Handling issues

[Naomiii]

I last posted at the beginning of June when I first got my BP. I had quite a dew husbandry issues which have now been resolved thanks to the great advice I was given on here

However apart from 2 seconds to place him into a rub while I cleaned his viv, I haven't handled him at all. He's approx 3 years old. I tried to get him out last week and he struck at me. This scared the crap outta me. I was nervous about handling him anyway So I shut the viv and left him alone. I know some may say to ignore it and carry on, but it scared me and he looked very defensive.

Basically I urgently need sone handling tips. Best time if day? from his hide? And any other help you can give me.

The guy who had him before didn't handle him much, I handled him before I bought him home and he seemed fine. He's eating fine, he had a crappy shed when I first got him but he's all clear now tho.

Many thanks in advance

[jbean7916]

My first question would be: how often and what are you feeding?

Also can you give your husbandry stats to us again?

sent from my EVO

[Naomiii]

My first question would be: how often and what are you feeding?

Also can you give your husbandry stats to us again?

sent from my EVO

He's feeding every 7 days. 4x jumbo mice a time.

90 on warm side and 80 on cool side. Humidity is 55.

[jbean7916]

Hmmmmm. Shouldn't be hungry (though for your sake i'd switch to rats). Is it possible you just startled him?

sent from my EVO

[GoFride]

If he's hungry, and it's late in the day or at night, he may just be striking at movement. Mine do that, sometimes. They are easy to pick up and work with earlier in the day, but toward evening they start to think about dinner. Since yours has made you a bit nervous, try handling him during morning hours. He should be less likely to strike, because that's not a normal time of day where he would be looking for a meal.

[llovelace]

He's nippy because he's not used to being handled.

Handle for short periods to begin with, then increase handling over time.

[Naomiii]

Hmmmmm. Shouldn't be hungry (though for your sake i'd switch to rats). Is it possible you just startled him?

sent from my EVO

I want him to be on rats, my local store stops selling rats, and he was previously fed on large mice, ( probably nit 4 a time tho tbh) I didn't startle him, I don't think. He knew I was there I woke him up, and Im in there everyday changing his water ect. Shall I just get him from his hide, once he knows I'm there? Is it better for him to be in a ball when I pick him up? Sometimes he's outside is cool hide not in a ball.

[Naomiii]

Sorry my spelling is awful.. I'm on my iPhone lol

[Naomiii]

If he's hungry, and it's late in the day or at night, he may just be striking at movement. Mine do that, sometimes. They are easy to pick up and work with earlier in the day, but toward evening they start to think about dinner. Since yours has made you a bit nervous, try handling him during morning hours. He should be less likely to strike, because that's not a normal time of day where he would be looking for a meal.

Thankyou for your reply, it was the morning when I tried last week. I think I just have to get over the nerves and bite the bullet

[Naomiii]

He's nippy because he's not used to being handled.

Handle for short periods to begin with, then increase handling over time.

Short periods, would that be like 5 mins? Sorry if that sounds obvious lol. I don't want me or him to be stressed unduly.