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  1. #2
    BPnet Lifer Bogertophis's Avatar
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    It sounds like a combination of things.

    -He hasn't been handled enough yet to know you, your touch & your scent. How long have you had him? How old is he- how big? (length)

    -Can you post pics so we can see his body condition? Every now & then a well-meaning owner is way underfeeding their snake- I'd like to rule that out. How often is he fed, & what is he fed? Size & type. Some snakes may have a bigger feeding response than others- much like us. But remember that snakes are growing & NEED food...I've seen ppl feed pinkie mice to snakes that are 6-12 months old- vastly underfeeding them- I hope that's not the case here.

    -Any chance you have some other enticing accidental odors on you? Like from handling prey or other pets? You might try rubbing a little rubbing alcohol on your hands next time you handle- that very likely to be a quick turn-off. (You don't want to be dripping with it, just enough to smell like alcohol.)

    -If that was my snake, I'd want to cure this issue while he's smaller (-I'm assuming this isn't an adult snake?) for obvious reasons. Yes, jerking your hand or sleeve away can easily damage his teeth- it can pull them out, even hurt his mouth. Try not to jerk away (I know, easier said than done).

    -If all you ever do is feed this snake, he has naturally came to expect that anything coming his way is edible. Socialize him more. Communicate better as to what's coming his way.

    -I've been a rat-snake keeper (& many snakes) for many years. I find they're generally smart enough to get my scent & know I'm not incoming food, by blowing air across my hand thru the screen (watch for their tongue flicking & recognition) before I just reach in. If you suddenly just reach in to adjust something, they don't have time to identify you- they just go for motion- & it's your fault. So be considerate- "announce yourself" first.

    If they still seem ready to bite, it hurts nothing & generally "changes the channel" if you give them a light spray of cool water in the face- keep a little spray bottle handy. No, it's not mean...wild snakes drink the rain, & pet snakes can drink from spray or a water trickle. But it changes their train of thought pretty well. Instead of sticking your hand in first, you can also offer an empty sleeve with your scent on it.
    Last edited by Bogertophis; 07-09-2024 at 05:35 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

  2. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Bogertophis For This Useful Post:

    chipu (01-04-2025),Malum Argenteum (07-09-2024)

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