Trying to clean enclosure!

[Bogertophis]

And I just added a profile picture of Houdini and I, to prove that there have been times that we've been comfortable with each other! I actually really enjoy holding him, but I've only picked him up when he's tried to get away from me, not come at me. Trust me, I've watched videos and studied their body behavior and what it all means, so when he's in a defensive, or strike mode, that's when I'm nervous. I know I need to overcome my fear regardless, when he does this!

Trust is a 2 way street...I mean that sincerely. You expect HIM to trust you (even though being held goes against his instincts) so YOU have to trust him too. Not saying blindly though...learn to read his body language, understand his thoughts are likely elsewhere or on incoming food, & you'll be fine. It's a BP...not a pit-bull. Even though it's not with words, it's still a "conversation" with a snake...using scent, touch & any which way you can communicate that (a) you're not prey and (b) he can feel safe with you.