Quote Originally Posted by Foschi Exotic Serpents View Post
He was probably not handled much. Do not reach in going towards his head. This can trigger either a fear/defense strike or a feeding response strike from any snake. Use something to touch his body before picking him up or lay a small hand towel over his head before picking him up. Both of these will snap him out of the striking response.

Once he's out, gently handle him allowing him to crawl through your hands. If he wants to crawl away from you, slowly bring your hand up his body from behind to his head. Gently (barely touching him) bring your hand over his head and down the front of his face to block him. This action is often used to calm larger snakes like retics and burms. Over time, it eases head shy snakes from jerking back if you touch their head. It also helps to calm the snake and earn it's trust. It gets use to your scent and slow, gentle touch.

If it was a feeding response strike, then I'd recommend feeding him every 5-7 days. It is the time of year when BPs come out of their breeding season feeding strike and eat like crazy.

Oh, and always put a couple days between feeding and handling to allow for proper digestion.
Wow. Never new some of these things before, thanks a lot! This was definitely very helpful. I'll make sure to keep some of those things in mind when I go to take him out of his tank next time.