Nippy RTB

[Jackie]

I've had my RTB for a while now, and I can only handle him by throwing a towel over him from his enclosure. When he hears the top open, he immediately goes into a striking pose. I've even caught him strike at the glass when someone walks by. I was thinking it was a feeding response because I've only caught him doing this close to feeding time. Any ideas? He's still quite young.


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[Raven01]

This was something I had to get used to with my BCL.
Open cage ='s insta-strike pose and at first occasional strikes at shadows near her cage close to feeding day(a lot of this seemed to be curiosity and just wanting to be prepared as despite being ready to strike she ignored my hand never mistaking it for a prey item). She still has not actually bitten me or even tried. I've never used a towel but, will use a snake hook to re-enforce that the cage is not open for feeding time. She very quickly learned the difference and takes her time in deciding if she should get excited about a meal coming or just chill now.
Keep working with the animal and you will likely have a docile snake in no time.

[DooLittle]

You may want to hook train it. My male used to get really excited when a door would open. He has since been hook trained and is fine.

[Evenstar]

And some babies will do this when they feel insecure. Make sure the tub/cage is situated in a quiet room and you are giving your baby enough time to settle in. Hide boxes are good for young boas. Boas are not generally as shy as BPs, but they do need to feel secure. You might even have to black out the sides and back of the enclosure.

I would avoid throwing a towel on him. He will begin to expect that and from the snake's point of view, that would be quite terrifying. Hook training is a much better way to help him overcome the fear and aggression.

[Jackie]

You may want to hook train it. My male used to get really excited when a door would open. He has since been hook trained and is fine.

I'm sorry, I'm unfamiliar with hook training. A little help?!


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[bcr229]

I'm sorry, I'm unfamiliar with hook training. A little help?!


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Go to youtube and search for "hook train snake".

[Evenstar]

It's not hard. Just use a snake hook to scoop up your snake. They will usually wrap around the hook instinctively. Once out of the enclosure, you can generally slide them off the hook.

[DooLittle]

I just rub mine with the hook. Usually on the top of his head, then grab him out. If I scoop him with the hook, he can be a real pain to get off of it...:p

[Jackie]

Thanks everyone for the advice! We will get working once I can get a hook. Best do it now before he gets too big.


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