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athena1
Snake Mite
USA
3 Posts |
 Posted - 02/06/2009 : 02:12:55
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| Hi everyone! My family became the proud owners of a grey-banded king snake 2 months ago. We received the snake as a gift from our daughter's elementary school science teacher who was needing to rehome a snake and was impressed by our daughter's interest in them! So far, so good, we've already had one shed and she seems very docile when handled by my husband and daughter. Here's what I need help with: I can't seem to get over my fear of handling her!! Any ideas?!?! Thanks! |
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Kehhlyr
The Resident Loon
United Kingdom
511 Posts |
Posted - 02/06/2009 : 03:01:52
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Just take things slowly and gently, snakes can sense apprehension in handlers.
If anyone else is comfortable handling the snake, then maybe start with just stroking it around the middle of the body when it's head is busy elsewhere.
There are several different ways to get over your fear, but the most important thing is confidence.
Do you have any particular fear of them? or is it just a general fear? |
-=Kehhlyr - The Resident Loon
SOME OF MY ANIMALS
 
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athena1
Snake Mite
USA
3 Posts |
Posted - 02/06/2009 : 03:21:44
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Thanks for the info, Kehhlyr! I guess I am afraid she will strike at and/or bite me....although I've been assured that the bites aren't terribly painful. She is a beautiful creature and I am certainly fascinated by her....I may try to upload some pics of my young daughter holding her and then you will laugh at my fears!! 
I will certainly try your advice. I think perhaps she and I got off on the wrong foot, so to speak. I tried to pick her up and was hesitant, she "musked" (is that the right term) which startled me so I let go; then when I went to try again she shook her tail at me (like a rattler!!) which I found disconcerting. She has never been any trouble for my husband or daughter, but their confidence levels are higher, I think! |
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Gingerpony
SerpentSeven's Evil Twin
United Kingdom
726 Posts |
Posted - 02/06/2009 : 13:09:48
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heya and welcome  |
cornsnakes, ratsnakes, Dumerils boas, BCO hybrids, Sinder Hypo boas, Day Geckos
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Kazerella
King Snake Admin
United Kingdom
1512 Posts |
Posted - 02/06/2009 : 13:10:39
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Hello Athena, I agree with Kehhlyr- your fear is making the snake nervous, which is why he's reacting the way he is.
Do like he suggests and introduce yourself gradually. It may take time but you'll get there in the end. When we got our first corn snake I was initially frightened to hold it, but I've never looked back since. |
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lee2308
Kingsnake Forum Admin
United Kingdom
1609 Posts |
Posted - 02/06/2009 : 17:00:51
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| hi and welcome to the forum |
1.0 dumeril boa,0.1 bci boa,1.0 royal python,1.0 mbk kingsnake,1.0corn,1.2 chinese water dragon,0.0.1 bearded dragon
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magneticblue
Kingsnake Forum Admin
United Kingdom
1511 Posts |
Posted - 02/06/2009 : 17:40:42
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| Welcome to the forum! |
1.1.0 Arizona mountain king (Sylar and Claire)
0.1.0 Blotched king ( Jasmin)
1.1.0 Guyana red-tail boa (Hercules and Athena)
1.0.1 children (Alfie and BUMP)
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Carl
Hatchling
United Kingdom
498 Posts |
Posted - 02/06/2009 : 18:44:33
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quote:
Originally posted by athena1
Thanks for the info, Kehhlyr! I guess I am afraid she will strike at and/or bite me....although I've been assured that the bites aren't terribly painful. She is a beautiful creature and I am certainly fascinated by her....I may try to upload some pics of my young daughter holding her and then you will laugh at my fears!!
I will certainly try your advice. I think perhaps she and I got off on the wrong foot, so to speak. I tried to pick her up and was hesitant, she "musked" (is that the right term) which startled me so I let go; then when I went to try again she shook her tail at me (like a rattler!!) which I found disconcerting. She has never been any trouble for my husband or daughter, but their confidence levels are higher, I think!
Those are perfectly natural defence methods used by them, my Mexi Black musked me a few times also shook his tale, but they soon grow out of it, although Snoop shook his tale at me the other night, I picked him up anyway, you sometimes have to show them who is the boss |
1.0.0 Mexi Black (Snoop)
1.0.0 Milk Pueb (Lestat)
0.2.0 Mexi Black (no name) |
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Hello!
