Taming and striking

[pinkspore]

I attempted to handle my BP last night (he's a year old and hasn't been handled in several months) while he was out and about in his tank. He curled up in a ball as usual, and this time I decided to just stroke him rather than lifting him out of the tank. After a couple of minutes of touching him gently I closed the cage. Almost immediately after the lid was shut he uncoiled and struck at me through the glass.

I find this very interesting since I wasn't moving around close to or in front of his head. It was like he turned around and realized that I am connected to the hands that pick him up, since my hands didn't seem to be his target.

[tigerlily]

He's probably striking at the bigger heat source, or target. In any case, it sounds like he's going to need some working with him. I hope he settles out for ya.

[pinkspore]

I may start using gloves with him so I can handle him without worrying about bites for a while.

[frankykeno]

Nothing at all wrong with using gloves till you and the snake are interacting a bit better. Some just don't take to handling much at all or it takes them awhile. Just be patient, gentle but firm, develop consistent handling habits and routines and see how it goes.

[pinkspore]

I wonder if he's hungry? He missed a meal because he was in shed, and then he refused the rat I tried feeding him.

He's taken a f/t mouse, and he had been feeding on mice with his previous owners, but he's a bit big for mice at this point. I put the rat away after a couple hours and decided to wait until next week.

[tigerlily]

If you feel he needs more than a small mouse, why not offer multiples (one at a time).