Effects of enrichment and handling on the behavior of captive corn snakes (Pantherophis guttatus)

The vendors of pet snakes in exhibitions do not use a hide box in their enclosures, so there is a risk of inappropriate handling by customers. This study investigated the effects of enrichment (a hide box) and handling duration (5 and 10 minutes) on the behavior of captive corn snakes (n=8). During period 1 (weeks 1-4), snakes were kept in standard enclosures with sawdust and a water bowl. In period 2 (weeks 5-8), a hide box was added. An instantaneous time and scan sampling observation technique was used. Observations were conducted two hours per week during the 1st -3rd week of each period, recording the general behavior and body postures of the snakes every 5 minutes. In the 4th week of each period, the snakes were handled for 5 minutes on Saturday and 10 minutes on Sunday, with their behavior recorded for 5 minutes post-handling. Results showed that adding a hide box significantly decreased locomotion, digging and soaking (P<0.05). The snakes frequently used the hide box and were tightly coiled 25.61% of the observation time. However, the other body postures showed no significant differences between periods. There were no significant effects of periods and handling duration on behavioral duration, except that a 10-minute handling in period 2 made the snakes more inactive (P<0.05). After a 5-minute handling, the snakes were more active than after a 10-minute handling (P<0.05). In conclusion, adding a hide box to enclosures allowed snakes to exhibit their natural behavior. While enrichment and handling duration did not significantly affect overall behaviors, longer handling durations under enrichment conditions did influence activity levels. Further research is needed to find clearer explanations.