I completely understand what you're saying about fear of the unknown. Certainly respectable.Originally Posted by ckuhn003
I think Albert Clark answered well.
In my experience and that from which I've read and researched the majority of bites are feed related or spooking the animal. I personally have not been tagged during feedings or due to my hands smelling like mice/rats. I'm very cautious about washing my hands well after handling prey as well as careful with feedings. I make sure to use proper tongs because sometimes they miss, and rather than miss and get my hand, they miss and get air or the tongs.
The times I've been tagged I consider my fault with the exception of one jerk of a Kingsnake I handled at the reptile shop when shopping for my King. But anyway, the times I've been tagged I spooked the animal and their natural reaction is to protect themselves. I'm typically very careful with handling, but have been a little too comfortable with the snake while handling and wasn't paying enough attention and perhaps taking the animals for granted. I wasn't as cautious as I could have been and spooked the snakes and got tagged.
My advice is just respect the animal, wash your hands before each handling session and use caution when feeding. When entering the enclosure make sure to alert the snake before uncovering when the snake is in a hide. Just a gentle tap or two on the hide will let them know you're there and then lift the hide slowly.
When handling, use slow, cautious movements and try not to make any quick movements near the snakes head.
It honestly barely hurts, but unless you've experienced it, it's tough to not be scared. Look at some snake bytes videos on YouTube. I don't agree with their practices of trying to get tagged because it stresses the animal and can cause injuries to the animals. But, when they do get tagged the injuries to the people are very minor and barely even bleed most of the time.
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