Reptile & Amphibian Forums

This is my first post. I Bought my first ever snake two weeks ago. A captive breed yearling BP. I have Had only tortiose's up to this point. She is A beautiful Snake. My question Is I have started to try to handle her and she goes into the "S" position with her neck and tenses up and gets jumpie which kinda makes me nervous so I only have held her a minute or so at a time. Is this normal for her to act this way? I pick her up one hand in the middle and one hand towards the tail end. I think she might sense that im a little nervous too and we both get tense lol. Is there something im doing wrong? I just dont want to get bit right off if I can avoid it.

Thanks Tom

I would say you should hold it a little while longer. A lot of snakes will "S" up a little when you first pick them up...especially younger ones. Just pick it up and sit on the couch for 20-30 minutes. It will relax after the first couple minutes and start flicking its tongue and begin to explore your arms and lap. It will feel more secure if you let it wrap around your arm or hands, and although it can sense when you are nervous, it most likely will be fine. As long as your snake is eating regularly every 5-7 days, I would say try to hold your snake about 2-4 times a week, and no sooner than 2 days after a meal. Generally the more often you hold it, the sooner it will get used to being held by another *giant animal*...ie: you! Beware of holding it too much though because that is a common mistake that stresses the snake into not eating.