Question on behavior

I recently got an albino bp about 4 weeks ago and tonight when I tried to handle her she wrapped her body around my hand and fingers, turned her head towards the tips of my fingers and begane to squeeze harder than I have ever experienced any bp ever squeeze before. Within moments I could feel the circulation in my fingers cease and thats when I realized she wasnt going to stop. I tried to put her back but she was still wasnt budging. With a bit of forced persuasion I got her off me. Does any one have any idea why she would be doing this? She gets fed once a week (not today). I didnt have any scent on me from rats or mice. Also ever since I got her every time ive tried to handle her she tries to strike. It was only this week that she stopped and I handled her just fine for about 30 minutes. That was yesterday. And now today it was almost as if she saw me as food. Will she eventually grow out of this stage? She was born July 27.

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She is probable still getting use to you. 4 weeks isn't that long. We're you standing up holding her or sitting down?

She's insecure. She's squeezing because she feels insecure that she will fall down. She's striking because she is most likely afraid or hungry. Its not uncommon for babies to strike out of fright. They usually will out grow it. Its a delicate and vulnerable time for them. They see a hand coming down upon them as a predator. So best try to scoop her up from under her or the side rather than from the top.

Can you describe your set up?

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Sitting down

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Its just a typical set up. Aspen substrate in a mesh top tank. Waterbowl in the middle with 2 hides. Heating is a under tank heating pad and I have a low watt light for the day time since the room doesnt get much natural light

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What size enclosure?

If it's too large, they tend to stress out the babies.
I suggest covering the two sides and back of the tank with a solid colored background. Black paper works really well.
Glass tanks tend to be too 'open' and make snakes insecure. The solid backgrounds will help with that insecurity. Maybe even add some extra clutter with balled up paper or fake plants.

Its a 15 gallon I think. 15 or 20. Cant remember but the sides arent blocked. Ill do that tomorrow morning and hope for the best I guess. Thanks :)

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My 3 month old Pastave showed similar behavior in regards to clamping on for dear life. Like someone already said here, it's definitely an insecurity issue.

Since she's a baby she's not used to being handled by humans but that will change with handling time. I wouldn't worry about it much. Just give her time, attention and care and I'm sure you'll have a happy snake.

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Being that its my first bp it just made/makes me very nervous to hold her. I dont want to get bit after all! :p

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by MrBattery

Heating is a under tank heating pad and I have a low watt light for the day time since the room doesnt get much natural light

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What is controlling your UTH and what is the surface temp of the tank where the UTH is mounted?