New baby keeps trying to strike - HELP!

[Prognathodon]

Odds are that the snake will settle down with time, growing up, and gentle handling.

Yes, you probably did try handling it too soon - most recommendations are to wait at least a week before handling. As a first-time snake owner you were probably less than confident (not picking on you, just what happens without much experience), which will also make the snake nervous.

2 hides should be sufficient, but make sure they're snug, the snake will be happier in a tight hide than with one that's too big. You can also increase baby's security by cluttering up the tank with aquarium plants, crumpled up paper, etc.

You're on the right track with the question about what to do when it does strike - if you leave it alone or put it back in the tank after striking, it'll learn that's how to get left alone.

Use the search function and look for a thread in the last week or so started by AKADave, which includes a video with handling tips.

It may help to explain to your daughter that the snake is scared, because to a baby BP humans are giant giant scary monsters that are bigger than its whole house, and you just lifted its bedroom off of it when it was trying to hide under its bed. Its new home is also probably not exactly the same as what it was where it came from, so it also had a scary move yesterday on top of all that.


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