Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a 4 month old male suriname bcc which really hisses and strikes alot when im trying to get him out of the enclosure. If I reach in by hand he will strike and hiss and huff and puff. If I hook him and then reach under him he calms down, and I can handle him without any more problems. I would like to break him of this behavior if possible, but I am wondering what the best way to do this is. I am tempted to just reach in by hand and let him bite me a few times while removing him just to see if he will learn that his behavior is not going to work. But I have not done that yet. If anyone has any suggestions please post them.

chris

Ive found my baby snakes can be alittle snippy. Im thinking because in the wild they have a good chance of being food. I think the size of your hand compared to your little snake may frighten him. The hook may be less imposing. I try to distract with the hook while sliding under with my hand. over time try to close the gap of time between the hook and when he gets to your hand. He should settle down.
-----
Adrian De Leon
Hissenia Reptiles

I find hook training very effective in those specimines who are a bit "cage agressive".
-----