Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My apologies if I sound neurotic about my snake. And thank you for all your advice.
I've read that snakes (such as corns) do not like their hide boxes being invaded to get them out for handling. Is this a definite no-no? Or is it good in that it at least gets them out for some exercise and mental stimulation?
As always, this newbie appreciates advice.
Thanks.

Well, they don't have much "mental" to "stimulate", so I wouldn't worry about that. But, don't hesitate to get them out of their hides, if that is what you want to do.

Corns, like all snakes, have tiny cognitive capcities. So, they don't act based on "likes" or "dislikes" as we understand them. They are driven by various urges to meet basic biological needs. Thirsty? Find water. Hungry? Find food. Cold? Find heat. Needing the company of a cute little amel? Find...well, you get the picture!

When none of these basic needs are so pressing that they become intolerable to a snake, a corn will follow its basic programming and hide until its darker. They do this for obvious reasons, and they tend to get more brave as they get bigger, because they instinctively know that they have fewer predators as they get larger.

So, all that being said, do they "like" to be bothered in their hides? No, but they don't "like" not being bothered either. They don't consider it either way. When you get them out, they simply have a new set of circumstances with which to deal, and, as always, their basic programming will rule how they react.

The one caveat to the above stated rule is this: The more interaction you have with your corn, the more those situations become part of the standarized programming. You can train your corn to accept your pressence and interaction with it as merely part of its "natural" surroundings. That can only come with constant and consistant interaction, though, so don't be hesitant about handling your snake.

I handle mine every day, regardless of when they have been fed, and they thrive with that much attention. I know all of the "rules" about waiting 48 hrs. after feeding, but the reality is that there are no "rules" about that...merely guidelines. If you have a snake that is prone to regurging its meals, fine. Wait the 48 hrs. or even longer before handling it. However, if your snake has never regurged, don't assume it will. Just handle it as lightly as you can the day or two after feeding it, but don't get out of the habit of reaching in and get it out every day for a brief period.

Some (or all) of that may not be what you were looking for specifically, but I thought a more complete explanation might be in order, given your concerns. Hope that helps a bit--
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Darin Chappell
Hillbilly Herps
PO Box 254
Rogersville, MO 65742

I take mine out of their hides for feeding and handling all the time. I have never noticed or have had problems with that.

The best thing to do, naturally, would be to grab your snake when it is already out of the hide box, however, i do not do this.

Being "selfish", and wanting to play with my snake, i usually find her in her cool-spot hide box, as she only comes out at night.

I too, am very interested in animal enrichment and stimulation (my cats have dvd's!), so i try to take her out as much as possible.

I say you can go in the hide box to take out your snake, and it should be just fine!
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Melissa and Corny