Am I bad person for wanting to trade my snake?

LespaceSerpent · 01-29-16, 11:51 PM

Hey, I haven't posted in a long time.

I still have my corn snake, Ziti. But even though I've worked with him for like half a year now I think, he still bites at me and won't let me hold him properly.

I've considered maybe trying to trade him for a ball python, since they tend to be pretty lazy and easygoing. (Yes I know the difficulties with feeding, shedding, humidity etc)

But basically I asked my friend if I was wrong to want another snake because Ziti is so aggressive and I can't really hold him and relax it's a constant fight with him... and my friend said yeah I am. So now I've been having like an emotional breakdown because I'm petty and I guess I just wanted some actual snake owners opinions.

I can only have one snake at a time so just keeping him and getting another isn't an option unfortunately.

Albert Clark · 01-30-16, 12:05 AM

No, you are not a bad person at all for that! People trade reptiles all the time. That's part of the hobby/ business. Whomever receives your corn snake in a trade just be honest about his " bitey" disposition when being held. People will appreciate you being up front. Some snakes remain aggressive throughout their lives. Some don't. There are people who can get the animal to tame down but they need to be aware of the issue first.

**Minkness** · 01-30-16, 12:37 AM

Hey man, you aren't bad for wanting to trade at all! Just like Albert said, it kinda goes hand in hand with most of the hobby.

I breed geckos and more often than not, trade them instead of sell them. And the 1st snake I ever owned was a Mexican black kingsnake who I had for a year and just didn't like. She wasn't even bitey or anything, just not my favorite flavor if you get me. I traded her for a baby carpet python and am super happy about that trade!

Your friend is just looking at your snake like it's a dog or cat....or even a bird. Those animals grow attatched and require emotional stability. Reptiles don't require that, so there is nothing bad or inhumane about trading them.

By all means, trade for a better snake! Especially if you can only have 1, you certainly shouldn't have one that makes you miserable!

LespaceSerpent · 01-30-16, 09:24 AM

Thank you guys so much.

I figured that it may be he was thinking too much into it.

I think I'm going to wait a little bit longer and see if there's any hope for Ziti. But if I can't get him to be friendly I will find the snake that's right for me ;u;

sirtalis · 01-30-16, 10:24 AM

Not at all, my first leopard gecko was much to aggressive so I traded it to friend who had more experience, I ended up with a tame leo that I still have today. People trade reptiles all the time, I'm actually talking to a fellow reptile keeper about trading my peacock monitor for his red tegu. He moved and has a lot less space and I just finished my "man cave" so I just got a lot more space.

**Andy_G** · 01-30-16, 11:41 AM

How often and for how long are you attempting handling sessions? I would do it for 15-20 minutes three times a week and just take the bites until he calms down. Corn snakes can't do that much damage with a bite. Just be calm and deliberate in your movements and have patience and I am certain your snake will calm down. If you aren't willing to do this or don't feel like you are able to, it may be time to do exactly what you were thinking and get something more appropriate for yourself. Keep us updated!

LespaceSerpent · 01-30-16, 06:31 PM

That's about what I'm doing Andy. And thank you all for the replies. I'm gonna wait a little bit longer before I take him so I know I won't regret it but I will let you know how things go!

bigsnakegirl785 · 01-31-16, 09:19 PM

Although I don't really think half a year is enough time working with a snake to get rid of its bitey tendencies, you're not in the wrong for wanting to trade your snake for one that will fit what you want better. Taming a snake can take a long time, up to several years, and it's understandable to not want to have to deal with that.

SnoopySnake · 02-01-16, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigsnakegirl785

Although I don't really think half a year is enough time working with a snake to get rid of its bitey tendencies, you're not in the wrong for wanting to trade your snake for one that will fit what you want better. Taming a snake can take a long time, up to several years, and it's understandable to not want to have to deal with that.

I agree with this^^ I've had my SD retic just under a year now and that snake was very defensive when I got him (March 2015), constantly musking me, biting my hands, trying to bite my face, trying to intimidate me by sitting there with his mouth open, shooting out of my hands and squeezing them very hard.. It wasn't until about 4-5 months ago that I finally started seeing some improvement. He now will only occasionally bite once when you get him out but is just jumpy after that, once he gets moving he's fine and active. It just takes time, and in that time I did consider trading him many times or selling him to save for something else. The choice is yours, I don't think you should lose hope just yet but I don't think you're a bad person if you want to trade either. Some snakes will just take a little longer to calm down.

prairiepanda · 02-01-16, 12:46 PM

I agree with everyone above. There's nothing wrong with trading him for one that suits you better. But half a year might just not be enough time for him. I'd normally give it a year before judging that a snake will always be bitey.

Just remember that you aren't going to traumatize him by sending him to a new home. He's not emotionally attached to you and will do just fine with anyone who is able to provide him proper care. Corn snakes can have very long lives, so it's best to go for one that you will enjoy and will continue to feel motivated to care for in the many years to come.

LespaceSerpent · 02-01-16, 03:43 PM

Yeah I totally understand him needing more time.

I'd rather him go to someone who will have the heart and patience to work with him more. And I thank you guys for your input.

I've decided he isn't the snake for me and my friend can just shove his opinion somewhere because if I think Ziti and I would both be happier if he found a new home then it's my decision.

I'm just waiting a bit longer to see what options of BP's are around and finding the right one.

Klaire · 02-01-16, 03:46 PM

I agree as well with everyone else i don't think theres anything wrong in wanting to trade, Your definitely not a bad person for wanting to do

LespaceSerpent · 02-07-16, 01:15 PM

I wanted to let you know the nice store near me is happy to find him a good home and I took him today. I have gotten a baby superfly ball python and I'll make another post all about him ^-^ he is very calm and even when he relaxed with us he wasn't nearly as fast or mean so I am very happy

Sasha2 · 02-07-16, 01:46 PM

Thats sounds like you got an awesome ball python, pics would be nice.
I have one corn snake that has a bad temper too. He is a year old and still bites me or musks me when handled. I treat the other corns the exact same and they are all tame. I think sometimes there is just a really nervous one that doesnt come around.