Quote Originally Posted by mr. s View Post
Foschi, why would you promise that this is a feeding response? Perhaps you know more about the situation than I, but as you know, that is not the only reason a bp bites....
Because if he was able to handle it the previous day and it was calm and inquisitive it makes sense. He went to handle it not even a day after feeding and it struck at him. Could have been stress. Could have been cranky at the thought of being bothered on a full stomach, but its more likely that it wanted more to eat. The act of digestion is more likely to keep a BP in feeding mode for a day. Most of the time a strike at you from within the enclousure is a feeding response when its a BP. Exceptions? Of course. A scared baby which strikes instead of balling up. It happens, but again, usually a feeding response from a young one. A sexually mature BP in breeding mode. Sure its possible.

There are always exceptions. Why call me out? Because I dont believe that a BP should be ever be hooked? I have snakes which do require hooking. Out of 30 BP's, some of which do not like to be handled at all, none have ever needed to be hooked. Why would you try to make matters worse for someone who has never cared for a BP and make it sound like a dangerous animal which could hurt them? Hook? Gloves?

I originally was not going to knock your advice. To tell someone to fashion a snake hook from an old coat hanger is IMO terrible advice. Especially for a BP. I welcome others opinions.

As for the OP. Do keep us updated.

Check out this recent thread on what its like to be bitten by a BP and how to overcome any nervousness..

http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...d.php?t=115431

And here is a caresheet on BP's for everything you need to know about their care..

http://www.ball-pythons.net/modules/...warticle&id=59