How To Tame A Pet Snake & Socialize Them
Getting a pet snake is exciting but can be a bit daunting, especially if they are large or you are new to pet snakes. Below we will give you tips and things to try when you are having problems with your snake or new to the world of pet snakes.
How To Tame A Pet Snake Disclaimer
This method is not for everyone. This method has had mixed results and I’ve learned that some snakes just can’t “be tamed”. It is important to note that this is only one method of many possible methods to socialize your pet snake. No method will work 100%.
Sincerity is the best policy, and I believe that there’s no such thing as “tame” a snake. You can only expect a reptile to tolerate you. All animals with mouths are capable of biting, especially when they feel threatened, startled, cornered or scared, hungry or defensive. Snakes that are unable to escape a situation they perceive as dangerous will use their teeth to defend themselves. If you can’t accept that a snake will bite at some point during its life, don’t get one as a pet.
Determining generic temperament
Socializing Snakes
When it comes to socializing snakes, they can be a hit-or-miss category. If possible, it’s best to consider the general temperament of each snake species you encounter. This is a general temperament, and it may not apply to every snake. Black rat snakes, for example, are semi-aggressive, especially when cornered. However, there are some individuals who are “docile.” It is possible to find an aggressive snake among normally docile snakes, such as cornsnakes. Kingsnakes are a good example of a snake that can fall into any one of the three categories. You can begin by determining the snake’s temperament once you have a general idea. It is best to begin by socializing the snake and praying (sometimes a great deal) that it works.
Expectations
Take Your Time & Don’t Rush It
It takes time to socialize a snake. Do not rush and be patient. Never expect to be able to socialize with a snake in a matter of days. You may need to wait anywhere between 1 and 6 months, or even longer, to properly tame the snake. It is important to understand that you may receive bites from snakes, particularly nervous ones. You must know how to handle them properly. If you are able handle a snake that is overly aggressive with gloves, and the snake does not try to escape or strike at anything that moves, then you should feel grateful. This may be your best achievement with the snake. You will never be able to hold an aggressive serpent with the same level of carefreeness that you are accustomed to with corn snakes. Even when a snake is acting well, it can still be aggressive. They will remind you, sometimes painfully, that they still have an aggressive mindset, even when they act well.
Aggressive Types Of Behaviour
Some snakes are aggressive because they have been raised in an unsuitable environment. Others are aggressive by nature, having lived a part of their life in the wild.
Some snakes are born with an aggressive disposition. Even the most docile snakes can become aggressive if they are threatened, afraid or uncomfortable.
Snakes have two different types of aggressive behavior:
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Territorial responses
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Feeding responses
When a snake gets used to its environment, it begins to perceive them as normal and safe. Taming a snake means training it to not perceive you as a threat nor as food.
Snakes’ aggressive behavior is increased when they are in an uncomfortable environment. Pet snake owners should ensure that their snakes are in the correct environment to avoid aggressive behavior resulting from stress.
Stages Of Taming A Pet Snake
How To Tame A Pet Snake Stage zero
You will need to purchase a pair (not too thick, nor too thin) of medium-weight gardening gloves / work gloves. Place the gloves in the cage of the snake and leave them for three days. You want to infuse the gloves with the scent of the snake.
How To Tame A Pet Snake Stage 1
Set up a schedule for the days and times you will be working with the snake. You should work at least 3 days per week, with one session each day lasting between 10 and 30 minutes. Remove the gloves after a few days. Put on the gloves and pick up the snake gently but firmly. We want to make the snake feel “safe” by putting on gloves. His scent may also help reinforce that idea. You can also use the gloves to protect yourself in case the snake bites you. Only handle this snake while wearing the gloves. You don’t want to give the snake a strange smell that could alarm it. It is not a good idea to use the same gloves to handle rats and mice, and then pick up a snake. The first stage may last two weeks. This period of introduction may teach the snake to expect the handling process and that you will not hurt him.
How To Tame A Pet Snake Stage 2
You will want to continue your schedule after the second week. After the first five minute session, you will remove your gloves and continue to handle the snake without gloves for the remainder of the time. We are trying to make the snake accustomed to your smell. By now, you want to make sure that the snake has a good idea of the gloves being non-threatening. It is important that the snake feels comfortable being handled. You will now need to be more cautious when handling the snake, as you are removing your gloves. This means you lose the protection that you had against bites. The second stage will only last one week if the snake is quick to learn. If not, try two weeks. If the problem persists, go back to step one and restart.
How To Tame A Pet Snake Stage 3
The last step is to remove the snake without any signs of nervous behavior (tail buzzing or striking). You can try again at stage two if you’re unable to complete this task. Once the snake is confident, you can remove it from the cage without gloves. We want you to feel comfortable handling the snake, without constantly watching it. It does not mean you can ignore the snake. But you should be able (at an occasional glance) to judge its temper based on things like quick movements, children or large crowds. Some snakes don’t mind being touched by a lot of people. Some snakes are frightened by large crowds, while others do not mind. Adapt yourself to the snake that you are handling or using. If you only have a small group snake available and your program involves a larger one, arrange for it to be so that no more than 1 or 2 people can pet the snake at any given time.
Hope this helps!
