Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I got her at a show about 4 months ago and she was nice at first but now she is really aggressive. i feed her about 3 day old pinkies a week so i know shes not hungry. she shakes the tip of her tail and trys to bite me everytime. what can i do?temps and everything are normal. its actually my sisters and she would really like to hold her and have an easier time caring for her and cleaning her cage.
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Jeff Kearney
Orlando, FL

1.0.0 Egyptian Uromastyx (Dino)
2.7.0 Bearded Dragons (Too many to name)
1.0.0 Mali Uromastyx (Rex)
0.1.0 Ball Python (Ali)
0.1.0 Leopard Gecko (Layla)
1.0.0 Panther Gecko (Melman)
0.0.1 Corn Snake (Not sure yet)
0.0.2 Blue Phase Dumpys Tree Frog (Sticky, Squishy)

>>I got her at a show about 4 months ago and she was nice at first but now she is really aggressive. i feed her about 3 day old pinkies a week so i know shes not hungry. she shakes the tip of her tail and trys to bite me everytime. what can i do?temps and everything are normal. its actually my sisters and she would really like to hold her and have an easier time caring for her and cleaning her cage.
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are you SURE the temps are ok?
It's not uncommon for corns to get a little more defensive/aggresive when the temps are too high.
If it's not the temps then it will just take more time handling the snake to calm it down.
Just open the enclosure and pick the snake up. Don't worry about it vibrating its tail or trying to get away..normal defensive behavior.
And don't hesitate when reaching in to get it. A hand hovering in it's face is extremely intimidating.
Just reach in and get it.
Let it travel freely through your hands.
Handle it on a regular basis and you will notice it begin to relax.
Make sure the temps ARE correct and handle regularily and it should be fine

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Corn snakes and rat snakes..No one can have just one.
"Resistance is futile"
Jimmy Johnson
(Draybar)
Draybars Snakes

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tie a clean bandanna around your wrist and wear it for a few hours until it gets your scent. then leave the bandanna in the cage for a few days. the snake will grow accustomed to your scent and not see it as alien.

also, handle your snake a little BEFORE feeding it. I've calmed down Texas Rats like that. handle him for about 10-20 minutes, walking it from hand to hand and ignoring any bites you may get. Then place the snake back in the cage and feed it about 10 minutes later. It will learn that you are the bringer of feast. This has worked quite well for me with several frisky snakes.
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The Reticulated Rattler

1.0.0 Great Plains Ratsnake
1.0.0 Corn, Lavender Aztec het for Amel
0.1.0 Black Ratsnake
0.0.1 Texas Rat (tame)
1.0.0 Broad Banded Water Snake, Hypo
1.0.0 Black Bassador Retriever
2.1.0 Godchildren, 1 Evil, 2 possible hets