If you want to build a strong bond with your pet snake, you will probably be interested in learning how to handle it safely. Keep in mind that younger specimens are not used to being picked up and therefore need time to adjust to this new experience. To get a snake used to being handled, it is important to know what the right times are, always take it from the central area of the body and use adequate protection. With a little common sense and delicacy, you can be able to pick up and hold a captive-bred snake without any problems.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Get used to your presence
Step 1. Wash your hands before touching it
If you have any odors on your hands, they may mistake them for food and bite them. Remember that snakes rely heavily on their sense of smell. Also, hand washing reduces the risk of passing harmful bacteria or parasites to your snake.
Step 2. Get him used to your presence
If you have recently purchased a snake as a pet, you will need to take the time to train it to get used to having you around. Keep your hand in the terrarium twice a day, for two to three minutes. Over time, she will learn to recognize your scent and understand that you pose no threat.
- At some point he will come out of the den to investigate;
- Remember that he is only getting used to your presence at this stage: proceed with caution;
- Don't forget to wash your hands before placing them in the terrarium, or the snake could easily mistake them for prey.
Step 3. Make sure he is aware of your presence
Keep in mind, however, that it is useless to try to announce your presence by speaking to them, as snakes cannot hear the human voice.
Step 4. Move slowly and predictably so as not to surprise him
Avoid making sudden movements whenever you are near him; move slowly and avoid catching him from a strange angle.
Try to approach from the side rather than from above
Step 5. Don't try to catch him if he's hissing
It can be a sign of aggression or an indication that you are feeling threatened, so this is not the ideal time to touch it.
If you try to get involved at such a time, it may attack you
Step 6. Pick it up when it looks a little tired
But make sure he's awake. Avoid handling it after it has eaten and when it is moulting.
Part 2 of 2: Pick it up
Step 1. Put on protective gloves and boots
Gloves are especially useful when dealing with snakes that, while not poisonous, have a tendency to bite. Sturdy boots can also be a good idea, as handling a snake always carries some risk.
For example, if the snake is on the ground and becomes aggressive, perhaps because it is scared, it may bite your feet
Step 2. Catch it with a snake hook if it is moving around in the terrarium
This is a good way to get it out while it is around in the display case; after lifting it, you can grab it with your hands or continue to hold it with the hook.
- If you feed him in the same terrarium he lives in, it would be preferable to use a hook to catch him: it is a way to let him know that it is time for cuddles and not for a snack.
- Also, you should use tongs to put the food in the terrarium, not your hands, as the snake may accidentally bite your hand while aiming for the food. Using pliers will decrease the risk of accidents.
Step 3. Use reptile forceps if he is aggressive or agitated
You should only use them after you are familiar with this tool, as you could injure the snake. Apply the pliers just below her neck, using the hook to support the back of her body. Make sure you don't apply them to your neck, as it could hurt. Keep him at a safe distance so he can't hit you.
Use as little pressure as possible to avoid hurting him
Step 4. Hold it with both hands
Place one hand about one third of the snake's body and the other under the last quarter so that you are supporting the full weight with both hands.
If you try to catch it while it is moving, it may crawl out of your hands
Step 5. Take it from the middle area of the body
Do it gently and try to support its full weight. Avoid getting close to the head or tail.
- If you try to grab it by the tail, it may injure itself trying to escape your grasp;
- If you try to take it from the head, it will probably bite you. Snakes are very sensitive in that area of the body.
Step 6. Let it settle down
It may wrap around one of your hands to stabilize itself; wait for him to find a comfortable position.
If it is a constrictor, it is likely that it wraps its tail around the wrist and forearm, which is perfectly normal
Step 7. Pay attention to his needs, both physical and psychological
Snakes are emotional creatures and it is important to pay attention to their mood. The younger specimens may show a little fear the first few times they are held in the hand; furthermore, some snakes tolerate being handled less than others. The best thing is to always keep a calm and confident attitude: this will help him acclimatize.
Stay calm while holding it in your hand
Step 8. Return it to the terrarium
You can directly lay it on the substrate or let it leave your hands alone to move to a branch or the floor of the case. Make sure the lid is tightly closed when you're done, as snakes are great escape artists.
Step 9. Wash your hands again
Reptiles can carry harmful germs to humans, such as salmonella. Wash your hands immediately when you are done handling the snake.
Advice
- Let your snake smell you with its tongue. Don't be afraid: it's his way of recognizing you.
- Snakes like warm places, so it's possible for them to crawl under your shirt. If it tries to crawl on you, grab it and gently reposition it.
- Always stroke it from head to tail. Avoid stroking it in the opposite direction as this could damage the scales.
- Consider using two different spaces for your snake, one as a "home" and one reserved for meals. It would help him understand how things are handled.
- Holding a snake is easy and fun, but if you are new to it, you better have someone show you how to do it. You can go to a pet shop that specializes in reptiles, contact a herpetology association, or ask for advice from another enthusiast with more experience. Search the internet to find an expert near you.
- Wait until a day has passed since your last meal before picking it up.
Warnings
- Do not knock on the case: it will irritate the snake and it may attack you if you then try to catch it.
- Avoid handling a snake that has just eaten or is about to moult. If he has recently eaten, he may still be hunting, while moulting reduces his vision.
- Avoid handling very large and dangerous snakes alone. If the snake is more than 2 meters long, you will need the help of another person. You should respect large constrictors by handling them with care and having someone assist you.
- Do not handle very large snakes if there are children in the house.
- Don't try to stop him from biting you by keeping his mouth shut - this will only push him to free himself from your grasp and hit you. The best way to avoid bites is to learn how to handle snakes properly or get help from someone.
- Never try to pick up an aggressive snake without proper preparation and equipment.
