agression inside enclosure when young?

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Originally Posted by Skiploder

It is very common for young snakes to do this and it usually has nothing to do with aggression or defending the enclosure.

It has everything to do with the fact that the act of reaching in and picking them up is very similar to being predated on. Predators will dig to get at them, or reach into burrows - your arm reaching in to pick them up is very similar and will provoke a defensive reaction.

The good news is that most animals get acclimated and soon learn that your hand is not the same thing as a predator. The other bit of good news is that as you have noticed, most snakes will immediately cease this behavior once they have been picked up. Using a hook is a great way to insure that you don't get bit in the process.

It is important that if he hisses or strikes, that you do not let this behavior stop the handling session. He needs to learn that being handled is part of the routine and that his aggressive behavior will not be rewarded

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Excellent, common sense advice! :)

I would add that you need to develop the skills to figure out what the hiss is all about. There's a world of difference between a snake that's just being pissy about you in it's home and one that is seriously freaking out about something. Learn to read the hiss, the body posture, the vibes coming off your snake and you'll figure out pretty quick what your best course of action is.