Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'M A VERY NEW SNAKE OWNER--MY 10YR OLD TALKED ME INTO IT
HOW DO I PICK UP THE SNAKE TO CLEAN HIS CAGE AND
WHAT HAPPENS IF I GET BIT???

At the risk of being cruel...Say ouch! then get over it. The bite is harmless except for a small pin prick sensation.

You do not say whether it is a large or small snake (I am guessing a baby)but usually the defenive reaction is a quick strike that is more scary than anything else.

Once you get past the initial fear response you realize that the defensive attacks of these snakes is almost comical. As it gets used to you the defensive reaction will stop and it will tolerate and even like handling.

An adult is more of a concern and can cause bleeding but still is nothing worth running to the hospital over.

The best way to pick it up is to just reach in and do so. If you try to grab fast you will scare the snake and then you get bit. The same if you are too slow. I have been bit thousands of times. The first time was the worse. After that it was "so what". Puppies and kittens bite harder.

Frank
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"The luxury of not getting involved departed with the last lifeboat Skipper..."

Been there, done that! I'm a Mom, too, and the first snake I got was at the insistence of my older son. I did get bit once, by my larger ball python, and I didn't really feel it at all. I did bleed a little, and it was no big deal. We also have a corn snake, which has never bitten, and we just purchased another at a local expo. For a corn snake, I wouldn't worry even a little. If you are concerned, wear a pair of light gardening gloves until you get used to it and build up some confidence. Reach in and lightly stroke an area NOT near his face to let him know you're there and are going to do something, then just pick him up!
Good luck! Let us know how you made out.
K
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1.1 Ball Python 0.0.1 corn snake 1.0 Bearded Dragon
0.0.2 fish 1.2 cats 3.1 kids 1.0 husband and now...
0.0.1 Pink Zebra Beauty Tarantula
2.0 Solomon Island Boas