Essential Snake Handling Tips for New Pet Owners
- Fran Owen
- Sep 5, 2024
- 7 min read
Getting a new snake can be exciting, but knowing how to handle them safely is essential. There's much more to snake handling tips than just picking them up. In this guide, we'll go beyond the basics and look at advanced techniques to build trust and understanding with your scaly friend. I'll also address questions you might be too embarrassed to ask to give you full confidence in handling your pet snake.
Table of Contents:
Understanding Your Snake's Body Language
Before you even think about picking up your snake, learning to read its body language is vital. Snakes are non-verbal communicators, so understanding their cues is like learning a new language. Knowing how they communicate can help you avoid unnecessary stress for both of you.
Signs of a Relaxed Snake:
Loose, relaxed body posture.
Slow, deliberate movements.
Tongue flicking calmly.
Head held at a neutral level.
Signs of a Stressed or Defensive Snake:
Tightly coiled body, or quickly moving into a coil.
Hissing, puffing up, or flattening the neck.
Rapid tongue flicking.
Tail vibrating or rattling.
Striking or biting.
These are just general guidelines. Each snake has a unique personality, and different species may exhibit particular behaviours. Once you start paying attention, you’ll notice subtle differences.
For instance, my corn snake used to tense up slightly when I first approached his enclosure. Over time, I learned it wasn't fear but anticipation because he associated my approach with handling, which he enjoys.
Safe Snake Handling Techniques
Now that you have a better grasp of your snake's body language, let's look at safe snake handling techniques. Remember, you're building trust with a creature that might perceive you as a predator, so be patient. Providing the correct reptile heat and lighting in your snake's habitat is just as crucial as safe handling techniques.
Creating a comfortable and safe environment for your snake will encourage a more relaxed demeanour, making handling easier and more enjoyable for both of you. It will also contribute to their overall well-being and help them thrive in your care.
Approaching Your Snake
Always approach your snake calmly and from the side. Coming directly from above can startle them. Speak in a calm, gentle voice so they associate your presence with good things. Never attempt to grab your snake, as sudden movements trigger a fear response.
If your snake is in a hide, use a snake hook to gently coax them out. You could also try luring them with a favourite treat. Familiarise yourself with the feeding habits and dietary needs of your specific snake species to offer appropriate and enticing treats. For example, some snakes prefer live prey like rodents (not recommended), while others thrive on a diet of frozen-thawed rodents or even commercially available reptile food.
Picking Up Your Snake
This is where many snake handling tips fall short. Instead of gripping, aim for supporting your snake’s weight. Gently scoop them up from underneath, supporting about ⅓ to ½ of their body. They might feel insecure at first, so let them rest a portion of their body on your other arm for added security.
I like to keep a soft, plush blanket on hand for larger snakes as an extra support layer during handling. This is especially helpful for heavier species like ball pythons, as it provides a sense of security and prevents them from feeling like they're going to fall.
Holding and Handling Your Snake
Always use two hands to support your snake's weight. You don’t want to constrain them, just ensure they feel secure. It’s better to avoid restraining a snake by holding it directly behind its head unless absolutely necessary.
Why? Because you risk unintentionally hurting them if they try to pull away. Allow them to explore, but keep their head facing away from your face.
Snakes can be unpredictable, and it's a safety measure, especially when first building trust. Many sources on snake handling tips forget to emphasize this crucial aspect. Once they get used to being handled, some snakes become calm enough to rest around your shoulders, but again, be observant. It shouldn’t be the primary way you handle them, more like an occasional interaction with a relaxed snake.
Duration of Handling Sessions
Even docile snakes can become stressed if handled for too long. Aim for sessions of 10-15 minutes, and observe their behaviour closely for any signs of stress. Snakes also learn through association, and consistent gentle interactions help build a positive relationship with them.
After all, the goal is for them to associate being picked up with safety, not fear. Keep in mind that snakes are not social creatures in the same way that dogs or cats are. While they can learn to tolerate and even enjoy handling, they don't have the same innate need for social interaction as some other pets.
Essential Snake Handling Tips For Specific Scenarios
Handling A New Snake
Be extra patient. Allow a few days for your snake to adjust to its new home before attempting any handling. This acclimation time is crucial. Start with short sessions, two to three times a week.
Limit handling to only 5 minutes or even less during those first few weeks to let your new pet snake settle in. Observe its behaviour closely during these initial interactions and look for signs of stress, such as muscle tension or attempts to hide. You can gradually increase the duration of handling sessions as your snake becomes more comfortable with your presence.
Patience and understanding are key to building a positive relationship with your new reptilian companion.
Dealing with a Defensive Snake
If you have a snake that routinely reacts defensively or musks, it doesn't mean it's inherently "aggressive." A good approach is to use a snake hook to gently coax them out. This can give them time to understand you’re not a threat.
Sometimes, these responses decrease with gentle, consistent handling. When handling venomous snakes, always use extreme caution and ensure you have the proper equipment and experience. If you are unsure about handling venomous snakes, it is best to seek guidance from an experienced professional.
Species | Temperament | Handling Tips |
Corn Snake | Generally docile and easy to handle. | Great for beginners, tolerate frequent handling. |
Ball Python | Tend to be shy and docile but may ball up when stressed. | Handle gently and patiently, allowing them to settle on your hands. |
King Snake | Active and curious but can be prone to biting if stressed. | Approach with confidence and avoid sudden movements. |
Milk Snake | Typically docile and easy to handle, but some individuals may be more defensive. | Offer a secure hold and avoid constricting their movements. |
Rat Snake | Can be defensive and prone to biting, especially wild-caught individuals. | Handle with caution, using a snake hook for initial interactions. |
Post-Feeding Handling
Here’s a crucial detail not everyone mentions when discussing snake handling tips: avoid handling for 48-72 hours after feeding. A stressed snake might regurgitate its meal, which is a messy affair. For me, I use a sticky note reminder system to know when a snake can be handled again after meals.
Shedding Time Handling
During the week leading up to a shed, your snake’s senses might be dulled due to the shedding process. Many snakes are also more sensitive and easily startled during this period. The solution? Limit or completely avoid handling to prevent a bite from a cranky, about-to-shed snake.
Instead, this is the time to focus on environmental maintenance, like misting more frequently if humidity needs to be raised. Ensure the enclosure is clean and free from any obstacles that might hinder the shedding process. A humid hide, a dedicated space with increased humidity levels, can also be beneficial during this time.
Conclusion
Effective snake handling tips go beyond just knowing how to pick up a snake. By learning to interpret your snake's body language and incorporating gentle, consistent practices, you can establish a mutually enjoyable and safe bond with your slithery companion. Snake handling can be a rewarding experience when done correctly, building a connection that benefits both you and your reptilian friend.
FAQs about Snake handling tips
How do you properly handle a snake?
Always approach from the side, using calm, steady movements. Scoop them up with two hands, supporting their weight from underneath. It's more about providing a secure feeling than tightly gripping them.
Do snakes like to be handled?
Some do. It depends on the individual personality and the species. Docility is more common in certain types like corn snakes.
Snakes generally don't enjoy handling as much as social animals but learn to tolerate and even enjoy it if handled properly and consistently from a young age. Consider researching different snake breeds and their temperaments to choose one that aligns with your desired level of interaction. Some popular choices for beginners include corn snakes, ball pythons, and king snakes.
However, remember that each snake is an individual, and their temperament can vary. Patience, observation, and a gentle touch are key to fostering a positive relationship with any snake, regardless of breed.
How to handle a bitey snake?
The first rule is patience. Don’t force interaction if they show signs of defensiveness. Start with a snake hook for moving them around, and keep sessions brief. Never punish them for biting, it will worsen the situation.
Consider the context, though. Snakes go through hormonal phases, especially during breeding season, so be mindful during those periods. The Hognose snake, for instance, is a species known for its theatric displays when stressed, including bluff striking, head flattening, and even playing dead. They seldom actually bite.
Understanding a species' typical behavior can really help you discern a genuine threat from a dramatic performance. Over time, even naturally defensive snakes can be tamed, provided they’re given the space to adapt and their behaviour is respected.
How to tell if your snake wants to be held?
Here’s the thing: snakes don't actively seek human contact the way a dog or cat would. A relaxed snake, with a loose body and calm tongue-flicking, will usually tolerate handling. A stressed or scared snake, showing tight coiling, hissing, or vibrating its tail, does not.
It’s less about “wanting” to be held and more about how receptive and calm they are during interaction.
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