What do you do when you get bit by a red tail?!

NEVER HANDLE A LARGE BOA OR ANY LARGE SNAKE BY YOURSELF! I wrote that in caps bc I cant stress that enough. Keep a bottle of cheap alcohol near you or hot not boiling but hot water near by. Pour alcohol\hot water on snakes head\body and they should release right away. Like someone has already said do not pull your hand or body part back you need to remember these teeth are like giant needle hooks and pulling away will only drive them deeper. I have been bitten by 6-9 foot snakes( i dont count the bps or smaller snakes since there bites are cake) a few times and its not fun but its a part of the hobby. Never did they try and constrict me though it was a bite and release.

If you are worried about it not letting go, keep a spray bottle wit vodka in it near the cage. If you get bit and can't get the snake off, or it constricts you, just spray a little vodka in it's mouth. It doesn't hurt the snake, but it's instincts tell it that it's bitten something poisonous, since it tastes bitter and nasty, and it will usually let go. ;)

its just the shock then its gone no need to be scared it a kiss just like getting a tattoo

Don’t get me wrong, I think snakes are the greatest pets. However, my advice would be not to own a snake of any kind that you are scared of. It is important that you are relaxed when handling your animals. They will sense your discomfort, which will make him/her distrust you and feel insecure, causing them to be defensive and quite a bit more likely to bite you. Of course, any snake can bite, no matter how docile they might seem. You should always be prepared to handle a problem. Again, if you aren’t comfortable, you will probably freak out if (when) this happens, likely causing additional harm to yourself and the animal. You need to do your research and make sure you are comfortable with the needs of a mature animal, and prepared for the responsibility. If you are scared to handle him/her this may lead to you just not doing so and, like all animals, if they aren’t used to being handled they won’t like it. Boa’s can be the most lovely pets, if you put in the time. I have 5 boas myself and they are teddy bears. Unlike most snakes, boas actually seem to enjoy being handled, provided they are healthy, well fed (a boa who is not being fed enough will become cage aggressive and defensive), and have not had a negative history with humans (though even the abused can be rescued and easily tamed with some TLC). I usually have one around my arm/neck/waist around the house. Sometimes we have a nap on the couch together. They are my favourite!!!

Careful not to jump or panic. If you get bit check the wound for teeth.

My first snake was a RTB, (1992) and I wasn't keeping him right at all . He was about 6ft and in a 75 gal viv in my living room without hides, and was very cage aggressive. I had to use a hook and leather gloves to get him out of the tank. I got bit by him a few times. I know more now and thanks to the internet there is good info out there for keeping one and sites like this to get advice on keeping them. I was a dumb kid relying on pet store info, and ultimately lost him to a fatal rat bite (large rat).

I've been tagged by my blood python... never my other snakes... I did not even feel it, I just saw the blood. Of course my blood python was only 2 years old... so she's still small. When I go in to do whatever.. I always go with the idea that I am going to get bit.. that way If I get bit, I don't react and possibly cause damage to the snake in the process. I'd prefer to get hurt and heal than to let one of my snakes get hurt.

Don't worry.. You'll be fine.. just don't get into poisonous snakes. cause that is a whole new ball game.

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Originally Posted by MasonC2K

I know all the talk of it not happening and how to prevent it is nice but to address the question of what if:

If it bites and holds on, poor alcohol, any kind, in its mouth. 99.9% of the time they'll let go. While any alcohol will do, mouthwash seems to be the most used medium. BHB certainly swears by it.

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Alcohol like vodka, bourbon ect... not isopropyl or other medical alcohol.