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Re: More frequent bites?
 Originally Posted by PecanPied
Evening! My BP just turned 2 at the beginning of the month, and he’s also struck at me twice in the last two weeks. One was successful (and completely my fault, I’d scared him with the mister) but the second seemed relatively unprovoked? It was near feeding time, but he hadn’t even SEEN the mouse before striking for my hand (which was NOT holding the mouse, but adjusting his hide so it wouldn’t crush his head after he moved under it)
Should I take both of these at face value as completely separate instances? Or do snakes just become more prone to biting as they age? He’s never even moved to strike at me before, he’s an absolute sweetheart who loves to climb and I really would like to know if this is just a part of him aging or if I’ve done something to cause him such intense distress.
Most snakes are LESS prone to bite us as they get older, once we have kept them longer. Mostly because by that time, we've learned not to wave our hands within reach when they're hungry and smelling food in the room, & not to startle them with other things. Every snake is an individual- some are more jumpy than others, just like us, but if you don't want to earn bites from your snake, you need to remember that he doesn't recognize you visually- what he reacts to is something nearby or approaching that's warm & wiggling (moving).
To your snake, that could be food or a threatening predator, so it's always up to you not to startle him & to give him clues so he knows what's going on. Scent & touch help a lot- sometimes just blowing air across your hand in the direction of the snake will give him enough of your scent to go on, but many here like to use "touch" also- & since it's wise not to risk your hand, look into "hook training". I also hope you're using feeding tongs to offer his food?
It's also possible that your snake is not being fed enough for his growing body, so you might reassess his size versus what you're feeding. A hungry snake will be thinking "FOOD!" & it's up to you to know that & change his mind before getting within range. It takes practice to read a snakes body language but it gets easier & sure beats getting bit.
Even after you feed a snake & they're 'full'- they may still be in "feed mode" for hours or even a day or more, when they're still likely to nail anything (ie. you) that's within reach & might be edible- so make sure you ALWAYS signal your snake that you're not incoming food- it's good manners (so you don't startle them) & in your best interest to avoid bites. Your snake doesn't actually want to bite YOU- but they don't know that ahead of time without more information.
Just because you can't talk to a snake (& have them hear you) doesn't mean you shouldn't always communicate with them- that will keep them calmer too, when they understand what's going on.
Last edited by Bogertophis; 12-18-2022 at 09:04 PM.
Rudeness is the weak man's imitation of strength.
Eric Hoffer (1902 - 1983)
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” ~ Gandhi
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The Following 3 Users Say Thank You to Bogertophis For This Useful Post:
Armiyana (12-18-2022),dakski (12-18-2022),Homebody (12-18-2022)
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