If you want to build a close relationship with your pet snake, you may need to know how to handle a snake properly and safely first. However, be aware that young snakes do not like to be held. You have to train him to get used to the experience. To get your snake used to your presence, it's important to choose the right timing, hold it the right way, i.e. in the midsection, and use the right armor. With a little practical thought and a gentle touch, you can learn how to pick up and handle a tame snake raised in captivity.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Showing Presence
Step 1. Wash your hands before handling the snake
If your hands have an odor, snakes may mistake it for food. He can peck or bite it. Snakes rely heavily on their sense of smell. In addition, hand washing also reduces the risk of transferring harmful bacteria or parasites to the snake's skin.
Step 2. Train the snake to get used to your presence
If you recently bought a snake, take the time to train the snake so it gets used to your presence. Put your hand in the snake's cage for 2-3 minutes, 2 times a day. Over time, the snake will get used to the smell of your hands and understand that it is not a threat.
- In the end, the snake will come to investigate.
- At this stage, the snake is just learning to get used to your presence. So, be careful.
- Don't forget to wash your hands before putting them in the snake's cage. If you forget this step, the snake may mistake the hand for prey.
Step 3. Make sure the snake is aware of your presence
Do not announce your presence with words because snakes cannot hear them.
Step 4. Move your hands slowly and steadily so you don't startle the snake
Whenever you are near a snake, avoid making any rapid movements. Move slowly when near the snake cage. Don't startle him from an unusual angle.
Try to approach the snake from the side, not from above
Step 5. Don't try to pick up a hissing snake
Snakes will hiss when they feel scared or aggressive. If you hear a snake hiss, it's not the right time to hold it.
If you force to hold him at this point, he can attack
Step 6. Try holding the snake when it looks a little tired
It's best to hold your snake when he's a little tired, but still awake. Do not try to hold the snake after it has eaten. Likewise, avoid handling the snake when it is about to shed its skin.
Part 2 of 2: Raising the Snake
Step 1. Put on protective gloves and boots
Wearing protective gloves is essential for dealing with snakes that are not venomous, but like to peck. Sturdy boots can also be extra protection because there is always a risk when handling a snake.
For example, if a snake falls to the ground and becomes frightened or aggressive, it may bite your leg
Step 2. Use a snake stick if the snake is actively moving in the cage
If the snake is hanging around in the cage, use a snake stick to hold it. Once lifted, then you can hold it with your hands or let the snake stay hanging on the stick.
- If you are feeding your snake in the cage it lives in, it may be best to use a snake stick. The snake wand will tell the snake that you are going to hold it, not feed it.
- Also, you should use tongs to place the snake's food in the cage. Snakes may grab their food right away and have the potential to accidentally bite your hand. Using tongs will reduce the risk of snake biting your hands.
Step 3. Pick up the snake with tongs if it is aggressive or agitated
Use tongs only if you have experience with them. Otherwise, you could hurt the snake. Place the tongs just below the snake's neck, while using the snake's stick to support the snake's back. However, do not place the tongs near the snake's neck as this can hurt it. Keep the snake away from you so it can't attack you.
Use the lightest pressure so you don't hurt the snake
Step 4. Use both hands when holding the snake
Place one hand on one-third of the snake's body length and the other under one-fourth of its body length so that you are supporting its entire body. Support the snake's body with both hands.
If the snake twitches when you pick it up, it may creep away from you when you hold it
Step 5. Lift the snake by holding its midsection
Keep your grip away from the snake's head and tail. Instead, hold the snake in its midsection. Do it carefully and try to support the entire weight of the snake.
- If you try to pick the snake up by its tail, it could hurt itself as it tries to free itself from the handle.
- If you try to pick up the snake by holding its head, it will most likely bite you. The head of a snake is a sensitive area.
Step 6. Let the snake adjust
The snake may wrap around one arm to balance itself. Let the snake find a comfortable position.
If your snake is a constrictor, it's likely to wrap its tail around your wrists and arms. Don't be afraid, it's harmless
Step 7. Try to pay attention to the snake's response and safety
Snakes are emotional creatures. So you have to pay attention to the response he shows. Young snakes may show fear as they get used to being held. Some snakes prefer to be held than others. It's a good idea to stay confident and calm, which will help the snake get used to the experience of being held.
Try to stay calm when handling the snake
Step 8. Return the snake to its cage by lowering it
You can place the snake on the substrate or allow it to pass on its own from your hands to the wooden branches or floor of the cage. Put the lid on the cage tightly when you're done, because snakes are very good at escaping.
Step 9. Wash your hands again
Reptiles can carry germs that are unsafe for humans, such as salmonella. After you finish handling the snake, wash your hands immediately.
Warning
- Many people have died or been injured trying to handle large snakes. Snakes will coil or bite when stressed. You have to ask someone else to help you get it off.
- If you are smaller than average, you can be sure that you need the help of others.
- Be careful when handling snakes because some snakes can mistake your hand for food.
- Knocking on the cage can irritate the snake. The snake may attack once you try to pick it up.
- Avoid handling snakes that have just eaten or are about to shed their skin. Moulting reduces the snake's ability to see and snakes that have just eaten are still in hunting mode.
- Do not try to handle a large and dangerous snake alone. If the snake is more than 1.8 meters long, ask someone else for help. You should respect the constrictor snake by handling it with care and making sure someone else helps you.
- Avoid holding the snake long when there are children in the house.
- Do not forcefully cover the snake's mouth to prevent it from biting. This action will certainly cause the snake to pull away and attack. If you want to avoid a snake bite or bite, it's a good idea to wait for help or learn how to handle a snake the right way.
- Don't hold the snake's head right away when you try to pick it up.
- Avoid touching snakes you don't recognize.
Tips
- You can let the snake sniff your hand with its tongue. There will be no need to be afraid of it. It's the snake's way of smelling and recognizing you.
- Every snake is different. Some snakes can be held by the neck, some can't. You should feel comfortable with the snake before trying to handle it. If it's your first time trying it, it would be wise to do it with a smaller snake.
- If you want to rub a snake, do it from "head to tail". Do not do it in the opposite direction because it will hurt the scales.
- Avoid sudden movements, but don't be afraid to move. Snakes are not vicious animals and tend to only attack when they feel threatened. Of course you have to be careful, but there is no need to overdo it.
- Snakes like warm places so they may sneak under your clothes. If the snake tries to creep up on you, carefully lift it up and return it to its original position.
- Consider providing two cages for the snake, one for feeding and one for shelter. This arrangement helps the snake understand how it will be handled.
- Holding a snake is easy and fun, but if you've never done it before, it's a good idea to have someone show you how. You can ask a reptile specialist at a pet or snake lover shop, or even someone from your local herpetology or reptile club. Use an internet search engine to find the one closest to you.
- Wait at least one day after feeding the snake before attempting to handle it.
- Swipe the snake in the direction of the scales.
