Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello all! I've just gotten my very first snake today. I adopted a kingsnake because for some reason the pet store thought that they could not sell it in Georgia. After quite a bit of research, I think I can be a more than suitable owner for this animal. Anyhow, it is a tiny little guy, a bit over a foot long, and he is a little nervous. I fed him a pinkie mouse that had been thawed to room temp, and he took right to eating it up. But before that, he seemed a little nervous. What is the best way to warm the snake up to being handled regularly without frightening him? Any help would be greatly appreciated, as I really want to be a good snake owner!

Thanks,
Chris

Hi
1st let any meals you give your new king digest for a couple of days before you handle him, then i would suggest 15 mins at a time until he gets more comftable with you handling him, you will know when its right to handle for longer as he will start to lose his nervousness, just be gentle and dont restrict his movements by holding him tight and he should calm in no time.

Nice little cali by the way.
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************* Oh no its Me again *************

Alright, thanks folks!

Chris

Chris- congratulations, and welcome to the club!

While I don't currently own any kings yet, I think getting your snake used to regular handling is very similar to most species.

1. Be very patient.
2. Do what the grinch said.
3. Try to be very deliberate and slow- no sudden movements while handling.
4. Try to handle on a regular basis at the get go.
5. Handle with confindence. A nervous handler makes for a nervous snake.

Snakes make the BEST pets!

//Todd

King snakes can and sometime will especially young ones, wiggle franticly if nervous so i would hold the first couple handling sessions a few inched above the floor of your tank, because if the snake does get away or fall you down want it to fall very far, and in turn he will also be less nervouse with your hands inside the tank, if you have positive interaction with in the tank.

Adam

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1.2 THAYERI
1.2 CORNS SNAKES (SNOW/STRIPEDSUNGLOW/WHITE TAIL CANDYCANE)

0.1 REDFOOT TORTOISE
0.1 PYXIE FROG