Burmese Python tips?

[CALM Pythons]

Hey everyone! Working with a Burmese male named Dexter he's about a year old or so, 6-6 1/2 feet long but still not super thick about the size of my wrist around so about 4 inches around, gaining weight slowly but surely. Thus far he hasn't been handled much and eats every 2 weeks sheds about once a month or so maybe a bit less. Been working on handling at least once or twice a week for the last 2-3 months, he's doing very well but today there was a mishap and he freaked out because one of the dogs got super close, the dogs are usually afraid but he was running after a beetle that appeared and freaked him out, musk everywhere open mouth going everywhere full on hiss, got a lil kiss to prove the mishap on my elbow. No big deal to me to be honest but Im afraid it might set back the progress on handling. Anyways my questions are, is this gonna be detrimental or do I give him a couple days and try again? Second question, any tips or suggestions as for handling and "socialization"?

Hey nice to meet another BurmBro
It sounds to me like you have a 1.5 year old that hasn’t had much interaction. No big deal.... the easiest way IMO is to handle 5 times a week for about 5-10 min as long as he will tolerate it without getting defensive. You want to end a handling on a good note. After I feed mine are usually asking to come out 24-48 hrs after, so I wait until 48hrs for digestion. At around 7pm they will be cruising around the enclosure or literally looking out the glass waiting to come out. Now initially I had to use a hook (Hook Training) to let them know that they it was me who after several handlings realize i was not a threat. Soon you’ll find once you open the enclosure, stroke him with the hook and be patient he will want to come out on his own. Once they start to exit I let them ise my hand and arm as a branch. I always support them 1/4 back and at the Tail right over where they piss/musk. This can help with keeping piss from flying and give them a sense of security. If at first he is defensive where gloves.
Keep all animals out of the room. My old Male nailed the glass when one of the dogs got into the room. They will become use to the smell of other animals (I have Rats in the same room) after a while. It sounds like he hasn’t had much interaction with anything so that’s why you’re having a bit of trouble. I just started a FB group too id like anyone with Burms or interest to join. Were few and far between it seems there’s a lot more ball python forum interaction. Glad to see you here. Share photos and start a progression thread for him under Giant Pythons
Here is a link to my group share it also if you have a Facebook and know anyone else with Burms.
https://m.facebook.com/groups/870502199821484


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