Handling Adults

[Sigourd]

Hi everyone
Just curious about something. I have handled hatchling snakes and got them tame but what about adults that haven't been handled, can it be done?

 

[bpb02]

Most of the time they tame in size. Personally a 1.3 mtr angry python is to much to handle never mind a full size carpet python

 

[Sigourd]

It was much as I figured. A more experienced herper than myself told me that if a Jungle wasn't handleable by the time it was three, don't bother. Thanks for your input.

 

[redbellybite]

I dont agree totally ,while some snakes are known more to be cranky (jungles being one) not all adult snakes that have not been held are snappy and untouchable ...have done plenty of catches dealing with adult carpets and get a good amount of cruisy laid back ones and they are certainly not use to being handled ...so its depends on the individual snake IMO ..

 

[python_dan89]

agree +1

 

[daniel1234]

My coastals apparently have not been handled much and they are two of the friendliest snakes I have. My MD's have similar personalies and I have had them since a few weeks old.

 

[Sigourd]

Species would come in to it for sure. I have only seen one snappy Coastal and never met a snappy Murray Darling (but there are always exceptions). The main reason I asked is that I have a adult male that was not handled before I got him and was curious as to whether I could get him handleable.
thanks for the input everyone.

 

[No-two]

I hardly handle any of my snakes often and yet none bite, all of mine calm with age even the extremly snappy babies are calm adults.

 

[user 24717]

I've recently taken in a 2 year old corn snake that was very snappy when I got it, as it wasn't used to being handled, or even having people reach into the vivarium. In the 3 and a half weeks I've had her I can now reach into the tank, pick her up and take her out of the tank without her snapping at all. She is still a bit twitchy when I first reach in, but she calms down straight away once she realises I'm not going to hurt her.

Adam

 

[cement]

There is a big difference in picking up a snake and holding it and handling.
Anyone with no or very little experience can get lucky and hold a snake that won't bite no matter what you do to it.
But handling properly is an art that takes into account a lot more then just feeling the weight of the animal. Its sort of like a good horseperson who is at one with the horse, its the same handling a snake, you learn to read the snake and make adjustments that not only control the animal but help it feel comfortable too. One of my biggest pythons, a large female bredli who I don't handle much, can be a real handful even just getting her out for a clean, but with gentle hooking and then gentle handling she is ok for a while before she starts trying to grab with her coils as the fear of being handled gets too much for her. I don't push past this point, as she starts getting grabby and stiffening up the next step is definatly a bite so I put her back in. Whether more handling will calm her down or not I am unsure, I don't have time to put into it and considering that snakes hate being around people anyways I won't bother her with it.
So learn to read your animal and learn its body posture. Things like is it moving or has it stopped, is it in a position that it can strike from, I have never been bitten by a wild python and catch dozens each year. Give all snakes respect and show patience when handling or about to pick up. The more you handle them the better you become.

 

[Sigourd]

The snake in question is a Jungle carpet, and his body language is to automatically go in to strike position when approached. As I bought him as a breeding animal, I am happy not to bother him much at all. So it was more of a matter of curiosity as to whether it could be done. But the general consensus seems to be that it can be done (with care).

 

[snakeman478]

for sure it can be done. like stated previously its all in your handling techniques and watching your animals behaviour. i am one of the people who only handle my snakes minimally as well, only when cleaning their cages, vet checks etc. IMO this tends to make them act more natural, which i am all for.

 

[Sigourd]

For me it depends on the individual snake. That particular Jungle will arc up at the drop of a hat so I'm not that interested in pushing it but I have others that love their trips out of the cage and they get handled regularly. Certainly there is nothing wrong with appreciating a snake for its natural behavior.

 

[snakeman478]

totally agree with you there. its down to personal preference i guess. as they say "there is more than one way to skin a cat" so whatever ever works for you. i dont judge as long as your collection is well maintained then good luck to you.