Hard Question

[Stefan-A]

I couldn't agree more.

Personally, I've never really understood why some people have to pet their reptiles, handle them or even "play" with them, as somebody put it. I think the snakes enjoy it about as much as a mouse when a cat is "playing" with it. I haven't seen anything below cats, that would have actually shown any interest in interacting with humans for "fun". Of course, you could ask if a cat's or dog's play is just about triggered instincts or if it is about boredom (lack of stimuli). And if that qualifies as joy.

Of course I admit I handle most of my snakes. A minute or so every week. It's a waste of my time and it annoys the snakes.

[zooplan]

I can´t agree to your clear point of view, Stefan!
There are some snakes in my colletion I know for sure, that they enjoy handling or even are interessted in the change.
On the other hand there are other snakes that never like it.

BTW: I have no time and see also no sense in handling theme for another reason than checking their health or putting them to another box while cleaning the cage.

[anji1971]

Andrea, I don't know what to tell you about your snake, other than to agree with Wayne, that if you really feel attached to him and you think you'll regret letting him go, then you'd best not do that!
My first garter, Dojo, was never a "holdable" snake. She musked, bit and generally threw a tantrum whenever I did more than just relocate her quickly for cleaning. Now Deejay, on the other hand, comes flying to the top of the tank as soon as I come near it, so she can come out and walk around. And Chili is somewhere in the middle. She doesn't come willingly to my hands, but once there, she'll hang out for a few minutes. She doesn't like it a lot, so I keep handling to a minimum with her. But no way could I let her go now! She is such a beautiful snake, and I love watching her.
I would say that as long as you get something out of having the snake, whether you can hold it or not, then it's well worth keeping it.

[GartersRock]

Agreed! I only "hold" my snakes for maybe 30 seconds, once a week at cleaning time. Although half my snakes are "fine" when held. Will sit still or glide through my hands, and the other half will bite, I enjoy them all the same!! Watching and caring for them is the fun. I mean really. Why do you really have to "hold" them? What are the benefits?

Although... My pickeringii will jump out of the cage into my hands... And so does two of my male and one of my female vagrans... But I wouldn't jump to explain that behavior as enjoying my holding them.

Thats what cats and dogs are for. Although I can't "hold" my 40 lb Canaan Dog and 65 lb Greyhound, they will most gladly try!!

[Steven@HumboldtHerps]

I can only say that we should all be aware of the unique human ability to anthropomorphize our pets. We are humans. They are snakes..... lovely, beautiful, and entertaining to us.

They... may look at us as a familiar non-threatening smell or blur or perhaps a warm thermo-regulating arm, but to (for example) think that when we open the cage, they slither towards us and say "Hold me and let's hang out" (and yes, I have been visiting too many pet forums....ohhhhh, all the silly people! It must be some form of an underlying assumption...) I can't help but laugh.

My 2 CB Kingsnakes often give me that "What's uuuuup!?" vibe when I open the door, but I know they're just hungry or horny (spring pending). My WC bolts at the click of a cage latch.

All 3 of my WC garters (Coast, Northwestern, Oregon) are virtually untouchable!

My Sharp-tailed Snake will take salamanders out of my hand (No jerking hand from me, since the snake's less than 10 inches long!); this snake is so small it probably has no clue as to whether all of me exists. I'm just the "Wiggling Finger"!

I may handle my snakes for as long as they allow (usually not long, except on cold days) during cage changes. Other than that I rarely handle my snakes. They don't like it! When I hear "They must like it , otherwise they (those few) wouldn't stick around for that long!" I must mention that, on numerous occasions in handling garters, kings, and gophers in the wild, I have come across a variety of individuals who would chill out on my hand for quite a while before deciding to take a bite out of my finger or release a musky treat (or both)! I am not saying that snakes won't "tame"; I can only say that we should all be aware of the unique human ability to anthropomorphize our pets!

Steven Krause

[GartersRock]

Good post Steven! Totally agree!

[Garter_Gertie]

I love to anthropomorphize. I know what it is, I know what I'm doing. And I agree with everything you've said, Steven. However, I'm going to continue to anthropomorphize my little heart out as it makes me happy!

[Stefan-A]

..and as long as it doesn't make your snakes unhappy.

[GartersRock]

Yes Gertie. Just so long as it doesn't cross the line of harming the snakes.... Which I am sure you wouldn't do.

[beaniesmommy]

I agree with at least one thing in all of these posts...

We are not excessive holders, we hold them when we clean there tanks, feeding day and when a friend comes over and wants to hold one in an attempt to rid there fear. I understand it stresses them and we respect that as much as we can.

We do love them and this whole thing is still new to us so of course there is still a bit of novelty to these beautiful creatures. I think I have decited that I am going to let him go and get two same sex babies. For a family like ours (with lots of kids around always) we would enjoy seeing them grow up in front of us, for educational and personal enjoyment of course.

Thank you for all of your input, I really do respect all of your opinions!