Title says it all. I love this thing to pieces, he's an 11 year old Mexican Black Kingsnake, and I took him in about three weeks ago. At first, he was fine, but once I got him home and in proper temps, he turned into the meanest snake I own. I suspect he wasn't so mean at first because he didn't have a heat source, so he was just a bit chilled. A week after taking him in, I went to help him out of a fix he got into (he was stuck between his log hide and the wall of the tank.) As I was getting him unstuck, he without warning (I'm sure there was warning, but it was dark and I wasn't exactly paying attention) just grabbed onto my finger. I figured I wait it out, but he actually started making his way up to the tip of my finger, when at this point I grabbed the Lysterine. Not too long after I got him to let go of my finger, he turned around and grabbed my other finger. The next day, he ate two frozen mice (both very small) and a hopper rat. About four or five days later, I went to get him fresh water, and he wasn't having it. I didn't own a snake hook at the time, so I just gave him a rat while I changed his water.

Tonight, I had taken him out with the hook (he struck at it a few times) to inspect his belly (just a few scales looked odd, nothing serious.) After a bit on the hook, he relaxed a bit, so I let him wrap his tail around my arm. He seemed just fine until he decided my finger was dinner. There was absolutely no aggression or anything, he just kind of opened his mouth and latched on.

I really do enjoy this snake and the respect he demands, but my dad isn't too happy with how often he bites. Besides hook training, proper husbandry, and regular feedings, is there any way I can get this guy to calm down? Should I just start wearing gloves until he tames or what?

And just because you guys live for them, pics! (Sorry, no blood or anything. P: )