Corn snake needs handled after weeks of being left alone!?

Question

Hi
I have a 8 year old corn snake who has always been good at being handled - quick etc but tolerates handling well.  I was unable to handle him for about 8 weeks because of a plaster cast on my arm, affecting my hand function and my husband dislikes the snake.
Anyway, I got plaster off but had infected sore on my hand so advised not to handle him until it healed and by the time it had I was away on hoidays for a week.

All in all it has been approx 12 weeks since he has been handled and now he is 'rattling' his tail when I try to approach him.

Please don't accuse me of neglect - he has been fed weekly and cleaned out as required (husband has moved him when he's inside his stone hide/cave so not actually hands on if you know what I mean).

I feel really bad but I know I will get nervous if he tries to bite etc.  Any tips on getting him back into being handled would be great.

Oh - he is not much under 6ft & quick!

Susan W · Accepted Answer

First, make sure there isn't an alternate reason for his tail rattle, such as getting ready to shed.  Then, to be honest, just go in and get him like you normally would.  I seriously doubt he'll actually bite you and he'll settle down soon enough once you get back into handling him regularly.  And even if he does bite you, trust me, it isn't that big of a deal.

Anonymous · Answer

you just need to pick him up he might bite you but remember he is not poisonous and the bite is harmless and once you pick him up and he understands that you will not harm him he will be fine again

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Corn snake needs handled after weeks of being left alone!?

2 Answers