Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just acquired an adult male spotted at the reptile fair the other day and I have a question regarding biting. When I got him the breeder took him out and let me hold him, my girlfriend held him, and he was completely calm. She held him the whole ride back as well and he never showed any signs of aggression. That night I had him settled and I took him out of the cage for a minute. He was fine and then the next thing I know he's biting my hand and wrapping it up like prey. After a minute he let go and I put him up but I'm just somewhat confused. His biting seems to be in response to food, and when I go in his cage he's very alert to my hand, but it's never a fear thing. I've got a boa like this but as soon as she's out of the cage she realizes she's not getting fed and calms down. This happened before I had even fed him, so I don't see it being a "don't feed the snake in its cage" situation. I fed him the other day and he's still looking around the cage for food. I'm not afraid of a bite but it's not exactly pleasant and I don't want to have to worry about getting eaten every time I take him out haha. Any comments/suggestions?

Also, does anyone know of any spotted breeders in the USA? I'm trying to find an adult or subadult granite to pair him with but all I've got to go on so far is lllreptile, and I'm not too keen on buying from there. Thanks,

-Mack

Sorry, had to bump this b/c I'm hoping someone can give me some advice!

I see it as a case of 'new snake' unfamiliar in new surroundings, different keeper, different smells, and probably hungry. Should be hungry instead of just being fed when taken to sell at a fair. Then you may be feeding him other food than he's used to. And I recommend that snakes you want to handle or treat as pets should be fed in a dedicated food cage. On schedule. Above all, give the animal time to get accustomed.

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