Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Out of curiosity, how can you tell if a snake is about to strike? Alllllll of them balance their head and neck in that so-called tell tale position, but mine's never done it. The only thing she ever did that intimidated me was shaking her head back and forth. She didn't strike, and ended up deciding that crawling between my fingers is more fun. I really don't know WHY she was doing that head shaking bit, I wasn't moving or anything. Man she's being weird lately...
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purrhisswoofmeowblubsqueakneigh

when she pulls her head back with her neck in an S type position, he's trying to figure out what it is she's looking at, most likely. I've been bitten by my beauty a lot....and when she gets ready to strike, she usually pulls her neck back vertically, not in an S posisition. the S position is when your snake is exploring something new, it can extend its head out quite a ways then if it decides it doesnt like where its going, retract very quickly. most of the time before biting you, they rattle their tails. how old is your corn? as a baby up through a yearling or so, you really dont need to worry about getting bit...you can barely feel it.
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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)

watch the body.....if the head is staying focused in one spot, and the rest of the body is creeping up behind it.....it wants something

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np

Right on. I'll keep that in mind
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purrhisswoofmeowblubsqueakneigh

I have a great scar from a big rat that managed to clamp down on my right index finger over 20 years ago.He cut tendons and took some of my knuckle with him.He was a breeder that I had for over 2 years.Must of caught him in a bad mood.Sometimes things like that happen.It comes with the hobby.A corn isnt going to maim you.They can draw a little blood and surprise you.Let me put it this way,a kitten can tear you apart a heck of alot easier than a corn can.Do you worry about a kitten mauling you?I currently have a couple hypos that were mean from the get go.They go into a defensive stance as soon as they see me put my gloved hand in.You will know if your corn doesnt want to be held.If your really worried about it you can get a small snake hook for about 15 dollars or make your own.It takes time but you will learn your snakes body langauge.And if you get bit well I bet it doesnt even phase you....Paul