how to handle a nippy baby?

[LaFilleClochette]

hey everyone so i have a question- i just got a baby rat snake (posted pics in another thread..) and although shes about 10 inches long im kinda scared to pick her up....i know that her bite wont hurt too much...but does anyone have any suggestions how to go about taming her??

thanks,
Lena

[OFRD_GRL]

I have a kingsnake (24inches 69grams) that will strike in his home, but once I have ahold of him, he is fine...

I just make sure he is awake and alert before I try to pick him up... when he starts slithering away from where I touched, I pick him up by the back half and then he is more worried about coiling to hold on than nipping. I haven't been bitten yet althoguh I am sure it will happen.

Good luck!

[DarkComeSoon]

u can put a piece of clothing on ur hands or gloves so it wouldnt reach ur skin

[CoolioTiffany]

Since you don't feel comfortable picking up the snake, I suggest using gloves. If the baby does bite you without using gloves, you won't even feel the bite. You should use gloves to pick up the snake for now until you notice it's settling down and getting used to being picked up. I have a really mean King snake and I used to pick him up with gloves (he's still mean though..) and now I feel comfortable using my hands to pick him up and do whatever.

[ItsMichael805]

be a man! lol, yeah just use gloves, the bite wont go throw if there thick enough ,Good luck!

[RichsBallPythons]

Best way to pick up snakes that are nervous still is to come into the tub or tank on the opposite side their on. Then put ur hand under them and pick them up. When coming at them from above they are nervous as this is what their predators do in the wild.

[LaFilleClochette]

thanks everyone, yes i know im a wimp for being afraid of a lil baby like her....but im too used to my sweet ball that its just surprising..

[ItsMichael805]

yeah i was the same when i first got my Bp, i used gloves i can say lol.

[Snakemaster24]

I have many nippy rat snakes. I just pick up the snake without making eye contact and they often will tame down

[LaFilleClochette]

thanks everyone for yur imput, i was able to handle her yesterday with gloves and today i got her out with gloves but then took them off later... i think that if i handle her everyday for 10-15 min once or twice a day she (and I) will get used to it.