Holding a baby corn snake requires a gentle, supportive, and patient approach to ensure both your safety and the snake's comfort. The key is to provide ample support while allowing the snake to explore, recognizing that young snakes can be quite active and may initially "whip around everywhere" when first handled.
Understanding Baby Corn Snake Behavior
When you first hold a baby corn snake, especially a new hatchling, it's common for them to be energetic. They might feel slightly warmer to the touch due to their natural body temperature or perhaps a bit of excitement or stress. This initial high activity, where they might be "whipping around everywhere," is normal for a small, curious, and perhaps slightly nervous creature. Your goal is to provide a secure environment that encourages calm behavior over time.
Step-by-Step Guide to Handling
Handling should always be a positive experience. Here's how to approach it:
1. Preparation and Approach
- Wash Your Hands: Always wash your hands thoroughly with unscented soap before and after handling your snake. This removes any potentially harmful residues and prevents the transfer of bacteria.
- Be Calm and Confident: Snakes can sense apprehension. Approach your snake's enclosure calmly and move slowly. Sudden movements can startle them.
- Ensure a Safe Environment: When taking the snake out, sit on the floor or a low surface. This way, if the snake tries to dart away, it won't have a long fall. A soft blanket or towel on your lap can also provide extra cushioning.
2. Gentle Retrieval
- Initial Contact: Gently open the enclosure. Instead of immediately grabbing, allow the snake to become aware of your presence. You can gently nudge it or offer your hand as a perch.
- Scoop, Don't Grab: Never grab a snake from above or by its tail, as this mimics a predator's attack and can cause stress or injury. Instead, gently slide your hand or fingers under its body and scoop it up. Aim to support as much of its body as possible.
3. Proper Support and Grip
- Full Body Support: Baby corn snakes are small and delicate. Support their entire body with both hands or by allowing them to coil around your fingers and palm. Imagine you're holding a delicate string—you want to support its weight, not just hold a section.
- Allow Movement: Instead of trying to hold them still, which will only make them struggle more, allow them to move from hand to hand. Let them crawl through your fingers and across your palms. This freedom of movement makes them feel less trapped.
- Gentle Containment, Not Restriction: If your snake is particularly active, like a hatchling "whipping around everywhere," you can gently cup your hands around it to create a secure, enclosed space without squeezing. This provides security without feeling restrictive.
4. Handling Duration and Frequency
- Short Sessions Initially: Start with very short handling sessions, perhaps 5-10 minutes once or twice a week. This allows the snake to get used to handling without becoming overly stressed.
- Increase Gradually: As your corn snake becomes more comfortable and less "whippy," you can gradually increase the duration of handling sessions.
- Avoid Handling After Feeding: Do not handle your snake for at least 48 hours after it has eaten. Handling too soon can lead to regurgitation, which is very stressful and harmful to the snake.
5. Observing Body Language
Pay attention to your corn snake's cues:
- Relaxed: Slow, deliberate movements, gentle tongue flicks, and coiling comfortably around your fingers or hand indicate a relaxed snake.
- Stressed/Nervous: Rapid movements (like "whipping around everywhere"), huffing, tail rattling, or trying to escape are signs of stress. If you notice these, gently return your snake to its enclosure.
6. Do's and Don'ts of Handling
Here's a quick summary:
| Do's | Don'ts |
|---|---|
| ✅ Wash hands beforehand | ❌ Grab from above |
| ✅ Scoop gently from underneath | ❌ Squeeze or restrict movement |
| ✅ Support the entire body | ❌ Handle after feeding |
| ✅ Allow free movement between hands | ❌ Make sudden, jerky movements |
| ✅ Keep hands low and over a safe surface | ❌ Use scented soaps/lotions before handling |
| ✅ Handle short sessions initially | ❌ Force interaction if snake is stressed |
By following these guidelines, you can build a trusting relationship with your baby corn snake and ensure a positive handling experience for both of you.
