Snake shrug

[reptileranger]

Sometimes when I want to get my snake out she will give me a shrug, like we would give a shoulder shrug to someone if we wanted to be left alone. This is not a puffing up of any kind, but a lifting of part of her body where I touch her. Has this happened to anyone else?

[Dexter612]

Yeah. Remember, snakes only tolerate handling as some are more docile than others, so just because a snake doesn't bite/struggle, doesn't mean it is enjoying the encounter. A lot of people here only handle when necessary, i.e moving to clean the enclosure etc. Don't worry too much though, just be glad she hasn't tagged you, don't let it put you off if you want to handle. Just keep in mind you're invading her territory and picking her up at your own leisure, can't imagine a giant hand reaching in through my bedroom window and picking me up when I'm relaxing.

[loxocemus]

i have a sunbeam that does a full body sneeze type deal, its a subtle way of saying, drop me the f**k down dude

normal and sometimes they grow out of it and will do it at times and not others.

rgds
edward

Originally Posted by reptileranger

Sometimes when I want to get my snake out she will give me a shrug, like we would give a shoulder shrug to someone if we wanted to be left alone. This is not a puffing up of any kind, but a lifting of part of her body where I touch her. Has this happened to anyone else?

[fritz]

one of my larger burms dose it to let me know that she wants to be left alone... i usually do as i really dont want my face bitten off lol

[bluerain]

All my female snakes do this when i am trying to remove eggs!! they dont bite, just push me away. It is definitly a "Go away" gesture!!!

[fiona]

I had what was like an elbow nudge. Just one part of the body flinch. It's certainly "Get off me".

[reptileranger]

Thanks for sharing your experiences. I do have a great relationship with her. I find it very interesting the methods reptiles use to communicate with their environment.

[fiona]

It is interesting, you are right.