Do I force my hatchie out?

[jacevy]

I have a teeny tiny pygmy python hatchy that is understandably terrified of everything!

We have had it a couple of week (mybe 3 weeks) and at first we never ever saw it. It hid all day long and didn't even come out for a feed. We however left the mouse in the enclosure and it would be gone an hour later.

In the last week it has been sitting with its head just poking out of the hide but whenever we go near or open the click clack it hides again and even after sitting quietly for 30 minutes it will not come out.

So my question is do I just keep going the same and be patient waiting for the day it is brave enough to come out on its own or do I lift its hide and hook it out?

 

[Senator358]

Leave it mate. If it is eating then there is no reason to touch it at all. You will only stress it out and it may stop feeding all together. I don't handle my juveniles at all apart from cleaning and water changes. The need time to grow and get used to their surroundings.

What do you mean by hooking it out? There is certainly no need to use a hook with a hatchy as their bite will not hurt you and it would be very hard wo get such a small snake out with a hook.

 

[ssnakeboyy]

This is what my baby carpet was doing for about 2 weeks and now 5 weeks later he sits out in the middle of the enclosure on the sticks. Be patient for atleast one more week and when you grab him dont use a hook because it just stresses them out more. Just go straight in with you hand and dont worry because their teeth cant even puncture you skin usually. Only hold him for a max of 30mins until he gets used to you then you can hold him for longer. If he goes off his food dont hold him for another week after that.

good luck

 

[jacevy]

Thanks. The advice is basically what my heart felt anyway.

I use a hook because I like to have them on the hook and then place my hand under them allowing them to come to me if they want. I'm not afraid of the bite I just like to give them the option.

 

[sd1981]

I've always hooked snakes, no matter if they're adults or new hatchies... I don't find that it stresses them any more than picking them up with fingers... I use a smaller hook and am gentle and they grab on to the hook and they wander off the hook and onto my hand in their own time... Gentle and patient works every time....

 

[FAY]

LEAVE IT ALONE...it will come out when it feels safe. Remember, when they hatch every predator wants to eat them.....

 

[Pythoninfinite]

Hatchling Pygmy Pythons are not "handling" snakes. They are too small and delicate for that. They are also pretty much strictly nocturnal, so it will be its choice to stay hidden during the day, probably for most of its life. They are largely a specialist snake as youngsters.

Jamie

 

[jacevy]

Awesome thanks so much.
I'll keep just being patient.