Handling Childreni hatchie

[Jennifer]

Hellooooo,
I got my first snake, a children's hatchie yesterday afternoon. I am told she is about to shed so I know she is probably a bit narky anyway but I am wondering, how does everyone start getting their hatchies used to being handled? I dont want to agitate her by going the wrong way about it. And what is the best way to pick her up? At the moment she darts away if my hand comes too close when I put water in for her etc. She's super cute though!
Thanks!!
-Jen

 

[No-two]

Congrats, couldn't have picked a better species They're so awesome as babies, most will be very snappy as juvies but after a bit of handling (maybe 10-15mins a day) they'll be over it in a few weeks, allthough you should give her a week or so to settle in before starting to handle.

 

[mark83]

I have a spotted hatchie that im starting to get used to handling. Dont handle when they are bout to shed for starters. When getting my snake out of the enclosure I use a pen something similar to hook it up with and then slowly lift it on to my hand. Keep still for a couple of mins after that to let it settle. Remember not to make any sudden movements. Start off doing this for only a few minutes and gradually for longer each time. It will have days when it doesnt want to be touched so if it looks too stressed just put it back and try another day. After feeding let it settle for a couple of days to digest the food. Also if its hungry it might also be a little bit more snappy. Bites dont hurt so just be patient and hopefully your snake should settle

 

[XKiller]

congrats on the new snake

 

[macj81]

I would probably use small snake hook to touch snake first to let them know it's time to play and also to make a clear distinguision being handled and being feed.
This is how they teach you to do it in when i did the course and always watch for stress ie: snake moving about faster darting from side to side place back in enclosure.
Also if they strike/ bite dont pull hand away easy to say harder to do, but if they bite and you do pull hand away this can seriously damage the jaw
GREAT CHOICE IN SNAKE and they do settle down With patience and persistance.
This is what happens when hungry dosent hurt just have to wait until they decide you are to big to eat also a small amount of metho near the snout will speed the process along as they dont like the smell.

 

[bulionz]

myne wasnt snappy at all but just hold it every day but not while she is about to shed and u will no that its time as there eyes go bluey milkie colour and there skin also goes milkie but as soon as shes done shedding its all up to u

 

[Jennifer]

Thanks guys great tips! Ill take all the advice and let you know how she turns out. Great pic btw Mac lol cheeky snake. Hopefully she doesnt get too stressed out!. Thanks again,
-Jen

 

[whcasual79]

mine only bit me the first 2 days....picked him up everyday for 20mins.... got over it within 3 days... it's funny watchin em bite tho... pretty entertaining... but i just usually put my hand close to BOI's face and then proceed onto picking him up...usually either just picking him up or putting my hand under his belly.... he's very placid... doesnt mind it at all....

when he was bout to shed (approx 3 weeks ago)... he would just hide in his hide or under the paper towels for a whole week... popping out only for a few mins every few days... don't feed ur python wen it's bout to shed either...

congrats on getting a childreni... perfect choice ha...

safe