I know I am late to the game here, but want to add my two cents.
My BCI, Behira, nailed me about two months ago. It was a total food response/hoping for food bite. She had her head around the hide, looking for food, and I picked her up from the middle of her body. She couldn't see my hand and got me on the arm real quick. Right after, she let me pick her up and was chill as can be.
I started hook training her. It has gone fantastically.
When I open the tank, I rub her gently with the handle side of the hook (soft handle). If she's looking curious/interested/hungry, I also show her the hook handle and then rub her again. After 2-3 rubs, she accepts that it's time to be handled and happily lets me scoop her up.
I have had no incidents or close calls since I started hook training.
She is a very aggressive feeder and even began striking at the acrylic doors at night when she saw movement. I have since put a drape over her tank so she doesn't strike and hurt herself.
Between the drape and the hook, she has not hurt herself anymore striking at the doors, and continues to be a total puppy dog when handled. She has also made zero attempts at my arm.
Reply With Quote