My bp tried to bite me..

My BP struck at me the last time I got him out, so I havent had him back out. How do I handle him now? I am not scared of him but really dont want to get bit. Another question is.. Do you remove them from there cage to feed them or do you feed them in there cage? I have been feeding him in his cage since I have owned him(about 2 yrs.) and havent had any problems but just thought I would ask. Thanks!

I've never had any problems feeding them in their cage.

He could have struck at you for many reasons. You startled him, you smelled like food, he was in shed...
BP bites aren't painful, more shocking but not painful. As for how to handle him just pick him up. Make sure not to startle him and make sure you don't smell like food and just scoop him up.

I say....get bit. Then you will know what it feels like and not fear it. In my experience snakes will sometimes do that if they are frightened/startled or about to shed and can not see you properly. try to wake him up a little bit before you reach in there and pick him up. Oh...and don't pick up on feeding day....they may think your food. Don't treat your snake any different than you have over the last two years.

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Originally Posted by PipeDADDY

I say....get bit. Then you will know what it feels like and not fear it. In my experience snakes will sometimes do that if they are frightened/startled or about to shed and can not see you properly. try to wake him up a little bit before you reach in there and pick him up. Oh...and don't pick up on feeding day....they may think your food. Don't treat your snake any different than you have over the last two years.

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yup. i still havn't been bitten, but i'm actually looking forward to it. just get it over with. lol.

Being bit by a BP doesn't even hurt. Feels more like someone punched you, but not even enough to leave a bruise.

I have yet to be bitten by my BP, and frankly, I wish he would. ;) He's so docile, I'd really be surprised if he ever did.

i wouldnt even mind getting bitten by my snake (it hasnt happened to me) b/c it prolly won't really hurt at all :carrot:

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Originally Posted by Amy05

yup. i still havn't been bitten, but i'm actually looking forward to it. just get it over with. lol.

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I second that, mainly because I'm a bit afraid. Not so much afraid of the bite, just the "quick scare" part of it. I don't wanna get bitten and drop him or worse. Just bite me damnit.

i'll pass. i'll happily be one of those rare snake owners after 50 years of keeping them that has never been bit!

*queen for a day*

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Originally Posted by recycling goddess

i'll pass. i'll happily be one of those rare snake owners after 50 years of keeping them that has never been bit!

*queen for a day*

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Never??? Wow that must be a record!

My BP has never bitten me (but I've only had her for 1 1/2 years) nor my boa. I think it is the sudden lunging scare thing though. My new spottted makes me jump and has gotten me numerous times (but it's hardly even a pink prick) but it makes me jump all the same. I feel so daft, handling a 1 1/2 ft skinny spotted python wearing gloves :confused: I think I have a phobia about being bitten by anything since my parrot started bullying me 5 years ago ... :rolleyes:

Thanks guys! I took him out last night to clean his cage and he didnt do anything. The time he struck at me he was already out and I was holding him. He has only done it the one time. He seems to be temperemental anyways. I had a Boa that you could handle all day and she was so laid back but this guy isnt like that. He just wants to be left alone. It seems the more I handle him the b!t&her he gets..lol

and I get dogged on for being a bit scared..."don't nate out"

:D

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Originally Posted by nathanledet

and I get dogged on for being a bit scared..."don't nate out"

:D

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that and your girlfriend had to get the snake:D

I'm not sure why but I think I would rather get bit by like a 7' boa on the hand or arm then get bit by a little bp on the finger. For some reason a big snake coming at me dosn't bother me nearly as much as little one.

You can take the 7' bites. Mine has a killer feeding response and more times than others, the rat barely makes it to the substrate before my boa takes it. I would much rather take a bite from any of my balls. I have yet to be bitten by any of mine, but I have been bitten 3 times by my friend's pastel

It doesn't hurt... Get it over with! :)

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Originally Posted by Quadrophenia

I second that, mainly because I'm a bit afraid. Not so much afraid of the bite, just the "quick scare" part of it. I don't wanna get bitten and drop him or worse. Just bite me damnit.

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wow I can't believe how many people want to be bitten by there snake. If you really want to be bit wiggle your finger in front of him on feeding day just don't pull away when he does cause you can hurt him.

for anybody who can't figure it out that was a joke.

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Originally Posted by kplunk

wow I can't believe how many people want to be bitten by there snake. If you really want to be bit wiggle your finger in front of him on feeding day just don't pull away when he does cause you can hurt him.

for anybody who can't figure it out that was a joke.

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Anyone just wanting to get bit come see me I got one that'll be happy to help. Shes got no problem punching holes in your skin.. LOL

if you really want bitten i've got a 15' retic that loves to bite and a 12' ana that isn't shy either.

Blimey I'd love to see a burgler come to your place and come face-to-face with those two beauties! Who needs a dog when you've got a 15' reticulated guard python! :)

Well, it depends.. if it is a quick and defensive bite, that is no biggie. Now, if your snake thinks you are food, he can actually bite and latch on and start to constrict your hand.. I had this happen with one of my females. My fiancee' had to peel her off of my right thumb..
To be safe, I would do one of these things:
a) after opening the cage, and before putting your hand in, use something to lightly compress the snake's head, an empty water bottle would work fine. This puts the snake into more of a reclusive mood, not a striking mood; then grab the snake up by its body while making sure the head is pointed away from you and you're shielded by the bottle,
b) use a soft towel and put it over the snake, covering its head and making sure the nose is pointing away from you.. then lift him out while he is covered up.. if you're handling him, just sit down and place him in your lap. 9 times out of 10, the snake will eventually get curious and begin exploring things (the couch/chair, your hand, etc.) Become part of the landscape, like a branch, instead of a predator or prey item lurking around!

Amy, I can help you get it over with! come to work with me for a day and I wont tell you which big females are biters. I can guarantee a bite so hard that you will bleed and cry! :O


You will never look at your Ball Pythons the same!

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Originally Posted by Amy05

yup. i still havn't been bitten, but i'm actually looking forward to it. just get it over with. lol.

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