bad influence... but I was picturing some of the pics ppl post at Christmastime, with little hats on their snakes, & thinking "that's it! that's what u need!"

[BlazeMagic]

I know I'm a bad influence... but I was picturing some of the pics ppl post at Christmastime, with little hats on their snakes, & thinking "that's it! that's what u need!"

I’m scared of annoying animals in general putting hats and such on them, but at he same time it’s tempting because it’s so cute. I suppose the kindest option is to add a hat in photoshop.

[Skyrivers]

How to train larger snakes on using snake sticks? So this is my issue. My Blood python is always under his bedding. This makes it quite difficult to go in there and pull him out with the snake stick. Is it ok to search through the bedding with my hands until I find him, and then use the stick? or should I be using the stick to try to find him? I've only ever dealt with Corns and kings before now, and I never tap trained them. So basically to stick train a snake can I use my hands to find his body, and then use the stick, or should I be using the stick to search through the bedding for him?

For me.... I don't have bloods but I do have several other species including reticulated pythons. I use the stick to locate or get the snake to turn their head and reach in when they are no longer looking for food. Some of them now see the stick (hook) and now just turn and move away. Others just go from "food mode" to looking to coming out. Some don't even require stick training at all. Another thing that helps me is that I only feed on one side of all my enclosures. If the other door opens they know at this point that food is not coming. The only exception to this is Max my year old RTB male. He seams to always challenge anything entering to see if it is food.

The key is to be consistent in your method and pay close attention to what your snake is telling you before, during, and after handling. I never use the stick to remove the snake or lift the snake. This can be bad for them or even hurt them if not done correctly and in some cases if done at all. You create a pressure point on a small part of their body.