Bringing a snake into your home is an exciting step, opening up a window into the fascinating world of reptiles. Unlike furry pets, snakes communicate and interact differently, and learning their language is key to a rewarding relationship. Handling is a significant part of that interaction, helping your snake become accustomed to you and making necessary tasks like health checks or enclosure cleaning much smoother. However, it requires patience, understanding, and a gentle approach. Rushing the process or misinterpreting your snake’s signals can lead to stress for both of you.
Understanding the Snake’s Perspective
First, remember that you are a large, warm giant to your snake. Their instincts tell them that something your size could be a predator. Therefore, building trust is paramount. Snakes don’t seek affection in the same way mammals do, but they can certainly learn to tolerate and even seem comfortable with regular, gentle handling. The goal is to associate your presence and touch with safety and neutrality, not fear or threat. Every interaction should reinforce this positive association. Think calm, think slow, think deliberate.
When Handling is Off-Limits
Timing is crucial. There are specific periods when you should absolutely avoid handling your snake to prevent undue stress or health issues. Knowing these times shows respect for your pet’s natural cycles and well-being.
After Meals
Never handle your snake for at least 48 hours after it has eaten a meal. Handling too soon can interfere with digestion and may cause regurgitation. Regurgitation is incredibly stressful and physically taxing for a snake, potentially leading to health complications. Give them ample time to digest peacefully in their secure environment. For larger meals or larger snakes, you might even wait 72 hours.
During Shedding (Ecdysis)
When a snake is preparing to shed its skin, its eyes will often turn a milky blue or grey, and its overall colouration may appear dull. This is commonly called being ‘in blue’ or ‘opaque’. During this time, their vision is impaired, making them feel more vulnerable and defensive. Their old skin is tight, and the new skin underneath is delicate. Handling can be uncomfortable, potentially damaging to the new skin, and is likely to cause stress. It’s best to leave them entirely alone until they have completed their shed, which you’ll know by finding the discarded skin and seeing their bright, clear eyes and vibrant colours return.
Newly Acquired Snakes
When you first bring your snake home, it needs time to acclimate to its new surroundings. Everything is unfamiliar – the sights, smells, temperature, and humidity. Handling during this initial adjustment period (usually 1-2 weeks) adds unnecessary stress. Let your snake settle in, explore its enclosure, and feel secure. Wait until it is eating regularly and seems relaxed in its environment before attempting short handling sessions.
If Showing Signs of Stress or Illness
If your snake appears unwell (lethargic, changes in breathing, visible injuries) or is displaying clear signs of stress (hissing, striking, rapid escape attempts, musking), avoid handling unless absolutely necessary for a health check or vet visit. Adding the stress of handling can exacerbate existing problems.
Approaching Your Snake Correctly
How you approach your snake in its enclosure significantly impacts its reaction. Remember the ‘giant predator’ perspective. Avoid sudden movements or reaching directly down from above, as this mimics how an aerial predator might attack. Instead, approach slowly and deliberately from the side or front, allowing the snake to see you coming. Talk softly; while they don’t ‘hear’ in the human sense, they can perceive vibrations, and a calm tone can be reassuring. Observe its body language. A relaxed snake might flick its tongue slowly, exploring the air, and remain still or move calmly. A defensive snake might tense up, pull back into an ‘S’ shape (preparing to strike), hiss, vibrate its tail, or try to flee quickly.
The Initial Touch and Lift
Once your snake seems aware of your presence and isn’t showing defensive signs, you can proceed. Your initial touch should be confident but gentle. Hesitant, jerky movements can be more alarming than a smooth, deliberate touch. Aim to touch the snake firmly but gently on the middle third of its body. Avoid touching the head or the tail initially, as these areas are often more sensitive.
To lift your snake, slide one hand gently underneath its mid-body and then quickly bring your other hand underneath another section, usually further down the body towards the tail. The key is support. Never grab or squeeze your snake. You want to support its weight at multiple points, allowing it to feel secure. For smaller snakes, two hands might be sufficient, with the body resting across your palms and fingers. For larger snakes, you may need to support them at three or more points, potentially using your forearms as well. Let the snake move across your hands and arms; don’t try to restrain its movement tightly unless absolutely necessary for safety (like preventing a fall). The feeling should be more like the snake is choosing to rest on you, rather than being held captive.
Pay Close Attention to Body Language During Handling. Signs of stress can include frantic or rapid movement, trying constantly to escape, tensing the body rigidly, hissing, or releasing musk (a foul-smelling liquid). If you observe these behaviours, keep the session very brief and return the snake calmly to its enclosure. Forcing interaction when a snake is stressed will only damage trust.
Handling Session Duration and Frequency
For a new snake or one just getting used to handling, keep initial sessions very short – perhaps only five minutes. Gradually increase the duration as the snake becomes more comfortable, maybe up to 15-20 minutes. Avoid overly long sessions that could cause the snake’s body temperature to drop too much if your room is cooler than its enclosure, or simply cause fatigue and stress.
Frequency depends on the individual snake and your goals. For general tameness, handling sessions 2-3 times a week are often sufficient once the snake is well-acclimated. Some snakes tolerate more frequent handling, while others prefer less interaction. Always prioritise the snake’s well-being over your desire to handle it. Consistency and positive experiences are more important than frequency or duration.
Returning Your Snake to its Enclosure
Putting your snake back should be as calm and gentle as picking it up. Lower the snake slowly into its enclosure, allowing it to move off your hands onto the substrate or a hide. Avoid just dropping it in. Let it leave your hands at its own pace if possible. Aim to place it near a familiar hiding spot so it can feel secure immediately. Close the enclosure securely afterwards.
Hygiene: Wash Your Hands!
This is non-negotiable. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling your snake. Before handling, this removes any scents (like food, or other pets) that might confuse or alarm your snake, potentially triggering a feeding response or defensive behaviour. After handling, it protects you from potentially transferring any bacteria (like Salmonella, which reptiles can naturally carry) from the snake or its environment to yourself. Good hygiene is crucial for both your health and your snake’s.
Hand Washing is Essential. Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling to remove potentially alarming scents. Washing hands immediately after handling protects you from bacteria reptiles can carry. This simple step is vital for the health of both you and your pet.
Building Trust Takes Time
Remember that building a trusting relationship with your snake is a marathon, not a sprint. Every calm, gentle interaction helps build positive associations. Every time you respect its boundaries (like not handling during shedding or after feeding), you reinforce that you are not a threat. Be patient, observant, and consistent. Some snakes become incredibly tolerant and seem almost indifferent to handling, while others may always be a bit shy or defensive. Learn your individual snake’s personality and tailor your approach accordingly. The reward is a calm, healthy pet that you can interact with safely and confidently.
A Note on Different Species
While these principles apply broadly, different species can have varying temperaments. Corn snakes and Ball Pythons are often recommended for beginners partly due to their typically docile nature and tolerance for handling. Other species might be naturally more defensive or quicker to move. Research the specific species you own to understand its typical behaviour patterns, but always treat your snake as an individual. Regardless of species reputation, the foundations of gentle approaches, proper support, respecting their signals, and impeccable hygiene remain the same.
Handling your snake can be one of the most enjoyable aspects of keeping these unique animals. By prioritizing their comfort and safety, learning to read their subtle cues, and practicing patience, you can build a foundation of trust that makes interactions safe and stress-free for everyone involved. Enjoy the journey of getting to know your slithery companion!
