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New Honduran Milk Snake... will she ever relax?

dan803

dan803

Born this way
So I brought home a 6 month old tricolor female. She seemed pretty mellow in the deli cup she came in but as soon as I picked her up to put her into her enclosure she flailed around violently and bit me twice. She was moving so fast I just saw her mouth open for a split second and it was just a pinch. I've never been bit by any snake before. It's not bad.

But do they usually settle down? I know this is typical milk behavior (at least the flightiness) but I'm not sure about the biting. Hopefully it's just because she was freaked out from the car ride and expo.
 
Hondurans are known to be flighty and defensive. Let her settle into her cage for a week or so with minimal contact. After she's comfy there start holding her for short periods of time at least once a week. After awhile she may relax but it depends on the individual.
 
Milks are really pretty, it's a shame they are so jittery! I think the biting is just because it's her first day.
 
Touch and go. We have a milksnake who is super-easy to handle and has never musked. The others are crazy musking fiends. Handling attempts have been basically the same amongst all.
 
Well I heard musking usually stops at around 6 months. I did notice her lady parts came out when I held her. I don't think she musked though. I'm sure she'll make a fine adult.
 
When handling don't immediately put them back in their cage if they bite or musk. They will associate biting = being left alone. Hold them a little while longer to make the point then put them away after they've let go and settled a bit. If you want you can try wearing gloves if your tired of being bitten. Also hold them close to your body so they aren't hanging out in midair, they'll feel a bit safer. Some individuals will never get the point but a lot can at least be weaned off of biting once they feel safer in their surroundings. Make sure you are washing your hands before handling so you don't potentially smell like food. Some lotions/perfume sprays etc may also put them off a bit so it's best if you are clean of all other smells. Good luck!
 
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