2 good ways to approach & pick this snake up...use what feels right to you:
1. Use a small snake hook to lift this snake mid-body & SET him on your flat hand. (good idea to sit down also, like on a soft surface such as a bed) Keeping your hands as flat as possible to stay UNDER him (so you aren't "target practice" LOL), just let him relax a while & get to learn that your scent & touch are safe to be around. This method is based on the saying that "snakes don't bite the ground they crawl on" & you're the "ground" here. Be patient...he will learn. What scares snakes the MOST is our approach.
2. Put a small hand towel* over him & pick him up inside it. Keeping him covered, sit for 30 minutes+ or so while he hides inside the towel & learns your scent & touch really are harmless. (sound familiar?) Don't do this daily...just maybe twice a week while he learns to tolerate you. (you didn't know you're this scary, did you?) One reason NOT to do this daily is that may be too stressful & then you'll have a scared snake that's also refusing to eat. Remember that EATING is JOB #1. As he tolerates this more, gradually let him peek out & see that he's being held by a GIANT...but one that by now he's learned is warm & safe. (*a pillowcase will work too)
If you have empathy & patience, this will work. I've mellowed some hysterical snakes with these methods, & if I can do it, so can you. Not rocket science...you just want your snake(s) to learn they are safe with you (& still eat).
Reply With Quote