Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i just bought a 9 month old jcp and at the reptile show where i got him i was able to hold him with no problem. now after having him in his cage for a week i cant take him out without him bitting. any reason for this n what can i do to fix the situation.

Often you'll find that snakes which are fine to handle once they are in the hand are, nevertheless, very defensive when you first reach into their homes to pick them up. This is because your hand is only understandable to them as a predator.
The trick is to be quick and sure in your actions. Jungles virtually always get much tamer as they grow, especially with constant handling, so don't worry.
Remember that the more relaxed and sure your movements are, the less like an enemy you will seem to the snake. A few nips from a youngster are well worth it when you end up with a calm and handlable adult.

Good luck
G

n/p

When mine are feeling a little frisky I use a paper towel cardboard inner roll.I slide it over the headwith practice you can get him to climb right into it then you grab the body after he gets in there a ways saves on the hand and isn't uncomfortable to the snake if done properly with practice he'll like it.then once in your hand you take the tupe off his head and just use slow steady movements without restricting his movement too much he'll come around quickly.He's probably biting cause he thinks your food,Mine have a real strong feeding response.I understand that you can also get him used to feeding in another cage then return him to his reg. cage when done.This cuts down on the whole feeding response thing in time I don't do it cause thetube deal works good for me since iv'e been doing it for a while they seem to be doing better with recognizing me I don't have to use it that often any more.Slow steady no jerking movements jerking apeers as food.slow deliberate movements work best.and don't grab behind or around head makes them feel threatened.Good luck