First time handling

[Johnny Hive X]

So, my snake has had two good feedings and I'll be feeding again within a few days. I haven't handled my BP yet. I was waiting until I had 3 good feedings under my belt with him before I tried handling.

What is the best way to "introduce" myself to my snake? He spends most of his time in his hides from what I see. Should I take the hide out and pick him up or wait until he is out and snooping about in his tank? I feel like picking him up while he's hiding isn't a good idea, but I'm not sure.

I don't want to get bitten, but I'm more worried about stressing out the snake and freaking him out. I want to get him used to being handled.

[mainbutter]

just see if the snake is amenable to being picked up, most of them are. Some take a little while to calm down a bit after being picked up at first. It's not too hard to see if the snake is stressed and really wants to go back in its home.

[FatBoy]

Move the hide and touch him with something (hook, hanger, papertowel roll) to make sure he is awake and alert. Most people get bit by just reaching in on an asleep snake. As long as he is good and alert before you pick him up he should be ok. And remember, no sudden movements right in front of his face.

[Johnny Hive X]

Yesterday his head was poking out of his hide and I put my arm in his tank and just held it still for a minute or so. It looked like he was trying to figure it out. I started moving my fingers then realized he probably thought it was prey. I was just trying to get him used to my hand.

[WizzySRT10]

I can only say what I do. If he's in his hide I'll just move the hide and pick him up where he can see where my hands are. My Pastel is a big baby and pretty easy to handle putting him back is the hard part. Don't be afraid of the snake although they can draw blood if you do get bit atleast their not Hots. Reach in there pick him up gentley and handle him regularly. I don't handle much around shedding time or a day or 2 after feeding. I also wash my hands before and after.

[boboso]

Good on ya' to wait for a couple of feedings, most don't have the patience...

Like others I make sure the snakes are awake, by enclosure openings, a light tap on the table or glass etc. When picking up I pick up from the middle/front of the body. Some are snippy or shy up if touch near the tail end, or near the head.

I would not dangle anything in front of the snake in the way of fingers or hand,

I have always been lucky to have easy going snakes and our current BP comes to the top of the opening shortly after opening, even from the hide. Hold my hand out, and a couple of wraps and it is bonding time.

PS - Make sure to wash your hands before to remove any food type smells...

[marvint]

I got my first hatchling BP a week ago then 2 days after her first feeding I tried to handled her. It was fine, I just moved her hide and picked her up. she didn't even roll into a ball. maybe it also depends on the snake though

[ohyeahnow]

All snakes are different. If he is young a bite will not hurt much, I have had mean snakes clam down and calm snakes strike. Over time you will learn to read your snake, but you never know. Slow movements, support the body, and if he hisses hold him a while longer. If he bites, do not jerk away. Mist him, run him under cold water, or find a safe way to get him to release. Give it a week or two and try again. At least he is eating for you.

[Slim]

Before I pick my little guy up, I wash my hands then use the same type of hand sanitizer every time so the smell is consistant. The I take the top off which ever hide he's in, and rub his sie a little bit to let him know I'm there. Then I slide my hand under him and pick him up. He rarely balls up, and never tries to nip me. Once he warms up in my hand, he's off to the races.

[starmom]

If the snake is in the hide I tap on the hide once or twice to let him know something is going to happen. I pick up the hide and move it and then pick up the snake. For the most part, they are very docile animals

It's my boas I have to read....