General BP ?'s

[Timbuktu]

Ok I have my Husbandry down and my snake has ate but I have a few newbie questions. Here is a little background.

I have had my snake for a little over two weeks left her completely alone for a week and her first feeding try was a failure because of me she was very excited about eating but I scared her. the second feeding attempt she ate and I have given her three days alone.

now my questions:

when and how should I begin handling? Me and my wife are anxious to try to handle her but I don't want to rush it. She is always in her hide so I don't want to scare her.

and I have a question about behavior. when I get near the cage lately she looks at me and follows my movement is this normal or does she think I am something to eat? she also puffs up and acts scared if I take the top of her tub to change the water etc. is this normal? when I have lifted her hide to check on her she puffs up and sometimes hides her head under her body(cutest thing ever) or she puffs up and moves her head back away from me? is this all normal? It is obvious she is scared of me so I don't want to get bit or stress her out but I know they are shy snakes so maybe they always do this?

Sorry for the long post but I just dont know what behavior is normal or what her behaviors mean exactly any help would be great. thanks.



Brandon

[rabernet]

You can start short handling sessions with her now if you'd like - I'd limit them to 15 minutes, and keep them positive. If you're fearful of her, she'll pick up on that. Be as relaxed as possible.

If they "S" their necks when I handle them, I gently straiten their necks out of the position with a couple of fingers against the neck, which seems to get them out of the potential strike mode and they can't strike with a straight neck.

When she's calm and relaxed for a minute or so, put her back up - she'll start to associate that when she's calm - she gets what she wants (to be put back up). Remember that handling is for our pleasure.

Especially if she's a baby, the behaviors she's showing you seem typical and normal. You're a big predator in her mind - she hasn't learned yet that you can be trusted.

Take your time, and enjoy the process! Can she bite you? Absolutely, but I assure you that the anticipation of a bite is far worse than the actual event.

Good luck!

[BMorrison]

I agree with Robin.
Furio wasn't too hot on the idea of me picking him up. He tried to get away alot sometimes and other times stayed curled in his ball. Now after a few weeks of short handling I've upped him to being out about an hour a day (Except on feeding day and for 2 days after) and he explores all over me, especially the head and shoulders area and frequently falls asleep in my hands.

She'll warm up to ya. You just gotta give her time to get nice and comfy with you and your scent.

[Timbuktu]

ok tonight I went to try to handle her and she was curled up with her neck in an S shape and she was fallowing the movement of my hand. does this sound like I should attempt to pick her up or leave her alone. I am not afraid to get bit I have been bit before but are snakes like other animals where if they bite and it keeps you at bay that they will learn to bit every time they don't want to be messed with? I just don't want to do anything to mess up her temperament if that is even possible. thanks.

[Timbuktu]

I forgot to mention that this time when I was trying to take her out of her cage she was in the corner of the tub head facing me so I let her be because there was no way to grab her without going over her head. How do I get her out?

[rabernet]

ok tonight I went to try to handle her and she was curled up with her neck in an S shape and she was fallowing the movement of my hand. does this sound like I should attempt to pick her up or leave her alone. I am not afraid to get bit I have been bit before but are snakes like other animals where if they bite and it keeps you at bay that they will learn to bit every time they don't want to be messed with? I just don't want to do anything to mess up her temperament if that is even possible. thanks.

Yes, they can "train" you and learn what behavior has worked in the past to keep you at bay - including this "S"ing up. If you can, the next time you attempt this - get something to lightly touch her on her head (the bottom of a water bottle works well but really anything will do) so that she ducks her head and then just pick her up quickly and confidently.

Then sit down and have some quiet time with her.

I don't think that you'll be affecting her temperment - right now you're just building trust with her.

[WaRocker]

Hey thanks for the questions and answers I just like this place so I can learn more..
peace

[Timbuktu]

thanks so much for the help. I took her out with success she is a sweet snake once she is out of her home. thanks so much.

[MelissaFlipski]

Keep up the good work and enjoy her! You'll find it will get easier and easier, then you'll "remember when" and smile.

[jimsonfury]

most important, don't let your snake (or any animal) bully you, i went threw the same initial phase the first few weeks i had my ball (her name is bonnie by the way i've had her now since november, she is very gorgeous i'll post up some pictures, but am also new to this forum). I actually picked up the slower i'm moving the more hesitant i am and focusing on her every move rather now, i just usually gain control of her directional movement by picking up her tail end (assuming i'm not waking her up out of her cozy knit ball) with another hand i'll pick up somewhere higher on the neck lift her out of the cage and put her on my neck, ....then go about cleaning the tank and changing the water, she seems very curious when i go about doing this...at first she just hid her head in my clothing ...tonight she actually jumped off me falling into the sink where i was washing her dish, which was my mistake feeling TOO confident... but as we should not fling these snakes they are fairly hardy animals...notoriously a great first exotic pet for someone because of this


basically there is a margin for mistakes.. as they aren't encouraged i don't think you have to worry about permanently altering her temperment from picking her up wrong or anything, might just make her grumpy for a few minutes... sorry for the long post but also wanted to introduce myself... James
thanks