How to Handle a Pet Snake

A guide on how to accustom your pet snake to being held.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Snake
• Snake Hook
• Dirty clothing

1. Watch the snake's behavior when you pass by the cage. If he tries to hide or coils up to strike, he probably needs a few more days to relax. Try moving the cage to an area with less traffic.

2. The next step is to get your snake used to your scent. Wear a piece of clothing such as a shirt or pants that you don't mind getting dirty, then add it to your snake's cage for a few days.

3. Once he doesn't show any reaction to your presence, open the cage. Try not to make any sudden movements. If it's a top opening cage such as an aquarium, try using a snake hook. Stay relaxed. If you're nervous, your snake will be too.

4. Slide the hook under the snake's body so that he feels secure, then transfer him onto your hand. If the snake acts defensive or shows signs of agitation with sudden jerky movements, return him to his cage and try later.

5. Keep the handling sessions short at first, and slowly increase the amount of time and frequency of handling sessions. Try handling your snake at least three times a week.

Tips & Warnings

• If your snake is not too large, you can make your own snake hook using a wooden dowel, the end of a hangar, and some electrical tape. Cut the hangar at the neck, then wind the tape around it and the dowel.
• For very large snakes, it's important to begin handling when they are small and continue handling them at regular intervals. Dealing with a jumpy three foot snake is much easier than dealing with a jumpy fifteen foot snake!
• Do not try to handle your snake after handling your snake's food without washing first. They mostly detect their prey by smell, and if your hand smells like food, you may be bitten.
• Do not place a snake around your neck, as this can cause seizures in some people, and the snake may constrict if surprised.