Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have an 06 baby blair's phase gray band, have had him for about two months. He did not eat for a while but is now eating every 4 days. Never did he get defensive when I tried to pick him up. Lately, I have not been able to handle him that much. Yesterday, as I was moving his rocks, he got defensive and hissed at me, looking ready to strike. It was feeding day and he was in somewhat of a corner.

Is this typical of gray bands? Will he continue to act this way and possibly increase to a point where he will be un-handable (if that is a word)? Is there any good technique to pick up a "biter"? I do not want him getting hurt by striking or snagging his teeth on me. I am not worried about the bite on me as I assume it will be minimal.

Let the snake bite you if he must, it isn't a big deal. if it eats it is not a problem, and the snake will grow out of it's defenseive behavior....that is unless it is being caused by another issue like temperature, clean water or cage?

Thanks. I'm hoping it is something he will grow out of, I am sure he will.
However, you mentioned temperature/water/cage. What type of temps could cause this behavior? Too hot/cold, no gradient? For future reference also.

Mostly too hot but I have also noticed when I check on my adults in hibrnation and wake them up(presumably) from a deep sleep even very tame ones can be startled to the point that they hiss and strike.
Temps should be approxiamatly:
Hot spot 80-85
Rest of the cage 68-72; it's ok if it gets hotter during the day but it's not natural for them to be hot all the time. They need a cool retreat sometimes and should have access to a range of temps. If your temps are near that range most likely he was just scared.
When you first pick him up try not to touch his back, neck or head. Scoop him up with your hand shaped like a claw or a branch and let him crawl narurally, restraining him as little as possible. If he's being spazzy hold him over the cage so he can't fall far and just keep picking him up if he falls.

Good point on the deep sleep. When this occurred it was in the late morning and he did appear to be sleeping, then startled.
Thanks.

It is typical of hatchlings to do that... Don't worry about it i am sure he will grow out of it and be perfectly tame as he puts on some size..

~ Mike

Mike, thanks for your input. I agree with you and am sure he will outgrow this. Just asking for info. Again thanks!

yeah, the snake will grow out of it, but actually my adults get pretty agressive this time of year too. it is really the temp.

Mike, great looking snake. Do you have any ugly alterna??? BA