Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi everyone.

I already read some posts about this subjet, but I still have some questions.

My corn snake is a baby (borned in september). I just bought him this weekend. He's shy and he passes most of his time in his different caves. So, how am I supposed to handle him if he's always hiding somewhere? I don't want to stress him.

And, how should I handle him? Should I just grab him and that's all or is there a way to "prepare" the snake for what is coming (me!)?

Any advices would be very helpful!

Thanks!
Annie

p.s. My corn snake is a ruby-eyed ghost. Is the behavior of this phase the same as other corn snake or is it more nervous? Just wondering.

if you just got him this weekend its a good general rule to just leave him be for a week. i know its hard but it can result in the snake not eating. it is perfectly normal for cornsnakes to burrow. as far as "preparing" the snake for you i would just go for it and once you find him pick him up. For a while he may try to escape from you, so watch out cause they can be very fast when they want to be! and just keep the handleing short for a while and gradually extend the time. let it run through your fingers hand over hand and don't restrain it at all
goodluck

I'm still new to snakes but maybe I can help. When I first got my corn, I had a few hiding spots for her. Her favorite though was paper towel role. This makes it easy to pick her up. When the snake is in it just pick up the role and slide it gently into your hand. Eventually they get big enought that they squeeze against the sides and wont come out.

... Once you start handling him, don't forget to give him two or three days after each meal to digest in peace and quiet without any handling. Yeah, let him settle in for a week or two. Let him get a couple of meals in his new home. Then start handling on a regular basis, letting him rest a few days between meals.
Good luck with your new snake. Duffy

Thanks for all these advices.

I'll give him one or two weeks to adjust to his new place. At least, feeding isn't a problem. He eat like a pig! So, I just have to wait until my new boy is ready to be handle.

Patience... Patience...

I'll show you some pics of him as soon as I can.

Bye!
Annie