Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Today I went to a reptile show in Atlanta and one of the breeders said that about 50% of them bite consistantly. Is this true? I know they are a bit nippy when they are babies but how long do they stay like that? And does it hurt enough to be a pain to handle it? Thanks

As babies, yes. And you should look for one that does, because chances are, it will be a better feeder.

As an adult, no.
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1.0 Blackheaded pythons
2.4 Woma
3.2 Aussie Olives
1.1 Timors
1.3 Bloods
2.2 IJ Carpets
2.0 Coastal Carpets
1.3 Macklotts
1.2 F2 Carpondros
2.0 Jungle Carpet
1.0 Jag IJCP
0.1 Carpondro
1.1 Brazilian Rainbow boas
1.1 Striped Bolivian Boas
0.1 child, CB
0.1 wife, WC

in complete aggreement. as babies they are nippy but as long as you handle them, not a lot, but enough to let them get to know you, the should calm down by a 6 months to a yr old.

also when i buy a baby carpet i would rather them be a little bit nippy cause they will almost never miss a meal and eat what ever you throw in the cage.
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1.1 coastals
1.0 brooks king
0.1 aru scrub

I've also noticed that this relates somewhat to the keeper and his/her approach at handling. If you are hesitant when removing the snake from the enclosure, you'll most likely get bit. If you reach in directly and pick it up without hesitation, the snake knows it's time to be handled and it's less likely to take a bite.
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"He who would stifle debate rather than engage in it, does so at the expense of his integrity and credibility"

Mike Curtin

This may sound stupid, but...don't pick it up close to the mouth. Midbody is best.
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1.0 Blackheaded pythons
2.4 Woma
3.2 Aussie Olives
1.1 Timors
1.3 Bloods
2.2 IJ Carpets
2.0 Coastal Carpets
1.3 Macklotts
1.2 F2 Carpondros
2.0 Jungle Carpet
1.0 Jag IJCP
0.1 Carpondro
1.1 Brazilian Rainbow boas
1.1 Striped Bolivian Boas
0.1 child, CB
0.1 wife, WC