Aggressive Female

Well, after wanting a bp for a long time now, I finally got the set-up and the snake. Needless to say I am very excited. She is a little over 3 months old. I had her for about a week before I fed her, she ate well, no problems. I got anxious in the fist week so I picked her up one time.

The problem is, I went to pick her up a couple of days after she ate, and she hissed and struck at me. Ever since then, I stick my hand in there a couple of times a day, just so she might get used to me. I tried to pick her up again and the same thing. She has clearly digested and deficated the food, so I don't think it is that.

I just want to pick her up and let her get used to me. Any ideas why she would be like this. (10g tank, temp/humidity good)

There is a hide in the tank currently.http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/j...psSnake002.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/j...psSnake001.jpg

well concidering the fact that i see no hides at all she is probably stressed to high hell and is very irritated by having no place to retreat for security and comfort. you need ot pack that enclosure full of stuff for her to hide in.

Like the post says, there are currently hides in the tank. Those pics were within 5 min. of bringing her home.

She needs two identical hides. One for the hot side, and one for the cold side.

Fill up that tank with decoration and objects to make her feel secure.

Also, get some aquarium background and cork board and cover up the sides of the tank to add security. I've got a DIY somewhere on how to combine the two if you feel like searching for it or I can find you the link.

Young balls have a tendency to be nippy from time to time until they get used to handling. Don't hold back if she nips or hisses at you because she'll think it's okay to scare you off that way. If you just got her, give her a week to get accustomed to her new surroundings. She might just be stressed so do what you can do accommodate her needs and make her comfortable =]

I would leave her alone for another few feedings. Does she strike if you just go in there to change the water, etc.?

Once she has fed for you a few times, if she is still striking, I would use a snake hook to take her out of the enclosure and then try holding her with your hands. They are pretty good at coming around, but sometimes need to be given time to settle in & understand that you are not going to hurt them.

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Originally Posted by ca_101

Like the post says, there are currently hides in the tank. Those pics were within 5 min. of bringing her home.

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you need to post CURRENT pictures of your setup then so we can get a better look at the setup, because if she fees unsafe she will be nippy. you have to let her acclimate in a proper enclosure and she should warm up to handling in a few weeks.

Alright. I'll get some current pics.

The fist time I reached in to clean her droppings, she struck at me. Now I reach in and hold my hand near her, trying to show her I'm harmless. She will only strike now when I touch her.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ca_101

Alright. I'll get some current pics.

The fist time I reached in to clean her droppings, she struck at me. Now I reach in and hold my hand near her, trying to show her I'm harmless. She will only strike now when I touch her.

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im sure with the proper accommodations and some time she will snap out of it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ca_101

Alright. I'll get some current pics.

The fist time I reached in to clean her droppings, she struck at me. Now I reach in and hold my hand near her, trying to show her I'm harmless. She will only strike now when I touch her.

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Keep in mind she senses the pulse and warmth in your hands when you just hold them out in front of her and you can confuse her and make her think you're live prey.
Try sanitizing your hands before handling her. Let it evaporate, and reach right in and pick her up. Any second of hesitation, and she'll sense it, thinking you fear her and making her think it's okay for her to strike at you to leave her alone. Keep handling her even if she strikes you. Chances are she'll only do it once if you show her you're not afraid. Don't over do it though. Too much handling will stress her out. Start once every other day for a few minutes and then eventually work to every day and she should get used to you and being handled in no time. Good luck

The fist couple of times I picked her up, I just reached in, because I never thought she would bite me. Now I'm hesitant, but I'll give it a try.