Sounds like when i got my first retic last May. He was 6 foot when i got him and being fed 5 gerbils at a time. Switched him over to Guinea pigs and rabbits and now he's almost 10 feet and a lil over a year old.

The pet shop i got him from was afraid to handle him, and from what they told me only one woman ever handled him. They gave him to me for a huge pueblan milk, and once i got him home and fed for the first time, i worked on the handling. ive found using a hook is good for giving a tap to let him know you are there and check the snakes mood. i would then move him a bit to pick him up from about 1/4 to 1/3 they way down his body, letting the tail warp my arm and use a roll of paper towels to block any possible bites. I used this technique with crocodilians and it works good with "iffy" snakes. fortunatly my boy is a total wuss and lets me do anything. go figuire.

right now just work on getting 5 min handling sessions, and be as gentle and deliberate as possible. Retics remember, and you are working on building a trusting relationship. Any experience with you should be a positive one. good luck and keep us posted!

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