If you are hesitant reticent when handling a snake they sense this and it makes them defensive and jumpy, too.
You should show no fear. That is why it is best to start with the babies. You must expect to get bitten every time you handle a snake like that.
If the snake is too large, or you're just not comfortable with it, I'd suggest you move on to what you feel comfortable with.
Of course there are a multitude of other reasons a snake like that might be grumpy. No security, no humidity, retained shed, mites, enteritis, dehydration, too hot, too bright, respiratory, Stomatitis.
As long as the snake's physiological and psychological husbandry needs are met they should calm down.
You might try leaving a t-shirt or some other clothing with your scent on it in with the snake.
That's all my ramble.
jsc
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"As hard as I've tried, just can't NOT do this"
John Crickmer

[ Hide Replies ]

• help with my retic - numatik, Sun Jul 19 20:15:52 2009
• RE: help with my retic - jscrick, Mon Jul 20 12:10:22 2009
• RE: help with my retic - HappyHillbilly, Mon Jul 20 19:05:10 2009
• RE: help with my retic - numatik, Fri Jul 24 11:59:05 2009
• RE: help with my retic - HappyHillbilly, Sat Jul 25 00:24:24 2009
• RE: help with my retic - jscrick, Sat Jul 25 13:12:54 2009
• RE: help with my retic - HappyHillbilly, Sat Jul 25 15:47:08 2009
• RE: help with my retic - jscrick, Sat Jul 25 21:13:51 2009
• RE: help with my retic - HappyHillbilly, Sat Jul 25 23:37:19 2009