Have you been a snake keeper a long time? Snakes are very sensitive to how you handle them. I touch my snakes before I take them out so they know I am planning on taking them out. I sort of pet them a little. I send them a calm thought, and I am calm when I handle them. If I can't be calm I wait. I truly believe they sense your state of mind and your confidence.

They are conditionable, I agree with John. You need consistency, and for that particular snake, 3 days a week isn't enough in my opinion, and how your snake still acts after a year is your proof. Unless you see signs of stress, I would handle that snake twice a day, 7 days a week (unless it just ate or is shedding). You don't need to keep it out longer than it takes to calm down. You can tell when that happens because their breathing becomes calm. Twice a day sessions for a short period is better than one longer one for this snake.

Always support that snake with both hands. Remember snakes are afraid when they are in the mood to bite. Move slowly like a snake. Do everything you can to make it feel safe. I agree snakes know us by smell, I never heard about the t-shirt tip before but it sounds good if you think it's you. Let me ask one question, has any other experienced snake handlers handled your snake? This is one way to tell if it is you are the snake you know. I only had one boa in over 20 years of keeping them that wouldn't tame, and he was a rescue and horribly abused. All the rest calmed down for me. I believe this one will too, but try more often. I think the hook is a good idea to get the snake out, try that. Most snakes are much more likely to strike at you when being removed from the cage, than any other time.

Good luck,
Caden

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