Handling snakes

EmilyS · 12-23-12, 10:30 PM

Hello! I'm still new to snakes, so sorry if this is a silly question, but I can't seem to find a straight answer on google.

How often should I be handling my corn snake? Is it stressful for them to be in and out and their enclosure too much?

I've had mine out about three times today, and would like to take him out again, but I don't want to stress him out

**lady_bug87** · 12-23-12, 10:37 PM

Ummm it really depends. You shouldn't handle for 2 days after feeding (at least) and as for the rest of the time its kinda up to you.

Now, I personally don't handle mine very often
I may handle them once a week if that.

Handling excessively can cause an animal stress resulting in going off feed. Please be aware that in order for proper husbandry to do what it is intended to (meaning to keep the animal healthy) the animal needs to be in its enclosure

**Aaron_S** · 12-23-12, 10:37 PM

I'd keep it to one handling session a day.

rmfsnakes32 · 12-23-12, 11:13 PM

I only handle mine a few times a week,but ultimately its a personal decision. Corns in general are pretty hardy and dont seem to stress easily (providing its not a baby)

SSSSnakes · 12-23-12, 11:14 PM

My snakes are for viewing. I only handle them when I have to and that is for cleaning or if I have a show I have to use them at. I find it is the way they are handled that makes them a calm snake, not the amount of time you handle them. To much handling can cause stress and remember you are keeping them away from their heat and hide when you have them out.

EmilyS · 12-23-12, 11:18 PM

Yes, it's a baby. I'll cut back on the sessions!

I'm curious to hear how you guys feel about having snakes as class pets. I've had teachers in high school that let their students handle their snakes throughout the day.

rmfsnakes32 · 12-23-12, 11:22 PM

Since its a baby I would cut back on handling babies can stress and refuse food and when tiny they dont have alot of body fat stored up to hold off a hunger strike

**Aaron_S** · 12-23-12, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmfsnakes32

Since its a baby I would cut back on handling babies can stress and refuse food and when tiny they dont have alot of body fat stored up to hold off a hunger strike

I had a baby out of the egg never eat until it was roughly 4 months old. Never really lost any weight.

Lankyrob · 12-24-12, 05:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EmilyS

Yes, it's a baby. I'll cut back on the sessions!

I'm curious to hear how you guys feel about having snakes as class pets. I've had teachers in high school that let their students handle their snakes throughout the day.

In my experience something like a corn snake would be a good class pet as mine dont seem concerned about being ogled BUT i would restrict handling to one session a day and probably have a rota for the kids so say three get to handle it today and then a different three tomorrow etc. And NO handling for 48 hours after eating.

I also wouldnt suggest handling the day of the feeding (prior to actually eating), all three of my corns will bite on feeding day once they smell the food

Gungirl · 12-24-12, 05:24 AM

I think keeping a snake in a class would be stressful. I don't know of many classes that aren't really loud and has kids that always listen. There will always be that one kid that doesn't care about the rules and will bother/torture the snake. IMO pets are best at home and not in a class. Although depending on the age range and the class itself I guess it could be done. I just wouldn't do it myself.

StudentoReptile · 12-24-12, 06:50 AM

I think it depends on the age group. Obviously, really young ones want to pester the thing non-stop, but usually past say, 9-10, if there are rules in place, its typically not an issue, and the snake does just fine. Maybe there's one designated day for handling, and some of care and upkeep tasks can be rotated (supervised of course).

Terranaut · 12-24-12, 07:32 AM

One of my boys teachers keeps a beardie in the class.
I would think a corn snake or any breed which is tolerant to handling would be fine in a classroom. I don't think something like an adult blood would be a good idea. Yelling and screaming isn't going to be much of an issue buy bumping and jumping will make some bad vibes for the snake to feel. Using rubber feet under the enclosure would help this a lot.

**Aaron_S** · 12-24-12, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gungirl

I think keeping a snake in a class would be stressful. I don't know of many classes that aren't really loud and has kids that always listen. There will always be that one kid that doesn't care about the rules and will bother/torture the snake. IMO pets are best at home and not in a class. Although depending on the age range and the class itself I guess it could be done. I just wouldn't do it myself.

In my final year of school I worked out keeping a frog in school. I would have done the snake but the teacher was afraid that it would upset too many people that may have a fear.

The snake would have been fine as I would have made a schedule on who got to interact with it and when. This was high school so we rotated regularly throughout the day so some days some would and some days others would. I had to do most of the maintenance though so I was outside the rules lol.

**Pareeeee** · 12-24-12, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aaron_S

I'd keep it to one handling session a day.

Usually what I do.

**lady_bug87** · 12-24-12, 09:58 AM

The op should just buy more snakes and cycle through them