Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My male blacktail has always been shy but until recently was very "handable". Now that he's no longer a juvenile he is very prone to bite. My 10-year old son used to be able to handle him with no problems, now I won't let him near the cage. I'm a novice on cribos but I've had indigos and they never were this cranky. Maybe this is a matter of more frequent handling in order to keep him socialized? Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks

Ken

I have a couple blacktails (or maybe a unicolor and a blacktail). The blacktail (about 6 ft) was pretty handle-able initially, as a weak import, but as it got stronger, it was more likely to react defensively to my presence. It bit me once through my sweater - a graze really. I was surprised at how cleanly it sliced through my clothes and my flesh. Their teeth seem to be rather sharp, and their jaws rather stronger than one might suspect. When it bit down it sliced my forearm like warm butter. I let my 12 year old daughter handle this snake initially, but never would now.

In my opinion this snake is too far gone to even try to tame down. Its a "tropical fish" now - something I enjoy while it remains in its enclosure.

Joe

is it possible that his cage is too warm? temps much over 80* make them agitated, rammy and looking to escape. they'll do fine and remain placid at room temperature or just slightly above. hope this helps.....

And here I was trying to warm up the cage during the winter.

I'll see what happens when I lower a bit.

Thanks