I wondered whether my ten-pound juvvie Blackthroat would bite when I pick him up. He gives terribly intimidating nose-hisses, like he's warning me to stay away. When I ignore him to do holding-training, he tail-whips with accuracy, and constantly tries to crawl out of my grip, but so far he hasn't bitten me. I want him to be manageable if I ever have to take him to a vet. But picking him up and walking around with him twice per week is a chore.

If he sometime decides to attack me to keep me away, I'll use tongs and nooses to pick him up, so he gets used to that. When he's full size, I don't want His Largeness panicking at being dragged to my herp vet. I leave him unmolested 98 percent of the time. I don't want to make a pet out of him, but I sincerely need him to tolerate handling.

I hope this somehow this story can be of help to you.

Roger

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