Awesome video, I also keep my Gopher's enclosure in an area where he see's me in passing, it is really a great way to get them use to outside movement!!
Ideally handling and training should be done when the snakes are naturally awake and visible and have chosen to come out on their own. Intruding into their space is doing something against their will and usually causes fear, anxiety, and distress. Disturbing them when they’re resting or sleeping and removing them from their hide is intrusive and if done frequently causes distrust, fear generalization, and bad associations with you. They should have a place where they know they are safe and secure and don’t have to be nervous that at any moment their shelter may disappear and someone touches them without consent. It can cause the snake to be reactive, nervous, and defensive or enter a state of learned helplessness. Building trust by letting the snake come to you over time creates a positive e experience for both of you, then if there is an emergency or occasion when you have to take them out you have enough trust built up between you that it should be ok.
Matt S He’s doing really well. I should do an update video. He has been moved into a larger enclosure and he’s in blue right now. I’ll make a note to shoot some footage once he sheds! Thanks for asking about him.
Awesome video, I also keep my Gopher's enclosure in an area where he see's me in passing, it is really a great way to get them use to outside movement!!
Nice pet.
ugh I miss having a Gopher snake. I really want another one in my life one day!
Taevian's World of Reptiles! Neutron is my first Gopher Snake but we also have a Bull Snake.
is it okay to remove them from a cave to initiate handling or an exercise or do you grab him when he's out and about?
Ideally handling and training should be done when the snakes are naturally awake and visible and have chosen to come out on their own. Intruding into their space is doing something against their will and usually causes fear, anxiety, and distress. Disturbing them when they’re resting or sleeping and removing them from their hide is intrusive and if done frequently causes distrust, fear generalization, and bad associations with you. They should have a place where they know they are safe and secure and don’t have to be nervous that at any moment their shelter may disappear and someone touches them without consent. It can cause the snake to be reactive, nervous, and defensive or enter a state of learned helplessness. Building trust by letting the snake come to you over time creates a positive e experience for both of you, then if there is an emergency or occasion when you have to take them out you have enough trust built up between you that it should be ok.
Do you have any updates on Neutron?
Curious how he's doing!
Matt S He’s doing really well. I should do an update video. He has been moved into a larger enclosure and he’s in blue right now. I’ll make a note to shoot some footage once he sheds! Thanks for asking about him.