Defensive BP

[Skiploder]

I got a young BP shipped to me that was pretty worked-up when I received him. I've had him a number of weeks now and done all the stuff you're generally supposed to do to calm him down (Didn't handle for a week and then only take him out for 10 minutes or so a couple times each week). He's in a tub, in a quiet area, and is eating well but still very defensive when I go to handle him.

Anyone have any additional tricks they use to calm down a defensive/striking BP? Does it help to not handle him for a long period, say, three-four weeks or do I need to just work through this?

How is he once you've picked him up?

Young snakes are often very defensive - it comes with being near the bottom of the food chain. It's not uncommon when they're small..........

Different snakes react differently to handling. You've used all the tricks. He'll calm down in his own time. I would handle him minimally until he shows some signs of calming down.

When you do attempt handle him, make sure you don't show him that his behavior will be rewarded by aborting the handling session.