Three months ago I acquired a 10 mos. old youngster who the breeder warned me was "head shy". The breeder was right, little "Tango" was incredibly nervous. When I walked into the room and turned on the light I'd often hear him slam into the side of the bin in his hurry to ball up and hide his head. I started bringing a flashlight so I could introduce the light more gradually. When I picked him up, he'd remain so tightly coiled I'd have to gently turn him upside down to see his head. I'd handle him at least 2 x a week, although initially it was simply a matter of picking him up holding him for 10 or 15 seconds and immediately putting him down again.
The change was gradual but I noticed after a couple of weeks he didn't stay coiled QUITE so tightly, then he'd relax and stretch out a bit, but if I moved my hand, or he saw any movement in the room he'd flinch back so hard he usually made ME jump! Gradually I'd be able to hold him and could move a few feet in either direction without him spooking at the movement.
Today he's soooo much better. He doesn't ball up anymore, but IS a bit tense when I pick him up. He will react if I move too quickly but recovers quickly. He has NEVER made any effort to bite, but nor is he a snake that I would handle very casually.
He's still very young though, and I'm confidant that he'll continue to improve. He's made great strides in 3 mos., I'm happy that he's no longer terrified every time he sees/hears something that's out of the norm.
Reply With Quote