How To Handle Corn Snakes / Corn Snake Handling

About Snakes -> Corn Snakes -> How To Handle Corn Snakes

Corn snakes are one of the most even-tempered snakes available to the reptile-enthusiast and so are one of the best snakes to handle of all.

In my experience if you correctly handle corn snakes the chances of being bitten by a corn snake are about zero, and they are not overly fast either or large.

It can also be a real experience if it's your first time because the feel of a live snake in your hands is such a unique one.

It's important to note that for those of us (myself included) who like to handle our reptiles, like any other pet they need to have that trust reinforced regularly. This means spending time corn snake handling each week.

Just as a rabbit or hamster that wasn't handled for months on end wouldn't take too kindly to it, so you should put aside time each week to get your corn snake out and let him run between your hands.

To begin with, getting your corn snake familiar with handling can take time, and can be quite stressful for your corn snake.

So if your snake is a hatchling - not a well-established corn snake, begin the handling with just a few minutes at a time, and at a time a day or two after your snake has been fed just to reduce the chances of him mistaking your fingers for a tasty baby mouse.

As your corn snake becomes comfortable with being handled (doesn't try to constantly avoid you when you put your hands in the cage, doesn't squirm and try to dart away but glides calmly and gently through your fingers when being handling your corn snake) you can increase the period of time you have your snake out for if you like.

However even when corn snakes learn there is nothing to be afraid of and feel totally confident, it's best not to handle them for more than 10 - 15 minutes at a time just incase.

And please ensure that your primary objective when handling corn snakes is the snakes safety and comfort.

Don't handle corn snakes at a great height incase they fall - hold them low and ideally over a soft surface such as a bed or couch.

Don't stray too far from the cage either incase you do have a problem because you can then just simply replace your corn snake in his or her cage.

Don't handle corn snakes outside because if he or she gets loose you could have fun finding and catching your snake again, and lastly ensure your hands aren't icy cold or it could prove uncomfortable for your corn snake.

So how to actually handle corn snakes?

Firstly, by using a good-sized aquarium for your snake it makes catching much easier.

When you're gaining confidence just remember to keep calm at all times. Your snake will be far more fearful of you, and the last thing you want is to panic and then damage or lose your snake.

So calmly remove the lid of the cage and consider removing anything your snake can hide under/behind such as the hide and the water bowl.

This will mean you can safely reach in and scoop out your snake, ensuring you always come in calmly and confidently from lightly infront of your corn snake so even if he doesn't like what's happening he at least knows what's going on. Not doing this risks your corn snake suspecting you of a predator and trying to fight back. Grasp your corn snake gently but firmly about 1/3 of the way along his body with one hand, and about 2/3 of the way along with your other hand.

This will keep him fully supported as you lift him out - just watch the head end to make sure you don't accidentally bump him on the nose as you remove him!

Once out, simply allow your snake to slither between your fingers and from hand to hand. As the snake moves, swap hands to prevent falling and you shouldn't have too many problems.

Please be aware that some snakes not familiar with handling (though in my experience occuring far more frequently with king snakes) may defecate so ensure you're not standing on your expensive new carpet! I once got it all over me in a reptile shop, much to the amusement of the onlookers!

Lastly, please be aware when handling corn snakes that like any other snake they do seem very adept at crawling up sleeves and it can feel very strange for you with a snake crawling around in your shirt!

There really is nothing to worry about - it's just dark and warm which attracts your snake - and having had it happen to me dozens of times over the years I've never been bitten so don't go squirming away.

Just leave your corn snake to find his own way out or gently fish him out.

Or if this worries you wear a top with tight sleeves or none at all so there's no chance him crawling up there!

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