"so i should handle her less, and not for as long? and when getting her out of the cage, i gently pet her with my snake hook pull her to the door then pick her up with gloves."



That's pretty much what I suggest. Also, don't forget what John said about - "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."



Some snakes are a bit more defensive of their territory (and/or feel threatened while in their cage) than others. Depending upon a particular snake's personality & tendency to bite, I will sometimes use the hook to remove most of their body out of the cage (lifting small snakes out of the cage or lifting larger ones partially out of the cage) before grabbing them with my hands.



One other thing: Always try to end each handling session on a good note. If you've been handling it for 5 minutes and it's been acting good, behaving itself, put it back in its cage while its still behaving.



If you put it up right after a bite or strike, or when it's squirmin' its fanny off tryin' to get away from you, you're basically teaching it that if it acts up it will get its way.





"i would love for her to become as docile as my old 14ft burm. he was a sweetheart, but was never this aggressive as a baby, he was a little nipy but nothing like this retic"



Believe it or not, it's very possible for it to become as docile as your Burm was. However, keep in mind that even Burms have different personalities from one to another.



Patience, with persistence, without harassment, will eventually pay off.



Hang in there!

HH
-----
Due to political correctness run amuck,

this ol' hillbilly is now referred to as an:

Appalachian American





www.natures-signature.com

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