What is up with my BP????

[astral_dream_god]

Well if the humidity is right...he may be stressed out...He may be trying to hide...does he have hides available in his terrarium?

[Jenn]

Robin hit the nail on the head. And don't forget, snakes are incapable of being mad at you. He's just scared, and/or hungry.

[thefnshow66]

I deal with some mean green tree pythons on a weekly basis and I use snake hooks to get them. I've never been tagged. You just have to be careful where you grab the snake with the hook and you'll be good. Buy yourself a snake hook from reptile online stores and that'll help get your snake out.

[ClemonsKimberly]

Thanks to all who offered advice, just one more question: He is a really big boy,almost the full 5 ft - so how bad does it hurt to be bitten? Just in case, lol!! Im not sure I am too scared to be bitten as much as I am what I might do when he bites! Any suggestions? Im goingto get him out in the morning!

[rabernet]

Thanks to all who offered advice, just one more question: He is a really big boy,almost the full 5 ft - so how bad does it hurt to be bitten? Just in case, lol!! Im not sure I am too scared to be bitten as much as I am what I might do when he bites! Any suggestions? Im goingto get him out in the morning!

If it's a defensive bite - one meant to scare you off - it's usually a hit and release, and it really hurts your feelings more than anything. I always say a cat scratch or paper cut hurts worse. However, given the right hit, it can leave a bruise. But it's a nice bragging injury! LOL

An offensive bite (feeding response), I've been told hurts much worse. That's bite and hold on, because it mistakes you for food.

So, try not to pull back (but that's hard when it's reflexive to do so) so that you don't rip out any of his teeth. Probably wouldn't hurt to towel him (cover his head with a towel, and just gently gather him up under the towel).

[BPelizabeth]

Wow....5 ft is pretty big...he just might be a she. So she also might be in breeding mode among other things as well.

Right now it sounds as if the snake doesnt feel comfortable...doesn't know you....etc. The snake is trying to intimidate you. Put it in the tub...let it shed...feed it...give it a couple of days. Then handle her with gloves or a towel. Once she figures out that you are NOT intimidated by her....then it will get better. This snake may be one that tolerates handling but doesnt really like it allot like some do. I have found that even my sassiest snakes come around eventually.

[angllady2]

Try not to worry too much about being bitten.

Our biggest female, a solid 5' +, bit my hubby on the wrist. Just opened her mouth and closed it again, but she wouldn't let go.

Hubby is freaking out, and I'm trying to keep him calm. I ended up having to pry her off one tooth at a time. By the next morning, you couldn't even see the mark anymore, and it was right over the bone.

So, it's more scary than painful. The big thing is not to try and yank away, like Rabernet said, because that will make it hurt a lot worse. My trick is to very slowly and very quietly reach in behind the back, and gently stroke a few times to let them know I'm there before I pick them up. Now, if yours is tracking you movements, that going to be harder. I think I remember someone here saying the use an object to touch the snake first, so there is no heat signature to track. Something like a long wooden or plastic spoon or maybe a ruler.

Best of luck with your snake, be patient and persistant, and he'll come around I'll bet.

Gale

[ClemonsKimberly]

OMG!!! I think I need serious help! This male is now making this squeeking noise followed by a hiss. I just heard it. This is the 3rd time in an hour. I thought the first time it was my dog cuz he is so gassy, but as I walked past him, he did it and was sorta rubbing his face on the side of the water bowl. What do I do??? My vet isnt open till Monday and the emergency vet does not see reptiles....HELP!!

[rabernet]

OMG!!! I think I need serious help! This male is now making this squeeking noise followed by a hiss. I just heard it. This is the 3rd time in an hour. I thought the first time it was my dog cuz he is so gassy, but as I walked past him, he did it and was sorta rubbing his face on the side of the water bowl. What do I do??? My vet isnt open till Monday and the emergency vet does not see reptiles....HELP!!

Did you get him into a tub yet? Make sure that his enclosure is away from drafts, keep the humidity level up (helps break up mucus - since he's unable to cough with no diaphram), and keep him WARM - make his warm side be about 95 degrees.

And get him in first thing Monday morning. Make SURE that they do a culture swab so that they have a better idea of the right course of treatment (differs based on the type of RI it is).