How do you deal with a agressive/snappy/stressed snake? Training them?

[Skyrivers]

Let them get acclimated. Take things slow. No reason to rush handling when the snake you own will be with you for 10-20 years. You have plenty of time to get them to stop wanting to eat you.

I tend to feel most snakes are never aggressive just stressed and defensive. Time and a stress free environment works wonders.

Also, your temperament and willingness to be bit means the world to being able to handle a snake. You have to accept that on a long or short enough time line you will be bit and that is ok. If you constantly go in with fear and hesitation, you are going to have a snake that picks up on that and gets defensive. Learn your snake's movements and techniques to approach a snake. Figure out their habits and when they are active enough to be handled. You handle them when they tolerate being handled, not when you want to handle them.

Lastly, a snake never has to have physical contact for emotional support. They are not dogs, they can go their entire lives never being touched and be just fine. Handling is for your benefit, not theirs.

I agree. You bring up good points. Allowing them time to distress and adjust to their new environment and providing adequate husbandry is key to the happiness of the snake. Also they don't need us to handle them, but we do as pet owners. I think is good you point out that "eventually it will happen" and you will get bit if you have them long enough. I also think it is good you point out the fact that leaving "fear and hesitation" out of your mindset when dealing with them is great. That way, when the bite happens you don't act in fear but you understand what is going on and don't hurt the snake or yourself more by reacting wrong.


How would you deal with being bitten and care for the bite?
My answer: Clean it out and treat it like any other wound. Get stiches if needed. Try to understand what caused the bite to prevent it from happening again.

If the snake refuses to let go how would you get them to let go?
My answer: I keep some form of alcohol in a sprayer (last resort) near by. Most of the time they let go just as quickly as they bite.