If your pet decides to take a snack out of you...

[Crazy4Herps]

I have been thinking about this a lot lately, I don’t really know why… I believe that it is the responsibility of reptile owners to expect to be bit. (Although I am one to speak, I own a Ball Python (and soon a bearded dragon), and I have never been bit, but I wouldn’t be angry or offended or afraid or anything if she did bite me, even if she gave me a severe wound) Reptiles are very different than any other kind of animal, which is why many people fear them. They fear us, too. Even if they grow to trust in you and are normally very comfortable around you, they still have the right to be afraid if they are in an uncomfortable situation, or if they feel threatened.

If you own a reptile—especially a snake—there is a good chance you will receive multiple bites. I think that is something keepers should understand before they even think about obtaining a pet with teeth. I believe you need to love your reptile more than you hate the pain.

There are so many people (probably not so many on this forum) that would return their snake to the store if they got bit. It is one of the responsibilities of owning such a creature; if you do get bit, it is wise to be careful, make slower movement, and don’t lift the hide box so quickly, but there is no reason to return a snake just because it bit you.

For those who are not willing to be bit, I guess there are alternatives; smaller snakes like king and milksnakes can bite, but usually don’t break the skin. Geckos and other small lizards are also less likely to inflict injury.

Anyways, I just wanted to say that… its my opinion, at least…

[Patrick Long]

Hahahahaha

[Soterios]

Hell my little girl almost wacked me tonight. Comes with the territory.

Fast reflexes,

[Darkice]

My main male breeder Leachie draws blood every time i have to pick him up.
Geckos can inflict some damage.
My redtailed boas will bite and not let go. My big female tried to swallow my hand but she couldn't get around my extended thumb. Feeding response can be a terrible thing lol.
My ball pythons are all non biters except for my male yellow belly. He just does not like me. He sometimes bullies his food before he eats it. He bites the poor rat then backs off. Like he is just mad at it. Then after a while he bites and coils. Im thinking of calling him Vader just because of all the hate.

Dogs and cats bite and they call it a social disorder and will try to put the animal down. Reptiles bite all the time and people call it natural.
Its normal for all animals to bite its their primary defence.
I had a water monitor run under my dresser and i mistakingly put my hand under it to pull him out. It took me 30 minutes to get my hand free. Felt like i was getting torn apart by a T-Rex. Good times...

[Shadera]

I've got parrots, so getting bit by snakes is almost appealing compared to a big crushing hyper-stimulated 'zon beak.

[wax32]

If you haven't been bitten by a herp you need to try harder!

[blackcrystal22]

Rather get bitten by any of my snakes then a nice big rat.
Oh the blood blisters...

[Colin Vestrand]

i find snake bites to look worse than they feel most of the time... unless i'm working with hots - then i just don't get bit!

[8Ball]

I've only had mine for a couple of weeks. He's an adult with a very good temperament but I fully expect to get bitten by him eventually. I agree; it comes with the territory.

[Purrrfect9]

I've got parrots, so getting bit by snakes is almost appealing compared to a big crushing hyper-stimulated 'zon beak.

I completely agree with this statement! I've been bitten by a coccatoo and nipped on by scarlett macaws (which can break fingers off if they want to) and you couldn't BELIEVE the jaw pressure they have! I'd much rather be bitten by a snake than one of those guys!