Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've had my female Burm for nearly 15 months now (growing from 5'8" to 8'4" and just yesterday I got bit for the first time. And it was completely my fault, as it usually is. She is the most docile and friendly snake I have ever encountered, but I do have to say that respecting them while they are coiled and sleeping is a must! I went to take her out, to clean her cage (one of the large AP cages, which is amazing) and I reached in, like I usually do, and I as soon as I touched her, I spooked her, and she latched onto my forearm. Needless to say I freaked out, pulled my arm--her still attached--out of the cage, and into the air. She let go, and I bled all over the place. I held the wound while I watched her, half out of the cage, half in, and she sat cool and calm, then slowly moved herself back into her cage. She is usually very vocal if she is uncomfortable, but this goes to show that one can never be too comfortable with Burms, especially when they are in their cage, while they are sleeping, and when they don't know for sure it is their owner touching them.

We, however, hung out today, kissed, and made up. (She said sorry)
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Let's see if the picture works this time.

thats why making sure they know your there is paramount. spookin a large snake is never a fun time. thats why before i even start to remove any of my snakes i touch them wih the hook to make sure they know im in there

I have made the same mistake only I did not touch my burm, I went to get the water dish. I have learned always touch them with the hook first.
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0.2 Rotts
1.0 Super Tiger
1.0 Amel Retic
0.1 Ball Python
0.1 Red Tail
0.1 Blood Python
1.0 Green Ananconda
1.0 Emerald Tree Boa

Id like to reiterate the previous msg about touching them with a snake stick first. I have 3 burms, Ive never been bitten, mainly because I always let em know Im there with something other than my arm. I usually even move em a bit with a stick just so they are awake. Doing this you can see which mood theyre in by whether they move away or come at you, 90% of the time they will move away.

Be sure to thank her for giving you the wake up call now instead of waiting till she's 12 - 14ft.

It happens. Ain't none of us perfect. Thanks for not being too prideful to share your experience. You will never know for sure just how many people you help avoid the same thing.

Hang in there!
HH
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Due to political correctness run amuck,
this ol' hillbilly is now referred to as an:
Appalachian American

www.natures-signature.com

I GOT BIT BY MY BURM IT WAS FUN TIMES LOL. I KNOCKED ON HER GLASS TO LET HER KNOW I WAS COMING AND AS SOON AS I OPENED HER GLASS WAM!!!!! I GOT NAILED REMEMBER HOW EVER GENTLE YOU THINK YOR SNAKE IS, SNAKES BITE BOTTOM LINE.