Comfort level with snake

[StevenV]

Hi, just a while back i tried to handle my snake vlad. I did not know that he was in his shedding process because his eyes were not cloudy. He kinda struck at me in mid air and he made this grunt sound. Since then i am not to comfortable holding him. Does anyone have any tips on holding my snake?
Thanks.

[Vypyrz]

The only thing you can do is to keep handling him. It's understandable that they may be cranky and moody during shed, but to avoid handling them after the shed is complete means the snake wins. Also by avoiding handling, not only does your comfort level continue to decline but the snakes tolerance with being handled will also decline so it's a lose/lose situation. You can always wear some gloves and a long sleeved shirt until you get your confidence back. I would also document when he starts going into shed etc. Then you can see his shed cycle and know when to anticipate any upcoming sheds or expected moodiness. Good Luck!!!

[ballpythonluvr]

My snakes tend to be very hissy and cranky when they are in shed. I try not to mess with them to much when they are in the shedding process but sometimes they make a mess and you have no choice. I just reach in and scoop them out and then put them back when I am finished. I also used to be very nervous about being struck at. What helped me was wearing a pair of gloves unitl I got my confidence. Now, I don't even wear the gloves!

[fire-eyes]

My advice is to get in there, do battle, and get Vlad out anyway. Probably not the answer you were expecting, however Vlad can't be allowed to get into the mindset that doing such things makes you go away. If he(?) does, he'll begin to do it more often. You might have to take a bite but BPs can't do much damage anyway.

Normally you don't handle them while they are in shed, however I'd make an exception this once.

[Quacking-Terror]

It's like falling off a horse. The only way you'll ever ride the horse again (handle your snake) is to just shove the fear to the side and reach in and scoop your snake out. As mentioned by others, you can use gloves if that helps.

[Egapal]

Sing Baby Got Back to your snake and it won't bite you. Oh no wait....that only works for spiders. If there was a magic trick to not get bit you would know about it already. Everyone would. If anyone on this forum or any other had a way to make you less afraid you would know about it because it would be revolutionary. At the end of the day you just have to decide what you want to do. Do you want to give up your snake, keep it but never hold it again, hold it and be petrified every time, or get over it and just hold your snake without fear. Pick one and do that.

[DZ Reptiles]

Just remember, the only thing you can do is keep holding your snake.

[Mallory]

I agree with using gloves. You could also take him out of the tank with a snake hook. I would also make sure that you're not surprising him. Let him know you're there and it won't startle him.

[PolishPython]

Try using a hook .. I use a hook for my boas to let them know its not feeding time. Ball pythons not really THOUGH occasionally I have with my normal male because he can get a bit testy in his tub.

[pavlovk1025]

Just grab him. If youre jerky and nervous, he'll be more scared and ready to bite your face off[lolyehright]. Be assertive I guess. I know what youre going through though, was terrified of my killer first bp. Now I dont even think about it, I absent mindedly dodge strikes and move snakes around without a worry. You just have to handle him, and youll learn his reactions and behaviors. Enjoy him.