Aggressive Corn

[JolyJim]

I have had my new yearling corn for about 6 weeks now. Since day one, it has been VERY docile and seems to enjoy being handled.

About 3 weeks ago, it started to show signs it was getting ready to shed. It was unable to shed properly. When I went into the cage to try and follow the different techniques for assisting (that I have read in about a dozen different corn books), Appelonia (her name) became very aggressive, backed into the corner and struck out about 4 times at me.

She never fully got rid of the shed. Two weeks ago, a family emergency led us out of town for a week. When we returned, Appelonia was clouded again and actually pulled off a complete shed, leaving a trophy skin on her log.

Today, I tried to handle her again and she darted for the corner and struck at me again. She eats fine, never regurgitates, has no signs of mites, or blisters. Moves around the cage actively.

What could be the problem here? My fear is the longer I go without hendling her, the worse she will get....

Thanks for any assistance.

[Serpens]

I'd check this with someone who's actually experienced a problem like that, but I've heard that gentle persistant handling, two or three times a week, helps. Also, not letting her think that the striking will get rid of the 'threat' of your hand. Maybe for the first week or so just leave your hand in the tank, so she gets more used to its presence, and then try to pick her up again? I've heard that approach will usually work. Again, maybe check with someone who's experienced that sit before. Don't want to lead you astray.

Good luck
Serpens

[SCherper]

yea its just an attention thing handle it more and it will calm down and if you dontwant to get bit wear some welding gloves and you wont even feel it

[Rimshot]

my cornsake used to be the same, it would get scared every time i reached in for it, what i found helpful was that, when it was on top of the papertowel that i use for substrate, i would pick up the the sheet of paper with the snake on it, then gently slide the snake off the paper onto my hand, this way u eliminate scaring it by reaching in for it. try it out it may work.