Bite me!

[Ballpython2]

When these snakes bite do they hold on and "chew" or do the bite and just not let go?

Also some people have said if you tap a snake on the head (with maybe a snake hook) it gets them out of feeding mode...Is this true for bloods? All snakes? or no snakes at all?

Also where can snake hooks be purchased from online

or do they sell them at pet stores?

[ladywhipple02]

I've never heard of any snake "chewing" it's food. Constrictors latch on and don't let go until the prey's dead, then swallow whole.

Also, about the hook thing... false.

You can get some great hooks and supplies from www.tongs.com

[waltah!]

I would suggest hook training a blood. I never used to think about hook training until I started dealing with several adult retics and saw the results.

[mcbrayerreptiles]

The best way to go about picking bloods up is gently scooping them up from their belly with your hands, and No they do not hold on and chew when they give a defense bite, they just hit really hard as adults....I suggest to try not to touch their heads or tails at any time, seeing as that is what tics them off....just gently scoop them up and do not give them a target like your thumb or finger and let them settle down and do what they want to and go where they want to go.
As soon as they realize that you are not a predator, you can usually free handle them just as you would any other constrictor....Hope this helps

[Ballpython2]

I've never heard of any snake "chewing" it's food. Constrictors latch on and don't let go until the prey's dead, then swallow whole.

Also, about the hook thing... false.

You can get some great hooks and supplies from www.tongs.com

oh i meant like i think ppl have said how green tree pythons move their jaws from side to side or back n forth in the swallowin motion?

i though that would be considering chewing seeing as how they do that motion on your arm but your arm stays in the same place as their jaws move back and forth.


ok thanks for the responses.

also i'm worried that once a blood gets to a certain size you cant use the hooks any more because they might break bones or mess up organs because the snakes get so thick and the hooks are skinny

[Ballpython2]

The best way to go about picking bloods up is gently scooping them up from their belly with your hands, and No they do not hold on and chew when they give a defense bite, they just hit really hard as adults....I suggest to try not to touch their heads or tails at any time, seeing as that is what tics them off....just gently scoop them up and do not give them a target like your thumb or finger and let them settle down and do what they want to and go where they want to go.
As soon as they realize that you are not a predator, you can usually free handle them just as you would any other constrictor....Hope this helps

yes that did help thanks a lot.

[mcbrayerreptiles]

No worries mate!!

[mainbutter]

Also, about the hook thing... false.[/url]

Doesn't the existence of "hook-training" for retics and other large pythons mean that the hook thing is true? I've never owned any giant snakes, but I've seen people with hook trained retics and burms, and pretty much yeah they tap the snake with the hook when they enter the enclosure and it lets the snake know that it isn't being fed.

[snakey68]

no they dont chew but they may give the impression of chewing as they try to let you go and get there teeth unhooked. I speak from experience

Snake hooks you need to be careful with especially a big fat heavy blood adult as you can damage them if not careful. I personally dont use snake hooks on my larger bloods preferring to just lift and pull them out carefully.

Never tap any snake on the head imo Bloods especially dont like you messing with the head or tail, and never panic if you do get tagged they will in general try and let go right after but it can be like getting a fish hook out when they get a good hold.

[littleindiangirl]

I wouldn't recommend using a hook to lift a blood python of any age besides maybe a hatchling. You need to work with them and get them used to you lifting them with both hands, firmly supporting their weight.


Trying to use a hook to lift a blood is going to hurt them.

When I go into my girls cage, I make sure she knows I'm there. I stroke her back with my hand and get a feel for her mood. Then just like Justin said, I gently pick her up using both hands supporting her belly and length and keep from putting stress on her spine and organs by completely supporting her weight.

Then when she is out of the cage, I support her length wise on my arm, and hold her upper half with my other free hand. This makes sure she is controlled, and I have all of her weight on me, rather than letting it swing freely which would put unnecessary weight and tension on her spine and ribs.