How to handle corn snakes

Corn snakes are one of the most even-tempered snakes available to the reptile-enthusiast and so are one of the best snakes to handle of all.

In my experience if you correctly handle corn snakes the chances of being bitten by a corn snake are about zero, and they are not overly fast either or large.

It can also be a real experience if it's your first time because the feel of a live snake in your hands is such a unique one.

It's important to note that for those of us (myself included) who like to handle our reptiles, like any other pet they need to have that trust reinforced regularly. This means spending time corn snake handling each week.

Just as a rabbit or hamster that wasn't handled for months on end wouldn't take too kindly to it, so you should put aside time each week to get your corn snake out and let him run between your hands.

To begin with, getting your corn snake familiar with handling can take time, and can be quite stressful for your corn snake.

So if your snake is a hatchling - not a well-established corn snake, begin the handling with just a few minutes at a time, and at a time a day or two after your snake has been fed just to reduce the chances of him mistaking your fingers for a tasty baby mouse.

As your corn snake becomes comfortable with being handled (doesn't try to constantly avoid you when you put your hands in the cage, doesn't squirm and try to dart away but glides calmly and gently through your fingers when being handling your corn snake) you can increase the period of time you have your snake out for if you like.

However even when corn snakes learn there is nothing to be afraid of and feel totally confident, it's best not to handle them for more than 10 - 15 minutes at a time just incase.