I can understand not wanting to take a bite no one really does but some have a harder time with it. Try the advice I gave earlier and keep me posted. If he calms down a bit with the hook that is a good sign!! I would personally read that as FEED ME MORE!! but if you think he is full and eating well. Remember when you open the cage (unless you handle him daily) he will go into feeding mode assuming you feed in the enclosure. You need to break that mode by regularity. open the cage and if you intend to take him out touch him with the hook, possibly rub his back with it. This is you letting him know its time to come out, not eat... once you break that response rub his back with the hook and proceed to pull him out. he should remember this is play time, not eating time. I highly recommend the spotter the first few times, especially if you are not confident with the animal. He will sense that unless you have a great "poker face"..

Personally I anytime I open the cage I reach in and pet the back of my snake with my hand. I can tell you if you reach in and get nervous (not following through, or changing the course of your hand if he moves) he will take that as weakness.. and often strike. If i follow through and follow my "routine" he will st his head right back down. Remember these are arguable the smartest constrictors.

Hope this helps,
Ed

[ Reply To This Message ] [ Subscribe to this Thread ] [ Show Entire Thread ]