Reptile & Amphibian Forums

my corn FREAKS out if i try to pick him up, i've tried many different times of day, etc. Once he's been in my hand for about a minute, he's very calm and curious, but the initial picking him up he jumps and darts like i never thought he could. What can i do about this? How do i make him "tame"? I've have him about a month now, he's probably 14=16" long

he's a baby. everything is a threat to him. mine does the same thing. you just have to be gentle and handle him often. they do calm down with age and as they get bigger.

This is pretty typical behaviour for a new snake. The fact that he's calming down once he's held for a while, means that he's gradually getting the idea that you aren't dangerous.

There are some things you can do to minimise his problem with being picked up. Never swoop down on him from above - this is predator behaviour and will make him defensive. Approach him from the side, very slowly. Make sure that he know's your hand is near him before you touch him. Sometimes they can seem alert, but actually be unaware that you're near them. Don't make sudden movements near his head. Wash your hands before you handle, to clear traces of smells that he might find intimidating. Apparently CK1 cologne (and Impulse body sprays for the ladies) contain pheramones that can turn the mildest Corn into a nightmare.

Over time, he'll be as relaxed about being picked up, as he is about being held. All it takes is time and patience. Sounds like you're already half way there.

im glad you mentioned that, because i have a bottle of ck1, i guess ill give that away....LOL

Pick him up from the side, but dont doddle around too long. What I generally do is to reach in touch him a couple times to let him know im there then just pick him right up. (i learned this from working with my chondro... they tend to be very agressive)

try that. handle him for 5 minutes at a time, no jerky movements nobody else around. and no loud music.
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Chondros and colubrids... my 2 favorite types of snakes!

"Life is hard. Life is harder if you're stupid." - John Wayne

I just reach in and grab in one fast motion.After years of screwing around Ive found this method works great.They will get used to it and calm down...Paul