So the little bastard finally bit me, lol. He's been the nicest snake so far so I still have no complaints, but it looks like something made him testy while I had him out tonight. Or he was hungry.

I put him on my floor lamp since I figured he'd enjoy the little bit of warmth from the spiral energy-saver bulb, while I spot-cleaned his viv and refilled his water. I kept a close eye on him but he didn't move much from this spot.



I had had him out for a few minutes already and he had settled down on me, but he did seem to like that lamp.



When I went to get him again he looked like he was periscoping, which can sometimes mean he's hungry. This time he was pretty wrapped up in it, and I startled him when I pet him (to warn him I was gonna grab him; works fine at other times). He struck at me but missed - I was too fast for him the first time. I tried again and he nipped at my finger, drawing four tiny red pinpricks. It didn't hurt at all, though I have to admit it tried my patience a bit.

No problem. I let him be for a few moments then took out the snake hook, and pet him with that. He didn't seem to mind that, so I stroked him with a finger and he was OK again, though he seemed agitated and searching again. I grabbed him and handled him a little more, gently but firmly, to see if he was going to bite me again. He never did, and I put him back in the viv.

After he was in there, he kept following my finger through the glass while tasting the air. He struck at me a couple of times when I moved my hand, smacking his nose on the glass. I wasn't trying to torment him so I walked away, and he went back to periscoping intently - a sure sign that he's wanting to ambush a fresh meal. He gave up after a while and slithered next to the water, where he's chilling now.

I guess he's a lot hungrier than I thought. I was planning on getting him a mouse tomorrow anyway. Sometimes having a ready feeder like this can have its own problems

I'm picking up a larger viv for him next week when I go to Jacksonville again, and will put in a real branch (sandblasted at work). I think he'll be happier there.