Handling tips?

[artgecko]

Hi guys,

I've been working with my little carpet and have run into an issue. I've started hook training with him and use the hook to remove him from his tub. My problem is that once he is off the hook and on my hand, he freezes in place around my fingers and constricts... Then stays there not moving and not loosening up. The last two times I've tried to handle him, I've had to basically "pry" him off, which stresses him and freaks me out because I am afraid I'll hurt him.

I have tried rubbing him to get him to move (as I do with my boas) but he won't budge when touched, will just strike at what has touched him and constrict tighter. I've tried offering him the hook, other things to climb on, and access back into his tub, but he will refuse to budge and remains on my hand until forcibly removed.

I want to work with him and get him tamer and less stressed, but don't want to hurt him in the process.

If you guys have any tips or have run into this before, I'd appreciate your advice. I am feeding him tonight, so it'll be a couple days before I attempt to handle again.

Thanks!

[KMG]

How long are these sessions, or how long are you letting it sit this way before wanting to put it back?

Have you tried letting it crawl on your arm or on a balled fist instead of letting it wrap your fingers?

[artgecko]

Thanks for your reply.
I am trying to keep the handling short, so as not to stress him more... Probably about 5 minutes. He basically crawls off the hook and wraps the first thing he touches. I usually have my hand in an"open mitten" type shape (with the fingers together), and this is what he coils around. I can try putting my arm closest to the hook and see if he'll go for my arm instead.

What is odd, is that he did not do this the first 2-3 times I had him out of his tub. I don't think anything traumatic has happened to him when I've handled him, so am unsure what has changed his behavior.

Some other info that might be of importance:
I've been handling him in my reptile room and it is heated to 78f.. The side of the room he is on might be slightly cooler at 76f (his tub has an additional heat lamp over the hot side).
He is also a jaguar, although he hasn't seemed to show any of the neuro issues that they can have (at least not to any extant that I've noticed). I am not sure if this would effect his behavior in any way though.

[KMG]

I would keep him out longer and see if/when he settles down and relaxes.

[Fireproof]

I would keep him out longer and see if/when he settles down and relaxes.

That's what I would suggest as well. Hang out with him for a while and let him learn there's nothing to fear. I know personalities are different, but I had a very timid BP who would ball up tightly upon removing. So I just hung out on the couch with him and sometimes after 30 minutes he'd finally loosen up and start looking around and I encouraged him to crawl on my arm and from hand to hand. He eventually became a great pet and lost the shyness.

[artgecko]

Thanks guys.

He just ate yesterday, so in a couple days (after he defecates in his tub) I will take him out and try what you suggested. I'll see if he will crawl onto my arm instead of my hand so that I can do something while he "hangs out" with me.

[artgecko]

I wanted to give you guys an update. I've handled him twice since my last post and tried getting him onto my arm first instead of my hand... So far it seems to be working. He did musk me the first time (since I last posted), but he is moving around more and not "clenching" as much.

thanks again for your help! I will try and get some updated pics of him up... He just shed a few days ago, so is looking pretty good.