Hello everyone, I have been browsing this site over the last few days for helpful hints as I just set up my first bp home on Monday. On tuesday I tried handling him just to change out his water dish, and he was a little hissy. Right back in the habitat for him after that and my first snake bite. One thing I have not seen addressed is the fact that I wear gloves when I handle my bp. I gave him a few days off to get settled in, checking by his cage a few times at night when he is active, and he seems to be reacting less and less aggressively to my movements. I gave it a go again tonight, and picked him up for a little bit, only a minute. He was not terribly offended, but he did try slithering away. He did not coil up though or hiss and no bite this time. I put him back near his cage and he slithered to his hiding place for a little bit then came back out.

I have been monitoring my cage stats and the humidity seems to be good around 70 percent to 65 percent. Temp is in mid to low 80's near the middle of the habitat (20 gallon with hiding place on cool side).

Jub Jub prefers the warm side under the red light during the day curled up near the fake plant and under the reptile gym (wood log type structure, pretty cool). That seems to be his hiding place even though it is a little more exposed than the half bark hiding place I have set up for him on the other side.

Now I have two questions:

1. I have not heard any use of gloves on this site, I use non powdered latex gloves so I can feel more. It is more for my well being than Jub Jub, something makes me nervous a little about snake strikes even though I did have an inguana for 3 years, and was accidentally bit twice by him which draws blood, and their tail lashes were pretty good too. So, should I quickly get away from gloves, or should I take my time? I'm willing to do either which ever is best for the snake.

2. Should I ask the pet store guy (who was really cool, and owns about a dozen snakes himself, so he is very knowledgeable) if they fed Jub Jub live or dead mice? I am leaning toward dead feed myself, from what I have read, but if the transition is hard then I want to know.

Any feedback would be great, hope to hear from ya soon.