Advice Needed: A Very Spicy Noodle!

Hey all!

So, we brought our first BP home yesterday. He flew from Oklahoma to Indiana. He's a juvenile. Born on 8.24.19. He's adjusting to his new environment, but understandably so has been striking at us a lot, and very scared. I came home from work at lunch today to check temperatures & humidity to ensure everything was running smoothly and he was very upset to see me. Lashed at the glass a few times and even shook his tail at me. I'm not upset about this, as I know life is scary when you are a baby noodle, and I am sure the travel, stress, being in a new environment, and suddenly being around new people is VERY overwhelming. I will happily be patient as long as need be for him to warm up to us.

Mostly, I wanted to know what tips & tricks you've used, and what's worked best to get a new BP to warm up to you. I know this "aggressive" behavior will not last. I just want to do whatever I can to ensure he is not stressed & happy ASAP for his own sake.

Thanks in advance for any tips & tricks you can offer! It's greatly appreciated. ♥

Mostly give him time. Let him settle in. Don't really try to handle until he has eaten a meal or two. Some people say more. I think it depends on the snake. Onc he gets used to his new home and has a full belly he should calm down.

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Not "aggression"...it's called "self defense". ;) All snakes are not the same, so no way to predict how long it will take for yours to settle in...just be patient, &
for now, give him space.

If you don't already know this: it's best NOT to handle any new snake (any age) until it has fed easily for you at least 3 times in a row, and after that, don't be
surprised if he goes into a shed cycle either, lol...& during that they also want to lay low. Just remember, stress (fear) in a snake kills their appetite, & eating
is "job #1" to support their immune system & allow them to grow into healthy adult snakes.

Avoid removing a snake from their hide (or the hide from over a snake)...be patient, his entire world just changed & he has no idea why...& remember that anything
that picks up a snake in the wild is normally a predator about to eat them! :O Even though captive bred, snakes are "wild" animals that rely on their instincts. :snake:
This is also why we strongly suggest having the enclosure set up & pre-tested before bringing home a pet snake so they can settle in...if only everyone did that, lol.

I agree, just give him some time. Let him settle in and I'm sure you'll see him mellow out in no time. Once he's got a few meals in him start handling a few times a week.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

This is also why we strongly suggest having the enclosure set up & pre-tested before bringing home a pet snake so they can settle in...if only everyone did that, lol.

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I so wish more people did this. We had everything set up and running prior to his arrival thankfully! Have had a few little temp hiccups, but working those out as quickly as possible.