taming a corn question

[haunted-havoc]

as some of you may read, a few days ago had abit of a cuffuffle with my 8yo corn and trying to get him out of his viv to clean him out, and it took a stupid amount of time to achieve this. so as a result i am starting to tame him down as he was never handled by the previous owner and is rather skittish and really doesnt seem to like being picked up at all.

i read that not feeding them during the taming process can help. but wanted to ask opinions on this before doing it. as he is due a feed tomorrow.

ive started to do unnecessary maintenance in his viv (changing the water when it doesnt have to be etc.) and have begun to stroke him while he is in his viv and he has improved in that way. he is becoming less fazed by my presence and allows me to do it for a few min before wriggling off and hiding again.

but as soon as i try to pick him up he really doesnt like it and instantly trys to wriggle free. when he does this he will stick his neck right out by about a foot and a half and leave the rest of him in my hands as he tries to find something to latch on. and i dont wanna pull him back as i have tried reaching about half way down through his neck and pulling it back towards me but he puts up resistance and i dont wanna cause any harm to him.

i have also read that putting a worn tshirt in with him will help him get used to my smell. but he is becoming less annoyed with my presence

also im a big pansy with him and just want to make him nicer as all my other animals are really friendly and docile, he is the exception.

just asking for abit of advice really

[strictly_scales]

Persistance, my friend.

Many juvenile Corns are flighty, but with persistance soon tame down. Just try to get it out of the Viv as quickly as possible, as the more time you spend chasing him about, the more aggitated the snake will become, and the less co-operative.

[haunted-havoc]

i can get him out he just sorta lunges forward to get back in and that the problem. ive got no problem sorta fighting around with while he is all in one place in my hands, but he soon sticks his neck out to get back to the viv and he puts up resistance to pull him back, and i dont wanna cause any damage to the neck

[strictly_scales]

Then handle him away from the Viv, ideally sit on a bed with him so if he does break free he won't damage himself.

Little and often mate, small periods of handling frequently. Over time he will chill and you'll get more used to handling him yourself.

[Scarlet_Rain]

Heres a tip that works well for me, do what strictly says but also - take a few deep breaths before you get the snake out, (the yoga way breath slowly through your nose hold for 3 mins and exhale through your mouth) I know this sounds ridiculous but by slowing your own heart rate and by calming your self you will find the snake responds in a less freaked out manner. Walk him or her through your hands slowly try not to move about and just make sure its all calm, try not to flinch!

P.S make sure the room is quiet and no one disturbs you

[strictly_scales]

Originally Posted by Scarlet_Rain

Heres a tip that works well for me, do what strictly says but also - take a few deep breaths before you get the snake out, (the yoga way breath slowly through your nose hold for 3 mins and exhale through your mouth) I know this sounds ridiculous but by slowing your own heart rate and by calming your self you will find the snake responds in a less freaked out manner. Walk him or her through your hands slowly try not to move about and just make sure its all calm, try not to flinch!

P.S make sure the room is quiet and no one disturbs you

Aww yea...

[Scarlet_Rain]

Originally Posted by strictly_scales

Aww yea...

lol whatever

[haunted-havoc]

theres probably something to that actually. cos tbh i do brick it a lil lol and it wouldnt suprise me that he can pick up on that.

the whole predators chase prey and andrenaline makes their heart rate higher and as snakes can pick up small vibrations (heart beat) he can feel my hear doing back flips and sees me as a threat

has anyone tried the t shirt method or the holding back on feeding method?

also i am slightly reluctant to handle him away from his viv and on my bed as if i do lose a grip on him i can see him going straight under in. which would not prove entertaining to say the least.

[haunted-havoc]

also do you mean 3min (not likey as am a smoker and asthmatic) or 3 seconds?

[haunted-havoc]

have been gradually handling him over the last few days and tbh its getting better. he doesnt instantly try to get away when i go to pick him up now. and im becoming less of a sissy about getting bitten and am finding my self alot calmer when handling him, which is paying off as he sorta picking up on that.

am up to about 2min twice a day and gradually increasing it as he is starting to accept it.

still a ways to go, but slowly getting there. just takes a bit of confidence on my part, which im glad to say has gotten alot better.

want to say a big thanks to scarlet, even though she got ribbed for saying it, there is definitely something to it!

any more advice is still welcome though