Dwarf retic still not calming down

Hey all,

I have had my dwarf tiger retic a few months now, and he still isn't calming down. I handle him regularly, and have him on a regular feeding regimen. I have paper covering the sides of the tank, multiple hides etc. All husbandry specs are on par. Every time I come into the room he strikes constantly against the glass. I tried hook training for over a month, but he would just lash out at the hook, then poop/pee all over and try to escape. I was worried about him striking the metal hook, so now I am just slowly reaching in and pulling him out, but he bites me at least 6-7 times before I can safely get him out of the tank. Once out he still strikes and tries to flee. Im kind of at wits end here. What to do?

Some snakes just have a "bad attitude", regardless of what you do, while some really defensive and skittish babies calm down as they put size on them - Your snake sees you as this big, scary creature that wants to eat him.
My suggestion would be to not grab at him at all but do some cage maintenence a couple times per day for a few weeks, once he gets used to your presence then start hook training slowly, you want to build trust when it comes to the big snakes, every time you grab him and freak him out you lose that trust.
Retics are very intelligent animals, just give him time and space. Do be prepared to end up with a sketchy adult snake, like i said some never do calm down - I had a couple large (14'+) Retics that were always sketchy and never tolerated interaction well.

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I hear retics can become agressive if the caging is to big

I don't even have to pick him up for him to start striking. From the moment I enter the room he strikes. When I take the lid off the cage he strikes. When I reach in to clean up poo he tags me at least 5 times. He is a complete nightmare.

Wow man, sounds like the fun has worn off. I sure feel for you and hope he starts backing off soon.

Hey Josh, sorry to hear about the raging retic! Why don't you reach out to Jay from Prehistoric pets, he is a very experienced retic breeder. Maybe even the guy from reptileexperts who is sometimes on the forum? Try sending him a pm. Good luck man, put those gloves on too! :)

Thanks guys. Yeah, this snake is NO fun at all. Its perplexing. Ive tamed down so many other snakes in the past, but this guy just hates me. I wear the glove, show no fear, all that. Doesn't make a lick of difference. I was in contact with ReptileExperts a while back when I first got him. Contacting Jay is a good idea. Honestly I think I need to sell him and move on.

How big is his tank? This is just a wee little guy, right - a high percentage 2015 SD? I'd try him in a rack/tub setup and see if his attitude changes.

Otherwise he's young and defensive, and needs to realize that biting you doesn't make you go away. I have a few snakes that haven't figure it out even after 2-3 years. Sigh.

Josh, I know you said you have the retic on a regular feeding schedule, but do you think he is getting fed a adequate amount?? :confusd:

He is pounding an adult mouse every 5 days off the recommendation of ReptileExperts. I usually wouldn't buy a retic without handling it first, but the ban was about to occur, and I figured vital exotics is super well regarded. He is very healthy, just a maniac.