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Old 06-16-2018, 11:53 AM   #10
maausen
Quote:
Originally Posted by Twolunger View Post
That doesn't sound like a food response, however eliminating the possibility will allow you to move along to the other means of taming him. The gentle approach we usually follow probably won't work with him. Wear the gloves and if he strikes at one hand, pick him up with the other. If he is truly scared he will attempt to flee. Try to keep moving him from hand to hand until he calms down. He may musk, or expel feces, so you may want to have an old towel handy. Being timid in handling him will probably only encourage the bad behavior, so be carefully forceful. I would work with him every day and even twice a day if you have time.
I will work up to working with him so much for sure.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Raven View Post
There is a lot going on with your snake here. Definitely feed him in a separate area and use tongs. Try feeding frozen not live as well. I would also suggest going into the room that he's in calmly and ignoring him. Don't even look at the tank or react to it. Go sit near the tank if possible and read a book or play on your phone. Let your snake do his thing. Don't react to him or look. Once he stops reacting to your presence give it another minute and then leave. Repeat this process randomly a few times a day increasing your stay time.

Handling him will take some bravery on your part. Again, it's important to stay calm and nonreactive. Wash your hands and arms really well before putting your hands in his tank! Wear gloves. In your case you may need ones that come up your arms a bit or wear long sleeves to give you more confidence. I like gardening gloves (or the winter gloves with smooth rubber gripper bumps), they are thick enough but you can still control fine movements. You won't feel him strike you even if he tries. I don't wash my gloves (unless handling multiple snakes or soiled) that way they smell like the snake I am working with. Do not work with this snake while he is in shed or the day or so following. Give him his space during that time period.

Start with just calmly having your hand in the tank (this step does not work for all snakes and you may need to work with him out of the tank first then do this, but it is worth a shot). Remain still, let him explore and throw a fit. Don't try to pick him up and don't move. The goal is for him to realize that you are not a threat and he's not going to scare you away. Once he calms down take your hand out. Repeat this a few times during the day.

You will need to handle him more often than other snakes initially for small intervals. Again, with gloves. You may want to try a snake hook too. Calmly and confidently take him out. There is a possibility of him musking (which will smell bad very bad). If he is near your bed or furniture, I'd cover it first just in case. I had one that would whip her tail around while musking. Your snake will most likely be moving fast in an attempt to get away from you. Just keep moving your hands to maintain contact calmly but confidently (possibly a bit more firmly than your relaxed snakes). Once he relaxes, give it another minute or so and calmly put him back and leave him. Increase the times you are holding him after he calms down. Try to time some of these sessions with when he is naturally out and exploring.

Good luck! I hope it helps and keep us posted.
Yesterday I had to clean his tank so I had to get him out in order to clean. He was the normal pissed off guy I usually see but the gloves and long sleeves definitely helped. Is there any chance he would wrap and constrict? I guess that is my only concern.

I also noticed when I am holding him he has his head against my hand or arm and just barely flicks his tongue out. He moves slowly up and down my arm as if trying to find a spot he smells specifically before opening his jaws slowly and biting down. It is very weird. Instead of just nipping at me he does it slow and menacingly haha