How do you deal with a agressive/snappy/stressed snake? Training them?

[EL-Ziggy]

Most of my snakes are pretty food oriented but I wouldn't label any of them as defensive anymore. I hook train all of my critters with a slight tap or rub just to let them know there's no food coming. After that they're all pretty easy to handle. The only snakes I didn't hook train were my kings. They weren't snappy and they're too small to do any damage even if they did bite me.

[Craiga 01453]

Most of my snakes are pretty food oriented but I wouldn't label any of them as defensive anymore. I hook train all of my critters with a slight tap or rub just to let them know there's no food coming. After that they're all pretty easy to handle. The only snakes I didn't hook train were my kings. They weren't snappy and they're too small to do any damage even if they did bite me.

My Kings are the only ones I ever had any hesitation grabbing years ago. I was never afraid of their wimpy bites, but they were the most likely to strike when I reached in. Now, with my current King, Django, when he's in shed or in a mood (very rare) I don't even bother with him. If I reach in and he gets "excited" like he's being fed I just wait him out. He figured out pretty quickly and calms right down.

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Let them get acclimated. Take things slow. No reason to rush handling when the snake you own will be with you for 10-20 years. You have plenty of time to get them to stop wanting to eat you.

I tend to feel most snakes are never aggressive just stressed and defensive. Time and a stress free environment works wonders.

Also, your temperament and willingness to be bit means the world to being able to handle a snake. You have to accept that on a long or short enough time line you will be bit and that is ok. If you constantly go in with fear and hesitation, you are going to have a snake that picks up on that and gets defensive. Learn your snake's movements and techniques to approach a snake. Figure out their habits and when they are active enough to be handled. You handle them when they tolerate being handled, not when you want to handle them.

Lastly, a snake never has to have physical contact for emotional support. They are not dogs, they can go their entire lives never being touched and be just fine. Handling is for your benefit, not theirs.

I like almost every word of this. Great reply.

[Alter-Echo]

I wear leather gloves for my water python, she will nail anything that is hot when she is in her cage but once I get her out I take them off and she's fine. As for one of my kingsnakes, andromeda, I need to wear them most of the time as she will try to attack anything, she's the only truly aggressive snake I've ever owned.

[Zincubus]

Just about to feed my young Red Thai Bamboo Ratsnake


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[Alter-Echo]

Just about to feed my young Red Thai Bamboo Ratsnake


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You forgot gauntlets and greaves, you'll be nothing but an angry screaming torso if you don't put some on.

[Zincubus]

You forgot gauntlets and greaves, you'll be nothing but an angry screaming torso if you don't put some on.

I'm just glad he's only 18" long !



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[Cheesenugget]

I was not aware that you should be training your snake?

I let all my snakes know I'm there by saying hi and gently pet them. Handling sessions are limited to a few minutes a day if it is a new pet to 15 min or more after it settled down. And it depends on the type of snake too. I can handle my king out in the living room watching tv for as long as I like and she is very chill and curious. I can't do the same with my bp who is more on the nervous side. He does better in a quiet room, no other pets but him and I.

Maybe "training" a snake pertains to those who keep intermediate and advance level snakes? Hmm. That is a lot of additional work on top of cage and care maintenance.

[PiperPython]

I wear leather gloves for my water python, she will nail anything that is hot when she is in her cage but once I get her out I take them off and she's fine. As for one of my kingsnakes, andromeda, I need to wear them most of the time as she will try to attack anything, she's the only truly aggressive snake I've ever owned.

we have an albertisii and man, she is something. Lightning fast strike speed and movement - it genuinely makes me nervous. I got her out the other day, and she was using me like a tree, but hissing anytime my girlfriend moved, then I went to let her back in and she held onto my fingers like she was trying to squeeze the life out of me - my fingers tingled for a while after that...

Glad this thread popped up, as it's very applicable to us. Thanks!

[Skyrivers]

I was not aware that you should be training your snake?

I let all my snakes know I'm there by saying hi and gently pet them. Handling sessions are limited to a few minutes a day if it is a new pet to 15 min or more after it settled down. And it depends on the type of snake too. I can handle my king out in the living room watching tv for as long as I like and she is very chill and curious. I can't do the same with my bp who is more on the nervous side. He does better in a quiet room, no other pets but him and I.

Maybe "training" a snake pertains to those who keep intermediate and advance level snakes? Hmm. That is a lot of additional work on top of cage and care maintenance.

But so worth it!

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[Team Slytherin]

I agree with the suggestion that they need time to settle in. Which is way easier said than done, as I've never been able to sit through an entire 7 days without snuggling a new snake Slow, deliberate movements are also key in gaining trust. I try to avoid reaching down at them from above, as most predators would approach them that way.

So far, my attempts at hook training have been an utter failure. Nothing pisses off my young scrub like being touched with a hook. He goes absolutely ballistic. I was told hook training would be the prudent approach, as he is very cage defensive, with cringe-worthy teeth. He hates it so much that I've been trying to man up and just use my hands whenever possible.

I've learned a few things while doing this:

a.) Slow, deliberate, confident movement is paramount when dealing with a flighty/defensive snake. Sometimes I just open the doors of his enclosure, rest my hand on the inside ledge, and sit still for awhile. Then I might just rest an open hand on him so he feels confident I mean him no harm.

b.) Learn to read their body language and MOODS. Sometimes, no matter what tricks you have up your sleeve, the animal is not in the mood to be bothered. It's important to recognize those tells, for the sake of your fingers

c.) Gloves are your best friend.