Introduction
Snakes can be a great subject to handle, but handling them requires knowledge, patience, and an understanding of the snake’s behavior if both the handler and the animal are going to stay safe. Whether your snake’s name is Yumi Sin or Fit Kitty, or something much more unique, the following guidelines apply to any pet snake, regardless of species.
This article would focus on the best practices in handling your snake, approaching them safely, and making the experience enjoyable for you and your pet.
Why Proper Snake Handling Is Important
Snakes are reptiles, and hence, they exhibit certain behaviors that characterize their feelings and condition. Proper handling of your snake will actually make it healthy while making you appreciate your pet more. Inappropriate handling may stress your snake and cause eventual health issues or defensive tactics. Achieving the right method helps you to keep your snake calm and healthy while reducing the possibility of being bitten or hurt.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Handling Your Snake
Observe your snake’s behavior.
It is very important that you observe the behavior of your snake just before you decide to handle it. It is necessary to see that it behaves in a calm and approachable manner.
Indications of a calm snake: slow, deliberate movements, active tongue flicking, and loose, relaxed coils.
Signs of stress or defensiveness: hissing, rapid tongue flicking, rapid movements, or the snake withdrawing itself to tight coils as a defense mechanism.
If your snake shows signs of nervousness, just let it be for sometime and wait for it to calm down.
2. Approach with slow confidence
Snakes are highly sensitive to movement. So if you rush up to it or approach slowly as if you don’t know what you are doing, they will become scared. Approach slowly and towards the side. Don’t approach head on as that’s interpreted as an attack by a predator.
Tip: Hold your hand low and slide towards the snake’s midsection or head, slowly.
Hold the Snake’s Body
Get close to your snake and slowly slide underneath it, thereby supporting its body from below. Always provide enough support for the snake’s entire body, especially if your snake is large since this may cause a lot of stress when they feel unsupported.
You can hold the smaller snakes with one hand supporting at the center, while another supports at the tail.
For larger snakes, you can employ using both hands that will support him in various areas of his body.
Movements should be smooth and gentle
Snakes are sensitive animals and like smooth calm handling, therefore avoid jerky or sudden movements that can make the snake frighten. Replace this with slow, deliberate motion while petting and let the snake flow from one hand to another.
Restrict your Handling Time
While you both are sure to have fun dealing with your snake, you should not overindulge. For most snakes, 10–15 minutes of handling at a time is quite enough. Any longer handling session can be stressful for the snake, especially young or nervous snakes.
 Know When Not to Handle
Some times are better than others not to handle your snake:
Post-feeding:
They need to digest. Dealing with them soon after eating can, in some cases make them regurgitate their food, which is a stressful and damaging event for the snake. It is best to wait for at least 48 to 72 hours after feeding.
Shedding:
They will be a little more defensive or stressed when shedding. You know they are shedding when the eyes are cloudy and the skin is dull. Just leave them alone during this period.
Sick Snake During Illness: If your snake is sleeping much more than you have observed before or presents loss of appetite, and even suffers from respiratory issues, do not touch them and instead consult a reptile vet.
FAQs: Handling Your Snake
How often should I handle my snake?
Its temperament and species. Most pet snakes handle going 2-3 times a week to keep them accustomed to human interaction without becoming overloaded. Observe their moods and do not handle them if they seem stressed.
Do snakes bond with their owner?
Although snakes do not bond with a person like mammals do, they can get used to being handled regularly and to associate the owner’s presence with the safety factor. Gradually, a well-handled snake becomes less defensive and more laid-back in the presence of their owner.
Will handling stress my snake out?
Yes, over-handling or poor handling can stress a snake. Signs of stress are rapid flicking of the tongue, refusal to eat, or a bid to hide. Be gentle when handling your snake and give in to its signals.
 Can my snake be handled during shedding?
No, don’t handle your snake when it is shedding. Snakes are more fussy and irritable during this process because shedding is a pretty uncomfortable feeling. Allow your snake to shed in peace and you may resume handling after the shedding process is complete.
 What do I do if my snake bites me?
If your snake bites you, do not pull it away with force because that may cause more damage.After carefully extracting the snake, wash the wound with soap and water. While most pet snakes are non-venomous, it is a good idea to keep an eye on the wound for infection.
How soon after feeding can I handle my snake?
No, over-handling your snake immediately after feeding would lead to a chance of regurgitation, not very safe for your snake. It is therefore crucial to wait for at least 48 hours from the time you feed your snake before handling it so it can digest adequately.
Some Snake Handling Safety Tips
Be attentive to your environment: Always handle your snake in a safe place. If your snake becomes frightened and flees, then make sure that it does not disappear and get injured.
Hands should be cleansed both before and after contact. This will prevent the spread of bacteria or even parasites, as well as eliminate any scent that may confuse your snake.
Hold snake:
When picking your snake, you should always ensure that the body of your snake is held equally. This will help avoid discomfort to your snake and stress.
Observe response: If your snake seems to be stressed or uncomfortable, place it back in its enclosure and try handling another day.
Conclusion
Handling your snake, whether it is Yumi Sin, Fit Kitty, or any other pet snake, can be very rewarding while strengthening the connection between you and your reptile companion. Getting out of your worries and having your snake correctly supported while giving respect to its needs will assure you of having a perfectly safe and enjoyable handling experience for both parties Since each snake is different, the key to successful handling is understanding its particular behavior.
Summary of Key Points:
Treat your snake slowly and gently.
Always maintain a support under its body when you are handling it.
Handle snakes for a limited period to avoid stressing them.
Do not handle them during the shedding process, after feeding, or if the snake is ailing.
Be cognizant of signs of stress and alter your handling.