Help me with this little pet store male....:(

[Willie76]

You know as well as I do, snakes bite for one of two reasons: 1) Food 2) Fear. As long as his husbandry is right on, I am sure he is just a little over protective of himself. I have owned and fostered many over the years, and there are always a few that just seem to be a little more protective when they're young. My 2012 Spider female was exactly like this. She would even strike and bounce off the side of her enclosure to try and nip at me. After I made sure her temps were good, she had decent hide spots, and she had a few meals in her, I just dove right into handling. Yeah, she kissed me a few times, but after about 2 weeks of daily handlings (starting with 5 minutes the first week, then to 10 minutes the second) she calmed right down. She is the most puppy dog tame girl I have ever had now. When I slide her door open, she will actually crawl into my hand and wrap around my arm.

Even my Jungle Carpet (JCP babies are known to be a little more protective) who I have had just a few weeks went from tagging me 3-4 times on my first attempt to get her out (and a few love taps when she was out) to no tags whatsoever the last 2 days. Patience, time, and a willingness to get tagged a few times but continue with a handling schedule usually tames even the most defensive down...BPs especially. You know as well as I do snakes don't train like cats and dogs, but a trust does develop. I have had some sassy kings, garter, JCPs, and BPs and I have never known a single one to remain "mean". There are the exceptions I know some will post, but I love the challenge of the nippy ones. I love seeing their fear subside and realize I am not a threat.

If you're scared of the bite, just throw some gloves on and a long sleeved shirt. The important thing to remember is that if he does tag you...A. It really doesn't hurt. B.Continue with the holding session. If you put him back every time he bites, he will associate this as a way to make you go away. When he realizes his bite has no effect and no harm comes to him, he will eventually realize that a bite has to effect and will tame out quite well...