Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Doug (our new adult Hypo corn that we adopted because he was being mistreated) rattled his tail at me again today. I went to pick him up and he rattled it. I pulled back and than when I got close again - he rattled it again. I was not phased and picked him right up. He was fine after that.

Is rattling one step before biting or does one have nothing to do with the other? In other words - does he rattle instead of biting? He has not struck at anything so far - even a frozen mouse!

With time and handling will he realize that I am not a threat and stop all together?

Our 06 Lavander just tries to run away - although she is getting better and not being scared. Doug does not such thing. Just rattles and than melts in my hands.

Thanks all. I am sorry for all the questions, but I am still learning!

Thanks again.

David

with time he should stop but as far as if rattling is one step before striking i am not sure...

that's just him warning you, if you leave him alone, he'll continue to do it. If you continue to pick him up anyway, eventually he'll just get used to it.

Hey,...learning is what the forum is for!!,....anyway, like others mentioned, it means in snake language " I see you,and I'd rather not be messed with right now"!!...if you flash your hand in front of his face at this time, it wouldn't be the smartest thing!LOL, kinda' like dancing in front of a bull wearing a red jumpsuit!LOL......especially with captive snakes(not freshly wild caught), this is almost always just a bluff. The very best thing to do when they do this is to simply continue reaching for them with an open palm,(palm down) without breaking stride, covering them with your hand as you grasp them to gently pick them up. This gives the snake no time to debate about striking or not. This method works like magic. In essence, you have already made the decision for him!!......Oh,....don't try this method with a rattlesnake you see coiled up under a tree!!!!LOL honestly though,....this is VERY common snake behavior, and is nothing to worry about whatsoever...very experienced snake keepers can virtually "read" what their snakes are thinking, and you will also notice this in time and become very confident with your snake as well....hope this helps,.....................Doug

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Better to be silent and thought a fool, than to open mouth and remove any doubt!