Reptile & Amphibian Forums

This has probably been discussed loads of times but thought i would post anyway.Recently purchased two male bloods one 3.5ft the other 4ft long great condition and eating well.Handled them briefly when I got them and one has gone into shed so won't be handling him for a bit,but just wanted to know the temperament of other peoples borneos on here and what they handle like?These two seem fine and hardly hiss when touched..have picked the smaller one up whilst in his viv and seems so calm its un true..what I wanted to know is do they only tolerate a small amount of handling before they eventually try and bite or are they likely to bite when first picked up?Have been told to stay away from the head as they are very intolerant of being touched or held near the head..Thanks in advance..

It really depend on each individual. I have a few video and 2 of them will answer you

Here a wc male I got as an hatchling, he alway had such a nice temper. He only gets grumpy 1-2 day before he poop (no idea why, it's my only snake like that!) but fortunatly it dosen't happen often with short-tail! As for touching the head:

http://www.hissnherps.ca/attila_tame.html

And here's my cb 2002 that really really hates handling. Great eater, de not stike exept when been touch. I nerver tried touching her head

http://www.hissnherps.ca/alison_temper.html

Hope you can see the vid, they are in .wmv

Good luck with yours and post some pics!

Jez

Whoa, have a little fit why don't you.She definatly doesn't want to be touched.I had a female ball python that never got tame, and I worked with her alot.I guess some snakes just wont put up with handling.

Sorry but can't see the videos..basically will they strike as you are getting them out or do they get stroppy after a period of time being held?I may be worrying about nothing as the guy who had them before me said they never bit him but he didn't handle them a great deal..like i said they are fine if you stroke or lift them in the viv but yet to take one out

Hey Jez,
Very cool!
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In the theater of my life, this pickle has no goal!!

Hey,
You probably shouldn't worry your self too much as these animals will probably prove to be super nice animals, even whilst in the blue as you might have experienced. I just had my cage open to air it out some as the humidity had built up and wanted to air it out, and had my trio of adult Borneo's hanging out of the cage and I have to tell you - they are some of the nicest and sweetest animals that I have ever owned and can't say any thing bad about them or their demeanor. Have fun and enjoy your new charges; you won't be dissapointed.
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In the theater of my life, this pickle has no goal!!

Thanks googo..they probably will be fine just thought i would ask around and see what everyones opinions are..Really pleased with them and not too worried if they did have a go at me but just wondered when they are most likely to get agitated..

Love the vid's Jez, that girl reallly didn't want you to touch her! As for times when they get irritated for Malcomb. My experience mainly comes from my two year old borneo. I just got two new little babies that haven't showed one sign of aggression yet tho. If I haven't handled him recently he might be a little defensive when I first touch him in his viv, but he's fine when he gets out and gets used to the smeels and such. He's very very sweet but if you start poking/petting as some people who arent familar with snakes like to do he gets a little upset. Never tried to strike but he'll move his body out of the way, and if he gets over agitated or im not right there where he can smell me he tends to deficate (sometimes called musking but he actually deficates). If your short tails are fine with you touching and picking up their bodies in thier viv then they should be fine! Most bloods/ST have varing personalities and you just have to find out what yours is so you know exactly how to deal with them. Congrats on your new animals and good luck, I know I love mine!
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"It's my snake, I trained it, so I'm going to eat it!" - Mad Max, The Road Warrior

Just managed to see the video footage!!!Crikey mines nothing like that..looked like it jumped and turned its whole body in mid air!Held mine again tonite in the viv and all he done was move away real slow without a care in the world..didn't even hiss.Hope this is a good sign that he maybe tame or at least handleable.

I think your fine, try taking it out. Bloods definately let you know if they dont want to be held, if youll notice from the video. Just take him out and watch closely.
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"It's my snake, I trained it, so I'm going to eat it!" - Mad Max, The Road Warrior

Thanks for all the advice looks like I will just have to take him out and see..he does seem fine though but that might change when he is out of his viv ...will let you all know!

Well at last had the big fella out of his viv today and he was fine..only a few minutes but showed no signs of aggression..really pleased and he he stays this calm!