New owner advice

[dakski]

Thank you!

Right now the entrance is not big enough to pass a plate or something like that, the terrarium is not very big (it's way too big for him though), I plan to change it when he has a grown up size.

So far, when I need to change the water, I just do it without any precautions and nothing has happened. I also do it when I have him on me when I handle him.

The only time he bit me is because I had the horrible idea to lift him with the hook, plus his tail got a bit stuck in the cave when I pulled, so he gave me a defensive bite (that hurt nothing), nothing apart from that. He is 2 months old btw

I agree with what's been said.

I will say that, per the hook training thread, the hook should be used to let the snake know you are there, and not to pick them up, especially ground dwellers/burrowers like BP's. They have heavy body and the pressure a small hook can cause centralized on part of a BP's body can be painful and even hurt the snake. First, I use the handle of the hook to let the snake know I am there. Secondly, the handle is thicker and gives a long area for the snake to grab if they want. I imagine most BP's won't, but my Carpet Python and Boas enjoy grabbing and wrapping the hook periodically.

In terms of bites, as you said, they really don't hurt much (from even larger BP's and many smaller snakes), it's the fear factor and speed at which it can happen (worst bite I've had was from a Children's Python adult who was chill and then decided my hand was food - so speed bites aren't the only ones ). Remember, most bites are your fault for not reading your snake well, or being hesitant, or scary to them. Snakes bite for 2 reasons. Hunger and fear. That's it. They also don't hold grudges or get mad, etc. They don't have the capacity for it.

He's still very young and will likely outgrow the biting. Over time and with respect, he will learn to trust you (and others).

In terms of getting to know you, I think many snakes do recognize us by scent, but generally, once they learn to trust humans, are good with all humans who support their bodies and treat them with respect. They don't love or prefer one human over another. To them, we are just big warm trees.

I keep saying respect, because I do believe that being respectful, gentle, and kind, with most animals pays dividends. We have to trust as well, not just them.

Lizards can be different. Monitors, for example, are very smart and skeptical. This means they need to learn to trust and often one person. My Blue Tongue Skink, Frank, is discriminant. He will eat out of my hand, but often not strangers' hands. Once I get him in food mode though, he's a little more flexible. Still even for a calm and trusting species, like BTS, they tend to recognize their keeper and food provider over others.