Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I bought my first blood, a CB Sumatran Red male on Oct 26. He is about 3 months old. He has eaten 3 times and seems to be settling in well. I have only been handling him for cage cleaning. I have had fairly non eventful handlings so far but quite often he is striking at me. He's too small to hurt but I'm hoping he gets rid of this stuff over time. What have been your experiences with a grumpy little one and any taming tips would be appreciated. PS...he's an awesome little guy. Thanks.

Hey,
IMO, light handling a few minutes a day can help to get a recalcitrant and biting blood to adjust to some occasional handling, but there are the exceptions with some never accepting handling while in your care.

A fifteen minute session per day of lite to mild handling might help to ease the fear of the blood. Stress them too much and they will never settle down at least not with any predictability. You might want to try wearing gloves while handling him until he starts to show signs that he is adjusting or settling down some. There are instances where they just will show their disapproval at being handled for long periods and even short ones too, but if you are looking to assuage its fear it is best to work with it for as long as it will take.

Some animals will never settle down at least not till they are of appreciable age, i.e., 1-2 years. I have a male blood that did not appreciate being handled while a juvenile, but has since settled down quite nicely after some years and I can actually take him out and work with him if I need to, with out fear of being nailed each time; albeit, he has not attempted to bite me for some 3 years. They are all individuals and as such must be treated like wise and attended to with that kind of mind set; some will settle down while others will rear their nasty heads occasionally. You just have to get use to that possibility. Good luck!
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In the theater of my life, this pickle has no goal!!

In my own experience with bloods and borneo's. They just seem to be more hostile while young, and they tend to grow out of it during the next year. I know some people have had baby bloods that were very calm even while young. I just haven't had any like that personally.