My 6 foot RTB bit me and I'm a little freaked out

I've had my girl for about 6 months now and she has never shown any signs of aggression at all - eats and sheds regularly, etc. I am a dancer and intend to perform with her soon. I had to film an audition today, so I brought her to the studio in a large basket, ran my routine with her several times, which entailed me needing to take her out of the basket and put her back in several times in a row. All was fine during this time. When I got home, I was taking her out of the basket to put her back in her cage and she struck my shoulder. Luckily I was wearing a thick sweatshirt so it didn't hurt terribly bad. I was casually talking to my roommate while bringing her out so not sure if maybe she was in a weird position or something was hurting her, I don't really see what it could have been. I don't know what caused this - could it have been stress from the day? I also normally only bring her out about once a week and this was about the fourth time this week I brought her out. I have friends who perform with snakes and they were shocked to hear of the incident as they regularly travel and do shows with their red tails with no issues.

The other possible factor is that I recently discovered she has mites. I tried treating her with a natural spray earlier in the week but I don't think it worked as she is back in her water bowl. I have ordered PAM and waiting for it to arrive.

She is also due for a feeding, it's been a little over 4 weeks now but I don't think this would have been an issue?

I'm glad to know that i can handle a bite from her, but I don't want it to happen again! And if it happened on stage it would be mortifying. Does anyone have any insights as to what could have caused her to do this?

I also noticed that she has a strange reddish/pinkish mark on the underside of her mouth that I have never seen before. Could this be from the mites? Unfortunately I can't get the dropbox link to the photo to work right now.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/tm1ja5algf..._1672.jpg?dl=0https://www.dropbox.com/s/tm1ja5algf..._1672.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/tm1ja5algf..._1672.jpg?dl=0

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Originally Posted by aliamo

I also noticed that she has a strange reddish/pinkish mark on the underside of her mouth that I have never seen before. Could this be from the mites? Unfortunately I can't get the dropbox link to the photo to work right now.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/tm1ja5algf..._1672.jpg?dl=0https://www.dropbox.com/s/tm1ja5algf..._1672.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/tm1ja5algf..._1672.jpg?dl=0

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I would say that if you are worried, or care about her i would take her to the vet for a check up. Meanwhile, i would not use "pam" if im thinking that the cooking spray? i would order some of this for her https://www.lllreptile.com/products/391-provent-a-mite

Dylan - yes Provent a Mite is what I meant. Trying to upload the photo again. I am wondering if it is a marking I just never happened to notice, but the color is not consistent with any other markings. https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/..._1672.jpg?dl=0

I have zero experience w boas nor any large snakes for that mattee

going off common sense alone the simple math adds up and you answered your own question really.

The snake is scared stressed sick hungry and may have other issues.

You said youve been handling and doing things with it 4x more than ever.

It was out and about all day. In out in out of some basket. How long was it out was heat regulated ?

how the heck did it get mites all of a sudden. Is it being kept around other snakes ??

how often do you feed it? 4 weeks sounds like meal time to me.

I mean no no disrespect but this is an animal not sure what type of dancing you do or what the plan is but it sounds like the snake is some glorified prop and maybe you need to ease it in and cut out the other factors first because it sounds ticked off as I think anyone or thing would be when stressed tired sick and hungry

Sounds like you stressed the heck out of your snake with all the handling and stuff you did, it seems like you had her out of hours at a time and all that dancing probably isn't helping matters. I gotta say preforming with your snake like that doesn't seem in her best interests.

A agree that you might be handling her too much, and not in a way she likes.

The more important thing here is that you have a potentially sick, and definitely a stressed and uncomfortable snake (if she has mites).

She wants to be healthy and allowed to heal in peace. Assuming she is given the proper environment/proper husbandry, fed properly, and you get rid of the mites and potentially take her to a vet for the sore on her mouth, I would give her some time. Also, if she is not feeling well, taking her away from her nice warm enclosure and to a cold and stressful place is not good.

Not sure what kind of dancing you do, but generally, even snakes that do okay being handled won't like being danced with, lights, people/audience, etc.

I think she was telling you enough is enough.

Pissed off, scared, or hungry... = bite

Read your post a couple times. Common sense, no mystery here.
Its a snake not German Shepherd.

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In reading your post I feel bad for the snake. That environment can't be good for it. Snakes are not the kind of animal that you parade around with. They need to be in the warmth and safety of their cages except for the occassional handling in the privacy of your own home.

I sincerely hope you reconsider using this snake in your dance routine. Just not fair to the animal.

What I fear most is that your snake will act out in one of your performances and then once again "snakes" get a bad rap from the public as being dangerous. Please rethink this.

Thank you

Philly spelled it out for you quite simply, and very well indeed!

Gotta go with the others here...

A sick, hungry, stressed out snake that's being paraded around and used as a dance prop is NOT going to heal and will only suffer.

I've seen daredevil/thrill show acts where snakes were used before. I actually got to know the performers well as we worked the tattoo festival together for a 3 day weekend each year. I asked about the snakes and they both said the same thing. The have a shared trust for one another, had been together since the snakes were babies and they were not brought out on stage until there were ready. They also had full setups backstage where the animals were quietly housed between shows.

Get your snake healthy and then reevaluate whether what you're doing is safe for the snake, yourself and other performers and audience members.

According to your post history your boa has been soaking in her water since last fall, so by now you are dealing with a full-blown mite infestation. Given the timeline I bet she arrived with them. If you have other snakes then they will also need to be treated.

Understand that none of your snakes go anywhere until the infestation has been eradicated. No practices, no auditions, not to NY, nowhere. A snake with mites should stay isolated with the minimum possible handling until the infestation is gone so you don't spread them around more. Best-case scenario for treating a snake is two months if you find mites immediately when you bring the snake home. Worst case, which is what you have since your whole house and car will be contaminated by now, is double that if you treat aggressively. Bear in mind that a female mite can go 12 months without eating again after she's had a blood meal, which is why they are so hard to get rid of.

I wrote up a "How to get rid of mites" at https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...e-boa!!!/page2 post #13 based on the two battles I've won against them over the years. Pick out the treatments that work best for your situation.

Now that said...

Older boas can take a very long time to acclimate to a new environment and new keeper. Six months is nothing. The mite issue aside, you're pushing your girl too hard too fast, and she let you know it in the only way she knows how. Babies and juveniles can actually deal with changes better than many adults, especially if the adult has been settled with one keeper for many years and isn't used to being brought to new environments or around strange people.

For an "entertainment" snake I would have gotten a younger critter and conditioned it to accept new locations, sights, smells, etc. instead of starting with an adult.

Hard to tell but looks like the red mark might be a scrape?
Agree with other points brought up. I'll also add - it could have been the stress that caused the bite, a 'just leave me be', it could also have been something totally accidental that you didn't notice happen (said you were talking to your friend at the time?). I rewatched a video I had taken handling one of my ATBs that had bitten me and at the time I thought it was just normal ATB bitey behavior but watching the vid back I saw where my fingers accidentally pinched her by the neck for just a second and that is what caused the bite. Possibly something got pinched or moved weirdly when you were at home and taking her out that last time. Or she had simply had enough.
Good luck with the mite treatments, be vigilant and use PAM as directed.

Thanks for the input everyone. To clarify, I had a warm water bottle in her basket with her and a cozy blanket. I have full respect and admiration for her, I'm not just using her as a dance prop. Even in my performance, my dance is improvised around HER movements, I do not force her into uncomfortable choreographies or anything of the sort.

bcr229, as for the mites, yes I am coming to realize that she likely has had them since I got her. I do not have any other pets other than her. I had never spotted a mite on her before the other day. And even then could only find one. Anxiously awaiting the provent a mite to treat her properly.

Sounds like to me you got what you deserved. Want to hate on me, hate on me. The others just tried to tell you nicely. I feel for the snake, I really do. Sounds like this animal is in danger, plain and simple. I get people being excited for their reptile friends, but this is just abusive.

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Originally Posted by Sonny1318

Sounds like to me you got what you deserved. Want to hate on me, hate on me. The others just tried to tell you nicely. I feel for the snake, I really do. Sounds like this animal is in danger, plain and simple. I get people being excited for their reptile friends, but this is just abusive.

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Wow. In danger? Abusive? How do you figure that? I care for and respect my snake. That being said, I am a new snake owner and as I have done lots of research and talked to many knowledgeable reptile owners, I am also figuring things out with my girl. I want the best for her first and foremost and, contrary to what you have assumed, am not carelessly using her as a prop.

We can only go by what you share...

a warm water bottle????

how long was she out of her enclosure total? Travel time etc? Where do you live even. What are the temps?

i think if you are looking for sympathy or an “it will be ok” you came to the wrong place.

You may not think you are using her as a prop but from what you describe you are and that’s why you were bit and the longer this goes on the more aggressive and agitated and sick she will become.

Most animals dont take well to being “shown “ even dogs it takes a toll on.

My 6.5 foot girl tagged me last week or the week before. She hasnt so much as hissed the past 5+ years. I think i startled her as she was sleeping next to the door and i just slid it open and reached in over her. She seemed as shocked as me lol. She sat their coiled up all looking around. I just reached in and pulled her out and she was fine. She sat on my shoulders while i wiped the blood river off my arm lol.

Well it does not look like your getting the thumbs up on your thread. But look at it this way, you think you are doing no harm but in reality is you are. The community here only gives you helpful advice but some of it you dont want to hear, so you decide whether you want to take it or not.. Nobody enjoys getting bit either by their snake but there is a reason you got tag and you need to read between the lines.

I have to agree with everyone else and say that you need to first heal your girl of her mites first and then continue to bond with her on her terms in a quiet safe environment ... Respect her and watch her body language, she is obviously pissed off at you. Also, remember these creatures are delicate..they are not like a dog where you can take them everywhere...These snakes like to just remain warm and safe in their enclosures.

Yes, I am trying to heal her. Like I said I only recently realized she had mites. I didn't think it was a bad case because I only saw one, after I treated her she did not go to soak and seemed ok. I inspected her and could not see any. It wasn't until after the bite that she went straight back to her water bowl. Obviously I am still learning about how the mites work.

She was only out of her enclosure for a few hours. I had her in the car only 30 mins on the way there then 30 mins on the way back and I had her basket on the seat warmer , the heater, and a warm water bottle in the basket. I live in LA where it was in the 60s last night. The studio I had her in was warm.

I know several people who dance/perform with snakes who also love, respect and take good care of them. I also have seen people who perform with the snakes who use them as a prop and don't seem to have any respect for them - I am not one of them. I love and respect my snake and am doing my best to take care of her. I didn't come here looking for sympathy, and in fact I figured that people would make negative assumptions about my situation, but hoped I would gain some insight on what the possible causes for the bite are- e.g. do mites make them cranky, would having her out more than usual stress her out, etc. Or see if anyone has had similar experiences. I am thankful for the insight that many have shared here. I don't appreciate being accused of abusing my snake or not respecting her, but hey, it's an internet forum and I also didn't go into much detail.

I would definitely attribute the bite to stress.
1) the stress of being moved around from car to basket, to dancer, to basket, to dancer, to basket, to car, to basket.
NO snake is going to tolerate that very well. It is VERY stressful for the animal.
Boas prefer to stay in there safe sanctuary with proper temps and humidity. They do not like to travel around in baskets and cars.
Heck, i would probably bite too, if treated like that.

2) Also, I’m sure the snake is very uncomfortable with mites. She just wants to soak in some 80-85 degree water and be left alone. I had a ball python completely cure herself of mites, by giving her a large water bowl, which she could completely submerge her entire body under water except her nostrils to breathe.
She drowned all the mites, and all the baby mites that hatched, eradicating the entire lot of them. All i did was change the water bowl and newspaper daily, and scrub the tank out daily, and let her soak in her “bathtub”. After a couple weeks, she stopped soaking and was cured. Ive never seen a mite since.

You should NOT be taking her anywhere, she needs to be treated fir mites and needs rest. Taking her to dance practice will stress her out snd possibly spread the mites to other animals.

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Originally Posted by aliamo

I didn't think it was a bad case because I only saw one, after I treated her she did not go to soak and seemed ok.

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how naive...

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Originally Posted by aliamo

She was only out of her enclosure for a few hours.

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what scope are you using the justify the term "only"? to a snake, "only" a few hours is a long time.

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Originally Posted by aliamo

I know several people who dance/perform with snakes who also love, respect and take good care of them. I also have seen people who perform with the snakes who use them as a prop and don't seem to have any respect for them - I am not one of them.

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your small group's lived experiences do not trump the years of research and keeping that are available on this forum. just bc you know other snakes doesn't mean you know anything about the species. and the fact you think you're better than others like you is also naive and laughable.

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Originally Posted by aliamo

I love and respect my snake and am doing my best to take care of her.

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then keeping learning bc you're far from being an ideal owner. any knowedgable keeper would literally NEVER use an animal as a prop for a dance routine, let alone a sick one...sorry, not sorry.

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Originally Posted by aliamo

I didn't come here looking for sympathy, and in fact I figured that people would make negative assumptions about my situation, but hoped I would gain some insight on what the possible causes for the bite are

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great, bc no one will give you much.

if you had a bug constantly biting you, would you be cool? then you get woken up and shuffled around almost daily, only to be paraded under lights and loud music? to be put back, taken out, repeatedly?

not that hard to figure out what happened...oy.

Some snakes just hate people, plain and simple. There is no complex reasoning, they just hate people lol. Live with it or re home them. But yes, first off you need to get the whole parasite issues and husbandry issues straightened out. Then you can see if you can work with her.

And no matter how 'tame' a snake is, they can still bite. Like i said, i got Rosey when she was an 18 inch worm over 5 years ago and she has never hissed or bit. She didnt even hiss or bite when the vet shoved a needle in the lump on her nose to take a sample of the liquid to find the best antibiotic for her. But she tagged me when i startled her and about a minute later, i reached in and just scooped her out and she was fine. Stuff happens.

But again, get the snake feeling better and secure, then worry about making friends with it. Heck I've had my GTP almost 3 months now and never handled him/her. I just let it settle in, get eating good and pooping. Now it is curious as can be and cruises all over at night and even checks me out when i clean the cage and stuff. And it even peeked it's head outside the cage door when i was standing there to just see what was outside and look at me. Once a snake feels comfortable, they will become inquisitive which is when you can start working with them as it will be on their terms and not yours. They arent a dog, you arent going to 'break' them into being submissive.

Heres what happens when Snakes don't want to be used as a accessory.
This snake actually died after.
https://youtu.be/o75uNKEFWaY

https://youtu.be/7ps9jFAKTQY

https://youtu.be/H_RYTHVz95c


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Originally Posted by CALM Pythons

Heres what happens when Snakes don't want to be used as a accessory.
This snake actually died after.
https://youtu.be/o75uNKEFWaY

https://youtu.be/7ps9jFAKTQY

https://youtu.be/H_RYTHVz95c


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Clearly was a male snake!! ;)

I hope you understand everyone is truly looking out for the best interest of your animal , I went to a performing arts school and knew a ballerina that had a mind blowing routine with a long silk scruf with little crystals randomly place she twirl it around and it would sparkle and enhance he movements , plus never have to worry about about a oops of the poor critter using the bathroom on you as well as stressing out a living being. Your noodle should be your friend not your tool you pull from a sack like a magician would a nickel from behind one's ears. Hope she gets better soon.

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Originally Posted by C.Marie

I hope you understand everyone is truly looking out for the best interest of your animal , I went to a performing arts school and knew a ballerina that had a mind blowing routine with a long silk scruf with little crystals randomly place she twirl it around and it would sparkle and enhance he movements , plus never have to worry about about a oops of the poor critter using the bathroom on you as well as stressing out a living being. Your noodle should be your friend not your tool you pull from a sack like a magician would a nickel from behind one's ears. Hope she gets better soon.

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Thank you, and yes, she is my friend. I've been bonding with her over the last 6 months, she doesn't hate people, and has never shown any signs of aggression before this. She's not a trick and I don't think of her as a 'prop' either. I think of her as a dance partner. I never force her into movements as was shown on the youtube links someone posted. I let her use me as her tree as I dance slowly and carefully. I'm sure most people here will not understand the difference and that's ok.

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Originally Posted by CALM Pythons

Heres what happens when Snakes don't want to be used as a accessory.
This snake actually died after.
https://youtu.be/o75uNKEFWaY

https://youtu.be/7ps9jFAKTQY

https://youtu.be/H_RYTHVz95c


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Ha! The burlesque dancer was actually the thrill show act I referenced earlier. That's Thrill Kill Jill and her husband Tyler Fyre comes out to grab the snake.
They're actually really good people, but yeah, the snake is being paraded around, danced with, etc... it's not a matter of "if" but "when".

The first one, with the model, had pretty good aim, but I prefer natural myself.

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Originally Posted by aliamo

Yes, I am trying to heal her.

I know several people who dance/perform with snakes who also love, respect and take good care of them.

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A) if you're TRULY trying to heal a snake you care about do some research on your animal, LEAVE IT HOME and provide proper care. Maybe, MAYBE in a year or two once the animal is healthy and you've had time to properly bond and develop a mutual trust, then start thinking about bringing it on stage. But for the love of the animal, LEAVE IT HOME.

B) Just because you see others doing it doesn't mean you know their husbandry practices, know if the animals are stressed, ill, etc... And with your limited knowledge I'm not sure you would know the difference anyway.

I know several people who do LOTS of stupid stuff, that doesn't mean I should.


Honestly, PLEASE do that snake a favor and STOP using it as a prop (I know, you'll argue it's not a prop, but by definition, it IS a dance prop).
Learn about your animal and raise it properly. I know you may be traveling soon based on a previous thread. If that's the case, rehome the animal or find a QUALIFIED friend or family member to care for it in your absence. Just DON'T take the snake with you.

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Originally Posted by aliamo

Thank you, and yes, she is my friend. I've been bonding with her over the last 6 months, she doesn't hate people, and has never shown any signs of aggression before this. She's not a trick and I don't think of her as a 'prop' either. I think of her as a dance partner. I never force her into movements as was shown on the youtube links someone posted. I let her use me as her tree as I dance slowly and carefully. I'm sure most people here will not understand the difference and that's ok.

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You think of her as a dance partner? She is a snake and a pet. You need to treat as such. She is likely very stressed by your actions.

In some cultures and older traditions, I think it is not unusual to use an animal to "dance" with or as part of a ritual dance. Of course, some end up being sacrificed at the end but there was a dance of some sort, so is that the type of dance you are performing? Some kind of a spiritual dance?

I personally would not use any of my pets for such activities, and I have dogs, cats, etc. None, especially with a snake. The reason why you were bit? Because they are animals. That would be the most simple, straight forward answer. Even if your pet was healthy, it does not mean it won't strike out. Unless you can read snake behavior to the dot, which sounds like you can't yet due to lack of experience, the chances of being bitten again is great. I'm sure if I stress my dog--who is well trained with CGC--she too would eventually had enough and nip.

Being creative should not equate to being selfish. Your snake never had a choice but to be your pet and to be pulled in every direction you want it to take. If you are creative in your art, you can find something else (non living) to compliment your dance.

Think about it this way: You’re in your bedroom relaxing, when some giant thing takes you out and does that weird giant thing that they do with you, then puts you back in your room. OK, fine, whatever, it’s that weird thing, back to what you were doing before.

Fast forward a short while, giant thing takes you out of your bedroom, puts you into a strange box with strange stuff, box moves and shakes for a long time, giant takes you out in strange place, strange smells, strange lights, and does that weird thing they do. Then puts you in strange box. You’re trying to be cool about this, at least the giant and the weird thing they do with you is familiar. Except then they take you out, do the weird thing again, and back in the box again. What the what? And then AGAIN. What is going on giant thing? What are you doing to me? (Yes, she probably was displaying signs of stress). Back again. WHAT? AGAIN? That’s IT! You wouldn’t pay attention when I told you nicely, now you get the bite!

And that’s without the stress of mites - think being lived on by a horde of mosquitos.

If you wanted her to be a dance partner, you’d limit it to once or twice a week, at home, for only a few minutes at a time, and only when she’s clearly happy/comfortable snake. It does sound like your dancing with her is probably reasonable, but the rest is a recipe for getting bit.

We’ve all made mistakes. I unintentionally annoyed my blood python enough that she progressed from body language, through warning nose-bops, a couple mild defensive nips, to full-on KNOCK THAT GARBAGE OFF bites. And it was my fault for not “listening” when she told me she didn’t like what I was doing. But I realized my errors very quickly after it happened, and haven’t made the same mistakes since.


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Prognathodon - thanks for that analogy. Totally makes sense and I figured so much was the case. Just to clarify, I didn't take her out several times during the week for dancing. I practiced with her earlier in the week, then discovered the mite issue, took her out to treat her and the cage, naively thought she was better due to not seeing any and her not soaking anymore, then brought her out to take her to the studio. I am just now learning about how mites work, I was aware of them before but didn't think they would be an issue for me since I do not have any other animals.

To the others, yes, she is my pet and I have deep respect for her. When I said I think of her as my dance partner i meant WHILE I am dancing with her, rather than thinking of her as a prop. I do belly dance and have several friends who dance with their snakes AND have been raising snakes for years and very knowledgeable and respectful of their animals. Just trying to point out that it's not impossible to have respect and knowledge of an animal AND also work with them in creative ways. That being said, I have not performed with her on stage as of yet. I have just been bonding with her and getting to know her in the time I have had her and have only casually danced around at home with her before taking her to the studio for the first time.

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Originally Posted by aliamo

Prognathodon - thanks for that analogy. Totally makes sense and I figured so much was the case. Just to clarify, I didn't take her out several times during the week for dancing. I practiced with her earlier in the week, then discovered the mite issue, took her out to treat her and the cage, naively thought she was better due to not seeing any and her not soaking anymore, then brought her out to take her to the studio. I am just now learning about how mites work, I was aware of them before but didn't think they would be an issue for me since I do not have any other animals.

To the others, yes, she is my pet and I have deep respect for her. When I said I think of her as my dance partner i meant WHILE I am dancing with her, rather than thinking of her as a prop. I do belly dance and have several friends who dance with their snakes AND have been raising snakes for years and very knowledgeable and respectful of their animals. Just trying to point out that it's not impossible to have respect and knowledge of an animal AND also work with them in creative ways. That being said, I have not performed with her on stage as of yet. I have just been bonding with her and getting to know her in the time I have had her and have only casually danced around at home with her before taking her to the studio for the first time.

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i came down pretty harsh on you earlier, which i really hope you didn't take personal offense to. i'm sorry if i ended up offending you, as that wasn't my intention. you're here to correct your mistakes and i really hope you take everyone's words to heart. we only want what's best for your girl.

first and foremost you need to get her healthy. you shouldn't even be thinking about her performing; she does NOTHING besides eat, sleep, drink and poop until she is 100% better. once she's healthy, you need to go sloooooooooooooooow. the pace you were working her at before might have been a bit much (with or without mites) so take things on her time. she also might be freaked out from the last experience so you need to make sure she is TOTALLY comfortable before you push her any further.

honestly, knowing my own snakes (i keep no boas) i would probably work with them for almost a year before i was confident they could "perform." but i really don't know much about boas or performing with snakes lol.

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Originally Posted by aliamo

Just trying to point out that it's not impossible to have respect and knowledge of an animal AND also work with them in creative ways.

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you're absolutely right, and i hope you're not one of those people who don't respect the animals. :) that fact that you're trying is more than we've seen from other people who've had much worse situations than your own. i just wanted to come back around and say no hard feelings. lord knows i'm no perfect snake keeper...

Sorry, but not a fan of using snakes as any kind of "prop". Esp. a dance routine prop.

What is a water bottle going to do ? It will be either to warm (hot water) or quickly cool down to to cool. A blanket does nothing, this is a cold blooded animal. You even admit you are new to reptiles, then why would you want to do this to this animal?

No matter how you make your moves match her moving, that is still a lot of being jostled around. The snake can never ground itself, looking around and feeling anchored and safe. Plus being put in the basket, out and jostled, back in, out and jostled, good lord !!!

Performing can be stressful to any animal, but most at least understand it. Perform >> reward >> relaxation. They can comprehend that. A reptile with their little brain just knows one thing. The whole world just went all topsy turvy. The temps are all over the place.

You risk a bite during a performance, and then the hobby will take another hit with the audience coming to the conclusion what nasty animals those snakes really are..

When you handle snakes, you try to work your way up to mutual trust. That means frequent but short handling at first. Making the snake feel safe, not like its going to fall or a earthquake has just hit!!!! You put the snake back into its familiar enclosure after the short handling session.

True, I used to take some of my snakes to schools for educational purposes. But even then, they had actual TRAVEL containers in which I could control the heat (in the car through its heater/AC and at the destination through electricity) They were handled with respect and in a manner that made them feel safe. And got frequent breaks. Plus they grew up with this and were non plussed.

Find another prop to dance with. This snake may very well bite again, and next time it may hurt worse. Let her be a snake, handle her at home and with care (for her)

Well, thats my opinion.

Well to each their own, your not trying to argue and I understand what your saying but you aren't on the same page. Several people do all kinds of things as you mentioned other people use their snakes in a routine but that doesnt mean its right. Be prepared to get tagged because Boa's dont play around. When they dont like things they let you know they dont hide their head like a Ball Python. If you do get Bit agian I hope your anake doesnt loose teeth because that can start a whole nother problem and infection. If your the main attraction and your Belly Dancing as a Man I can tell you the last thing Im going to care about is if you have a snake or not while I'm watching you [emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]


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Originally Posted by zina10

You risk a bite during a performance, and then the hobby will take another hit with the audience coming to the conclusion what nasty animals those snakes really are..

When you handle snakes, you try to work your way up to mutual trust. That means frequent but short handling at first. Making the snake feel safe, not like its going to fall or a earthquake has just hit!!!! You put the snake back into its familiar enclosure after the short handling session.

Find another prop to dance with. This snake may very well bite again, and next time it may hurt worse. Let her be a snake, handle her at home and with care (for her)

Well, thats my opinion.

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Originally Posted by CALM Pythons

Well to each their own, your not trying to argue and I understand what your saying but you aren't on the same page. Several people do all kinds of things as you mentioned other people use their snakes in a routine but that doesnt mean its right. Be prepared to get tagged because Boa's dont play around. When they dont like things they let you know they dont hide their head like a Ball Python. If you do get Bit agian I hope your anake doesnt loose teeth because that can start a whole nother problem and infection. If your the main attraction and your Belly Dancing as a Man I can tell you the last thing Im going to care about is if you have a snake or not while I'm watching you [emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]


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Like the others I quoted have said, you're putting yourself and the snake at risk, as well as potentially darkening the already black eye the snake community already has.

I'm not trying to be rude, but I am serious about drilling home a point. This is A LIVING ANIMAL, and a WILD animal. That being said, I'm not 100% opposed to snakes as "props" in entertainment. I mentioned in my first reply on this thread that I got to know a daredevil/thrill show act years ago. They had been working with those animals for YEARS, since the snakes were babies. It took YEARS of developing a mutual trust before these animals were ready. And....CALM Pythons even managed to find a video of Jill getting tagged in the face. So, accidents happen. BUT, the point I'm trying to make is this: NEITHER YOU NOR YOUR SNAKE ARE READY FOR WHAT YOU'RE TRYING TO DO.

If you're intent on making this dancing with snakes thing a reality you NEED to put it on the back burner for a few YEARS. Get yourself a juvenile snake and bond with tje animal, develop a mutual trust with the animal. Then, a few YEARS down the road revisit the situation. If you still want to do it explore your options then.

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Originally Posted by aliamo

Thank you, and yes, she is my friend. I've been bonding with her over the last 6 months, she doesn't hate people, and has never shown any signs of aggression before this. She's not a trick and I don't think of her as a 'prop' either. I think of her as a dance partner. I never force her into movements as was shown on the youtube links someone posted. I let her use me as her tree as I dance slowly and carefully. I'm sure most people here will not understand the difference and that's ok.

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handling her once a week is not bonding I'm sorry lol. I take my ball python out as much as I can, as long as she hasn't just eaten or is in shed. now it is to the point where she will wait for me to take her out, and she is 8 months old. she sleeps on my chest while I watch TV, that's a bond. I would start my acclimating your friend to a little more handling, and definitely not while she's hungry (which btw you should feed her more often unless she is refusing) you need to gain a mutual trust with her before you start taking her to strange, probably noisey, flashy places for prolonged amounts of time. your snake is no where near ready for "preforming" and if that is your intention maybe you should get a gig with an already preforming snake and treat yours as she should be treated.