Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, I've had a job at a Pet Store(not Petco!!) for 2-3 months, and we have just corns and a ball python. I've never been a snake fan, but never been "terrified" of them as some people are. Since there is little demand in our area(I live in a relatively small town), I never have had to worry about handling them. Lately I've thinking about getting a reptile, and snakes seem really interesting. So, couple days ago I picked up our candy cane corn(only about 9 inches long, just a little guy). Let him crawl through my fingers, and I was instantly awed by snakes. I went to pick up the other corn, but he took a defensive position and wagged his still fast, so I backed off. I went to pick up the BP and he did the same thing. Question is: How DO you pick them up? I know how to handle them, by letting them move through your fingers and around your arm, supporting their body the whole time, but how do you actually pick them up? I always feel like they will strike if I get any closer.

BTW, they are all captive bred, don't know if that helps or not.

The less hesitation the better. I usually go about mid-snake, both for support and to steer clear of the head if it is a jumpy snake. A quick reach and gentle grab is the answer. Get to know ALL the snakes in your shop, and if there are some that don't handle too well, get them used to it for everyone's sake.

We are counting on YOU to learn enough to make sure that the snakes are properly cared for. A big advantage you have right now is that you can observe all the snakes in your store and decide which one has the qualities you like. Get to know their eating schedules and if any have problems of any kind. Try to make sure that ALL the snakes are eating before you send them home with someone. Also, put yourself in a position to give good advice to future customers. You're right...They ARE awesome and the more you learn the more rewarding they are as pets. Duffy

Ok, thanks for replying. All 3 of our snakes(a lot isn't it? lol) are good eaters. We put them in different containers to eat. Usually our BP will eat 2 fuzzies in one sitting, and he's about 17", maybe an inch wide at his widest points. I'm really thinking about getting a snake now(thank god my parents are afraid of snakes! I'm only 16). I'm thinking about maybe a Cali King, I love their body shape. Are they good beginner snakes? Are they a species that will hide all the time?

BTW, I'll try to keep all our customers informed. I hate to see people make the comment"stupid teenagers don't know what there talking about in pet stores", even though for the most part it's true. I hate stereotypes.

All baby snakes will hide. Simple fact that they have the idea that everyone and everything is trying to eat them. so until they reach near adulthood, they will all hide. as they grow, however, they will be spending more and more time out of their hide spot. cal kings are okay, the only downside is that they are very active always looking to go somewhere, unlike a corn which after time to get used to you is willing to lay around your arm.
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The reason mainstream thought is thought of as a stream is because it's so shallow. -George Carlin

A fool doesn't learn. A smart man learns from his mistakes. A wise man learns from the mistakes of others. Which one are you?

My Website
Rat/Corn snake care sheet I wrote

Current snakes:
0.1 Licorice Stick Black Rat (Lola)
1.0 Neonate Black Rat (het for Lic Stk's) (Frankie)
1.1 Texas Bairds (Jose and Rosa)
0.1 Blue Beauty (Brunhilde)

Tonight I took your guys advice and picked him up. I can't believe I was afraid! The Ball Python was extremely docile, moved around on me, didn't seem the least bit frightened or stressed. I'm definetly buying him now, especially since he's Captive Bred and only ~4 months old.

now before you buy him, get some books around the store and do some research on them. make sure they grow to a reasonable size that you can handle, and afford to feed as well. larger snakes require bigger rats which cost more. think of all aspects before your purchase.
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The reason mainstream thought is thought of as a stream is because it's so shallow. -George Carlin

A fool doesn't learn. A smart man learns from his mistakes. A wise man learns from the mistakes of others. Which one are you?

My Website
Rat/Corn snake care sheet I wrote

Current snakes:
0.1 Licorice Stick Black Rat (Lola)
1.0 Neonate Black Rat (het for Lic Stk's) (Frankie)
1.1 Texas Bairds (Jose and Rosa)
0.1 Blue Beauty (Brunhilde)

Yep. I bought a book today, "The Ball Python Manual". I'm reading all about them. Question:

Will a 20Long be big enough for one adult?