My 6 foot RTB bit me and I'm a little freaked out

[zina10]

Sorry, but not a fan of using snakes as any kind of "prop". Esp. a dance routine prop.

What is a water bottle going to do ? It will be either to warm (hot water) or quickly cool down to to cool. A blanket does nothing, this is a cold blooded animal. You even admit you are new to reptiles, then why would you want to do this to this animal?

No matter how you make your moves match her moving, that is still a lot of being jostled around. The snake can never ground itself, looking around and feeling anchored and safe. Plus being put in the basket, out and jostled, back in, out and jostled, good lord !!!

Performing can be stressful to any animal, but most at least understand it. Perform >> reward >> relaxation. They can comprehend that. A reptile with their little brain just knows one thing. The whole world just went all topsy turvy. The temps are all over the place.

You risk a bite during a performance, and then the hobby will take another hit with the audience coming to the conclusion what nasty animals those snakes really are..

When you handle snakes, you try to work your way up to mutual trust. That means frequent but short handling at first. Making the snake feel safe, not like its going to fall or a earthquake has just hit!!!! You put the snake back into its familiar enclosure after the short handling session.

True, I used to take some of my snakes to schools for educational purposes. But even then, they had actual TRAVEL containers in which I could control the heat (in the car through its heater/AC and at the destination through electricity) They were handled with respect and in a manner that made them feel safe. And got frequent breaks. Plus they grew up with this and were non plussed.

Find another prop to dance with. This snake may very well bite again, and next time it may hurt worse. Let her be a snake, handle her at home and with care (for her)

Well, thats my opinion.