Our new BP (9mths?) seems stressed/frightened - help a newbie out

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Originally Posted by babyknees

what size enclosure is he in?

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For now hes in a 20 long. I'm happy with the temps and humidity now and they seem stable. He moves easily from hide to hide throughout the day to regulate so all seems well there.

Sheldon has now been with us for just over a month. He has had 4 meals and taken them all with no issue. My concern is that he is still very aggressive. We have left him alone aside from the feeding and removal of waste. Despite my assurances to my daughter that he will be fine - shes frightened of him. She actually wants to get rid of him.

What else can we do to get him to calm down?

At this point you need to hold him, I would try holding him for 10 minutes every other day. It will take time. But almost every BP that is aggressive as a youngster will calm down with time.

How exactly is he being aggressive? Is he striking at you? Is it possible that you are mistaking defensive behavior for aggression? How is he once you have him out of the cage? Many snakes will be defensive when in their cage but once you get them out they are fine.

I suppose it could be defensive. There just is no way to really get him out of his enclosure without him striking. Despite the calls of "BP bite wont hurt that much" I cant make my brain know that. I only have one good hand at the moment so its difficult.

I got him out to take those pics, but it wasnt easy. And he stayed in that striking position the entire time. At this point, seeing as how he was always meant to be a pet for the family, I may just have to move on. If there is anyone in the Chicago area that is interested in him, please send me a message. Hes a beautiful python so I'm sure someone with more experience could do him justice. We'll stick to the corns.:(