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  1. #1
    Registered User Willie76's Avatar
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    New Spider - Bad attitude

    At nearly 40, I just recently fell in love with BPs and now have a budding collection. I recently received a new female Spider BP. She arrived safely and in great health except she is more than a little pissy and upset. She struck at me over half a dozen times from inside her enclosure. Not afraid of being tagged, but it's the first time I have ordered from a breeder. I did a lot of research (aware of the gentics with spiders and their "wobble"). And after doing a bit more research this morning, I assume this behavior is just a baby being a baby and is in response to being completely stressed out from the flight, not really being handled in a breeding company, and in a new environment. I plan on giving her at least a week to acclimate and a feeding before starting handling sessions. Willing to give this beautiful girl all the patience and love she needs!

    I was just wanting to hear others experiences and if they have had similar situations...THANKS!

  2. #2
    BPnet Veteran 3skulls's Avatar
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    New Spider - Bad attitude

    My Spider will still strike at me from time to time. I'm not sure if its a Spider thing or if its just him.
    I also have a Het Albino girl that's as mean as can be. Way more fussy than any other snake I own.

    Just keep working with him after he settles down for a bit.

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    Willie76 (02-06-2013)

  4. #3
    Telling it like it is! Stewart_Reptiles's Avatar
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    It is not unusual for a young BP to be what some would refer to as being nippy, they really are only being defensive and do so for various reasons

    1# They see you as threat in their eyes you are a predator.
    2# Younger BP might need a little time to adjust to their new surrounding, husbandry, and routine.

    Prior to handle your new snake make sure to observe his body language; if your snake is in a striking position do not attempt to handle it.

    Always make your snake aware of your presence prior to handling.

    Make sure your husbandry is optimum (security being very important) , establish a good feeding routine, feed your new BP in his enclosure and not outside, do not over handle, and most importantly be patient.

    Not being handled by the breeder has nothing to do with it
    Deborah Stewart


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    Willie76 (02-06-2013)

  6. #4
    Registered User mandalorian's Avatar
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    Re: New Spider - Bad attitude

    i picked up my male spider over a year ago and he tagged me right at the booth at the Pomona show. I was going to turn him down, but ended up buying him. That was the only time he tagged me and he is one of my most laid back bpz.
    Last edited by mandalorian; 02-06-2013 at 01:59 PM.

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    Willie76 (02-06-2013)

  8. #5
    BPnet Veteran TheSnakeGuy's Avatar
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    Re: New Spider - Bad attitude

    Y'all must have some bad luck. In the last 4 years I've had a combined 7 ball pythons of all ages and one corn snake. I have never been bitten(knocks wood). Maybe I'm a parseltongue and don't know it. Heck I've only been hissed at once.
    TheSnakeGuy

    - Python Regius -
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  9. #6
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    Re: New Spider - Bad attitude

    Quote Originally Posted by Deborah View Post
    It is not unusual for a young BP to be what some would refer to as being nippy, they really are only being defensive and do so for various reasons

    1# They see you as threat in their eyes you are a predator.
    2# Younger BP might need a little time to adjust to their new surrounding, husbandry, and routine.

    Prior to handle your new snake make sure to observe his body language; if your snake is in a striking position do not attempt to handle it.

    Always make your snake aware of your presence prior to handling.

    Make sure your husbandry is optimum (security being very important) , establish a good feeding routine, feed your new BP in his enclosure and not outside, do not over handle, and most importantly be patient.

    Not being handled by the breeder has nothing to do with it
    Why inside and not in a seperate containers?

    Sent from my PG86100 using Tapatalk 2

  10. #7
    BPnet Veteran 3skulls's Avatar
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    New Spider - Bad attitude

    I have been bit by each type of snake I own, besides the BRB and Ringneck.

  11. #8
    Telling it like it is! Stewart_Reptiles's Avatar
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    Re: New Spider - Bad attitude

    Quote Originally Posted by DeathByDabs View Post
    Why inside and not in a seperate containers?

    Sent from my PG86100 using Tapatalk 2
    Limit the stress for one, moving a BP from it's enclosure to another place to feed can be enough to stress the animal and lead to refusal.

    Moving an animal in feeding mode is also the best way to get tagged
    Deborah Stewart


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    TheSnakeGuy (02-06-2013)

  13. #9
    Registered User Willie76's Avatar
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    Re: New Spider - Bad attitude

    Overall she has a great enclosure: 20 gal. w/ 6x8 UTH on warm side. Cypress substrate. Warm side around 85, basking spot at 90, cool side 75-78. Humidity stable between 50%-60%. (We're in the North Central US and winters can get dry so I do mist a couple times a day and it will reach 70%-80% for a few hours after misting). Medium hide on warm side. Water dish on cool side.

    The good news is, before I left for work today she was half out of her hide just watching me...no strike pose or defensive strikes. My wife has been keeping an eye on her as well today and she has been out basking, relaxed...not all coiled tight, no defensive strikes at her (her closet is right next to the Spider's enclosure) and out wandering...exploring her enclosure. SO like any animal, she'll just need to be worked with a little more to gain that trust relationship.

    Hopefully today is the start of good days ahead...

    Thanks for everyone's replies!

  14. #10
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    My snake was an as****e!

    All young snakes have a higher potential for being bitey. In the wild eating is very important so bite first ask questions later. They calm down with time.
    I have a male het pied who was an a hole. He calmed in the first 6 months although he still holds himself very rigid.

    "When handling animals be confident and deliberate". Snail to elephant doesn't matter. Got that piece of advice from one of the crew members of mutual of omahas wild kingdom.

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