Defensive strike?

[Jchris1212]

So I've had my pastel male for 2 weeks now when to hold him for the first time today. After I picked him up, carful to support his body and not to close to the head, his body became very stiff and pulled his head back into the "S" striking position. I only had him out about 30 secs when he struck with I believe a closed mouth at my hand. He didnt hit anything and it happened so fast that I didnt jump. At this point I sat him in my lap so that he wouldnt feel like he was high up and hopfully feel more secure. Now he ate friday morning so I waited the 48 hrs before handling but Im wondering If the one mouse was not enough. I do not have a weight on him, but he is six months and I gave him one adult mouse which seemed like the right size. As a new snake owner it kinda took me by surprise to get stuck at the first time ever really holding my snake. Just wanted to see if any of you have any ideas on what to do or how to approch it different. Thanks for the help.

Chris

[Chocolate Muffin's]

How old is he? Often juveniles are a little more nippy that the older ones. I would say be patient. He has to know what to expect from you and build some trust. Every snake has a diffrent personality and he may grow out of it or it could be his personality. Alot has to do with stress and age though.


Good luck

[Jchris1212]

He's six months......how long are they considered juveniles? His head is so little it doesnt look like a bite would hurt all that bad but I guess its the psychological aspect of it.....lol

[steveboos]

He's six months......how long are they considered juveniles? His head is so little it doesnt look like a bite would hurt all that bad but I guess its the psychological aspect of it.....lol

I would consider him a juvenile until he is about 700-1000 grams and about a year old, then he is a sub adult. Also a nippy young snake is a common occurrence and WILL go away over time. As long as the husbandry is right and you don't stress him out, he will get used to you and the feeding schedule. Most snakes are smart enough to realize humans are not here to harm, but some get confused with food and human.

[Chocolate Muffin's]

I would consider him a juvenile until he is about 700-1000 grams and about a year old, then he is a sub adult. Also a nippy young snake is a common occurrence and WILL go away over time. As long as the husbandry is right and you don't stress him out, he will get used to you and the feeding schedule. Most snakes are smart enough to realize humans are not here to harm, but some get confused with food and human.

Agree - also, if you feed in his enclouse becareful. He may associate your hand with food and tag you accidentally. A lot of folks may advise you to feed outside of the enclosure in a seprate feeding bin, if you are not already doing so, because he is young and nippy. They usually do grow out of it, with the exception of it being their personality, but thats rare.
That's another reason the animal's husbandry is soooo important because these snakes get stressed out very easily, and improper temps or humidity can make their behavior troublesome. Your asking the right questions

[Kaorte]

Agree - also, if you feed in his enclouse becareful. He may associate your hand with food and tag you accidentally. A lot of folks may advise you to feed outside of the enclosure in a seprate feeding bin, if you are not already doing so, because he is young and nippy. They usually do grow out of it, with the exception of it being their personality, but thats rare.
That's another reason the animal's husbandry is soooo important because these snakes get stressed out very easily, and improper temps or humidity can make their behavior troublesome. Your asking the right questions

Feeding outside the enclosure has not been proven to keep biting down. If anything it will INCREASE the chance of a bite.

I feed all my snakes in their home enclosures and none have ever even tried to bite me.

So really, a lot of folks will advise that you cut down on stress and handling around feeding time and feed in the home enclosure

[BPelizabeth]

I feed in the cage as well as it seems to stress them out to feed them some place else. The only time I have ever had a feeding problem is when I fed in another enclosure.

My little butter who is still very young coils up and gives you "the eye". They are still nervous that you are going to eat them. lol Just don't let him pshyc you out as I believe that is what they are trying to do. Ya know...."I am big...I am bad...and I will eat you". Just keep trying a little every day...he is just a sassy pants.

As far as a real bite...I have never been bitten but my husband got bit when feeding our 500 gram normal. It left a little mark and he said...it was more shocking than anything else. Didn't hurt...but now I get to tease him for not washing his hands when handling the critter carrier with the mice in it.

[Vypyrz]

If you use tongs to feed, they won't associate your hand with food. the only times I've gotten bit were because my hand was too close to their head and they woke up and struck defensively...