Any tips for getting over fear....

[Drew87]

I think the quickest way to get over the fear is to get bit trust me with babies it doesnt really hurt just get bit get it over with and then you will see its not that bad and will have no problem reaching in there to get them out when they get bigger is when it starts to hurt

[STORMS]

First of all, good for you for trying to overcome your fear!

You might want to read this thread. It is long but there was tons of good info in it. Summary: mom who was afraid of snakes had to overcome her fear to take care of her daughter's pet when the daughter went away to college.
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...ht=fear+snakes

Thanks for that link - I read it all. It had some GREAT ideas.
Tonight Im gonna poor myself a tall glass of vodka (no tequila for me - only if Im looking for a fight) and I just bought new gardening gloves - now they serve a better purpose!

And we'll see how I fair...

I may throw on a sweatshirt too just in case!

[STORMS]

when they get bigger is when it starts to hurt

You didn't have to say that!!! I have an 07 Male thats a lot bigger than the baby I haven't even attempted to pick him up yet!

[Drew87]

Im sorry but seriosuely part of owning snakes is your going to get bit, so the sooner it happens the sooner you will get over your fear i think that your more scared like ( you just bit me) then the bite itself becuase the first time i got bit i was more feaked out that my snake just leaped out and bit me, the bite didnt hurt really at all, my heart was beating so fast it didnt relize it till i saw some blood im not trying to freak you out but trust me gets way better when you get over the fear. and then you just want to buy more haha good luck keep us posted

a bite is like a badge of honor for snake owners

[Kristy]

Everyone has given you great advice!! I have a few family members that are terrified of snakes. Won't even be in the same house as the snakes.

I have never feared snakes. Honestly, I would rather take a bite from my adult ball python every day for a week, than get bitten by any rodent, especially rats and gerbils, ever again.

The first time I got bit by my one of my snakes, I just thought. "Thats it?"

Like you said Baby Steps! You'll get there.

[tigerlily]

I've only been bitten by one snake, when she was about 1500g - didn't feel a thing. In fact had I not been bleeding a bit, I wouldn't have been positive I had been bitten.

You can also try using a 'shield' as well, that will enable you to feel safe enough to reach in and grab the main body. Honestly, it was a bit nerve racking when I first started because I didn't know how to read my snakes. The best thing I ever did was be consistant and persistant. Take a couple deep breaths to allow your heartrate to slow down a bit, and focus on exactly what you want to happen. See in your mind what you plan on doing, and then go for it. Heck, if jumping up and down for 5 minutes takes the edge off then do that. lol.

I wish you the best of luck conquering your fear.

[daniel1983]

If the issue is getting the snake out of the enclosure....Get a snake hook....no keeper should be without one.



As far as getting them out of a defensive posture, A spray bottle works well in place of a head tap for ball pythons.....it is nice to get them out of defensive posture without risking putting you hand near a really pissed snake.

Also, the way you reach in can make all the difference. If the snake looks like it is going to strike....reach in with a flat hand, fingers together and your palm facing towards the snake....when snakes strike defensively, they do not open their mouths up as much as during feeding (sometime not at all). Sometimes it is much better to give them a palm to strike instead of a bunch of loose dangling finger....a little let to grab ahold of

[Drew87]

YES i agree getting bit by a mama rat when your takin out her babies is way worse then getting bit by the snake

[kc261]

Also, the way you reach in can make all the difference. If the snake looks like it is going to strike....reach in with a flat hand, fingers together and your palm facing towards the snake....when snakes strike defensively, they do not open their mouths up as much as during feeding (sometime not at all). Sometimes it is much better to give them a palm to strike instead of a bunch of loose dangling finger....a little let to grab ahold of

That is really smart, and I don't remember hearing that before. Now that I've read it, it seems obvious. Maybe I'm slow. But of course they won't be able to get as much of a hold on a flat palm as on a finger or the edge of your hand.

[cheryls]

You'll find a thread somewhere in the forum about my fear of snakes...my daughter left me with her bp when she went away to college. The year is almost over! She comes home tomorrow and Dakota and I are good friends now. I really learned his language with help from folks on this forum. He's never even tried to bite. He's as calm as can be - much, much, bigger and I've had many successful sheds, poops, etc. I'm very proud that I got through the year!

I took small baby steps, asked lots of questions on the forum, and frankly, in the beginning, tequila was helpful!

Good luck! You will definitely love it!