To handle...or not

[Snaky]

I don't handle my snakes unless I need to. so for example when I need to clean the cages, inspection... I don't think they need handling, so I observe them from behind the glass. Most of the time, they don't go away anymore, some even come towards me, flicking their tongue to see if I got any food with me. Of course, the downside is that all my snakes are really skittish when I handle them...

[mycolorfulheart]

I got Raven about a year ago and she's never liked being handled. I've only been able to take her out of her tank two or three times without getting musked. That said, she's had a pretty checkered past and the friend I got her from says she's a lot more 'outgoing' since i've gotten her; she rarely hides anymore and is always out basking or watching me/my family. One of the cats is still unaware of her existence, the other one is always fascinated by her and spends a lot of time watching her and pawing at the tank. but even that doesn't bother her, she doesn't even hide when this happens.

My longer-term pet plans include getting another snake or two, and i'm planning to make more of an effort to 'tame' the next snake i get. more for their benefit than mine, after seeing the way just being transfered into a different tank for brumation bothered raven.

[jompiej]

I don't handle my snakes, only when needed.
if I have to clean there cages, i'll pick them up and put them in a plastic box so I can easely work in their cages.

[Serpentine99]

my 3 garters i only handle when nessecary, but my mean corn i handle everyday as an experiment to calm him down around people so he doesnt strike at anything that passed his cage. It appears to be working because he hasnt striked at anything in over a week and a half so i guess you could say for now that the "taming" was a success.