Posted by:
monklet
at Sat Mar 6 10:38:32 2010 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by monklet ]
I am inclined to agree in general with your ideas regarding handling style and environment having an influence on temperment BUT, I am wary of taking that too far, especially with the less "gifted" and non-social animals in which I would include snakes.
When taking my snakes out, handling and putting back I always try to be as non-threatening as possible. Most of my animals (mostly pits and rats) are extremely tame and trusting, but of course a couple are still pretty jumpy.
Of the jumpy ones:
A corn that I've had to well over two years receieved as a neonate. Started out very jumpy and sometimes nippy. I've "worked" with him and he has calmed down gradually and is now almost trusting.
A Diadem Rat that gotten as an adult last September which is extremely huffy puffy and shy but rarely strikes even though constantly threatening (I don't stick my fingers in her face).
A sub-adult P. d. jani which I got last summer that was very jumpy but is calming down gradually.
An '09 P. l. lineaticollis which is very defensive and nippy but seeming to calm down a little lately. I actually let her bite me on purpose hoping that over time she'll sense the futility.
A '09 Black Pine which, though totally non-aggressive has been very jumpy but is seems to be slowly more trusting.
I see little commonality amongst them but suspect that the young ones will ultimately calm down nicely.
As for the Diadem Rat I have an interesting hypothesis as follows...
I suspect aggressive snakes may, from some so inclinded, inspire aggressive, maybe even abusive handling, perhaps to intentionally incite a dramatic response. If this were to be a pattern early in life it may set up a disposition which is forever lacking in trust. As you've indicated, this kind of syndrome is well know in people and other animsls, dogs, horses etc. Would it apply to snakes? I can only guess but that would be yes, although probably to a lesser degree.
Interesting to read that you return your snakes to their enclosure in a very gentle manner. I do likewise, such that I "let" them go, rather than dumping them in. But, most of my snakes come to know when the are being put away and, just like little kids being put to bed, want none of it
In either case, sounds like you've got a great snake there. I am guessing it will become even more calm and trusting. Makes me want a TRat too.
[ Hide Replies ]
- Texas Rat Behavior, My Experiences - Ameron, Fri Mar 5 23:16:27 2010
 RE: Texas Rat Behavior, My Experiences - monklet, Sat Mar 6 10:38:32 2010- RE: Texas Rat Behavior, My Experiences - tspuckler, Sat Mar 6 13:12:17 2010
- RE: Texas Rat Behavior, My Experiences - vegasbilly, Sat Mar 6 18:37:32 2010
- RE: Texas Rat Behavior, My Experiences - tokaysrnice, Sun Mar 7 21:41:03 2010
- RE: Texas Rat Behavior, My Experiences - byron.d, Mon Mar 8 14:04:00 2010
- RE: Texas Rat Behavior, My Experiences - MikeinOKC, Wed Mar 10 07:34:30 2010
|
