Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Just got a new Okeetee, about 40 inches, and surprisingly aggressive once I got him home! I held him at the store on Wednesday for about a half hour and he was fine, healthy and gentle. Took him home the same day and left him alone till just awhile ago today (Sunday). He was constantly striking and didn't settle down even after twenty minutes. Why this behaviour? I was told he was very tame. Any thoughts?
Thanks,
- April

I have a 10 month old Okeetee male that I have to pick up with a snake hook. He is fine once I get him out of the cage, but he doesnt like me picking him up with my fingers (cant say I blame him really... LOL). Maybe this will work for you too. Good luck.
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1.1 Okeetee corn snakes- babies
1.0 bubblegum snow corn snake- adult
0.1 creamsicle corn snake- adult

I would be willing to guess that its simply stress causing her to be unfriendly. I usually leave all my new arrivals alone to settle in for a full week with the occassional 'peak' into their enclosures. I also keep them in a low traffic (quarantined) area during this initial period. Of course, I sometimes jump the gun and try feeding or handling a new arrival too soon. I think its a common reaction that most herpers go through at some point or another. If fed too soon, it may regurgitate the mouse. Be prepared in case that happens. So while your intentions are good with an early attempt at handling (& maybe feeding), it might backfire on you since you'll have to wait longer to enjoy this new addition. Let it settle in a little while longer before anything else. I think most snakes would behave the way you're describing under stressful new conditions/environments. Its simply a matter of natural instinct. Others may have better or more appropriate responses/advice. IF it is simply a nasty tempered snake, then get TWO hooks. I have a few other species that I need hooks for otherwise I'd get bitten like crazy. I've tried handling and taming but it just didn't work so I gave up over time of failed tries. I'll attach a pic of a makeshift hook you can get cheap & quick.
-Jason
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www.members.aol.com/northeastsnakes

If it doesn't calm down....I bought this at Home Depot. It is a paint roller (for painting the walls in a house). It works perfect for me and there are a variety of shapes & sizes. I simply threw away the roller part of it. I would make sure you get two though since corns are quick and can get away fast especially if you are not prepared or experienced enough. Otherwise, be prepared to grab it with one hand and get bitten if its trying to flight or fight.

I don't use these on my corns but I have a nasty Pituophis named Diablo that is determined to get a piece of me sooner or later. (Not to mention my green tree pythons!)LoL. IF and ONLY IF you are absolutely sure that this corn can not be handled, then make certain you use whatever is the most comfortable for YOU! You should use whatever makes it less stressful for both you AND your animal. Since you handled it just fine at the store, I'd say it will calm down given a week of being left alone to get familiar with its new surroundings.

another shot showing how you can screw in a wooden broom handle to extend it if needed.

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www.members.aol.com/northeastsnakes

Hi.
I was told by the breeder I purchased my Flourescent Orange from, that when snakes are kept in petstores (most of the petstores, maybe not ALL of them) they are not provided the proper heat that they need. So, when a customer goes into the store, and handles the snake, it will be "slow" and "calm"... most likely because it is cold. Then, when they bring the snake home, and put it into the proper conditions, all the sudden, they have a "hyperactive" snake... that is much different than it was back at the store. Add that to the fact that the snake is nervous and scared, and you may have some nipping. Hopefully, as you handle it more, it will calm down. Congratulations on your new little one. I'd love to see some pics when you get the little "rascal" settled down.
-Mindy

>>Just got a new Okeetee, about 40 inches, and surprisingly aggressive once I got him home! I held him at the store on Wednesday for about a half hour and he was fine, healthy and gentle. Took him home the same day and left him alone till just awhile ago today (Sunday). He was constantly striking and didn't settle down even after twenty minutes. Why this behaviour? I was told he was very tame. Any thoughts?
>>Thanks,
>>- April

Have you totally checked your temps? Too hot will wind a snake up like that. Otherwise, what other pets do you have that he may be smelling? Does he have plenty of hides? Just ideas
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Sonya

Haven't we warned you about tampering with the structure of a chaotic system?
Mrs. Neutron

Thank you guys for the advice and thoughts!! He ate this morning and seems to have calmed down overall. His temps seem to be fine. I think I'll leave him alone for several days before I try again. I do need to get myself a snake hook just in case.
- April