Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey whats up everyone. Just registered for this site today and just bought a new male baby african rock python 2 days ago. He is a little bit aggressive. He didnt hiss at me or anything when i was holding him but out of no where he struck at my face. He doesnt show too much aggression while inside the cage if im touching him or "petting". Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

First off, African Rocks are generally quite aggressive. If you really want one of the biggest snakes in the world that you can "pet", I'd suggest selling the Rock and getting a Burm. African Rocks should be assumed aggressive. If one doesn't show any aggression (I used to have one that was super tame too), then great, but if you see one that is mean, it's nothing out of the ordinary. They are quite unpredictable too. I'd suggest learning as much as you can about the specie, Python sebae, if you want to keep it, and get a hook too. Good luck,
Josh

>>Hey whats up everyone. Just registered for this site today and just bought a new male baby african rock python 2 days ago. He is a little bit aggressive. He didnt hiss at me or anything when i was holding him but out of no where he struck at my face. He doesnt show too much aggression while inside the cage if im touching him or "petting". Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

Generally All babies of any species are a bit nippy and nervous. They are new to the world and need time to settle in and get used to things. African Rocks just like nile monitors can be calmed down. If you have any specific questions about your african rock I'd ask Chino of prehistoric pets. Not only does he have PLENTY of Calm animals but he also breeds Rock Morphs. Don't go sell your Rock and get a burm because there are also plenty of very deffensive burms out there! Hmmmm this always gets me "Mean Animal". Let me cage you up and see how you like it. I'm sure when someone comes to pick you up you will do anything to get away. Sounds to me like this is a deffensive reaction to get away from a preditator! This has nothing to do with the animal being mean. It takes time for an animal to realize that you don't mean any harm. Unpredictable? Depends on how long you have been working with the animals. Why would one need a hook for non-venomous? LOL I've been working with large constrictors for awhile now and have yet to have a reason for a hook. Just learn your animals behavior and deal with it. Put your time in and you'll have a calm animal. Even the most stubborn animals will calm a bit if the time is put in! If you need any help don't hesitate to ask. I hate when people suggest something different. Get what you want! Otherwise it will end up being sold or neglected. Good luck with your African Rock!

John

Maybe you should have done a bit more research. I've heard that this specieas of snake is usually just aggressive. Not a good begginer snake....
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1.1 Ball Python, 0.1 motley amel corn, 1.0 western hognose, 1.0 red blood

Some species of snake tend to just be more bitey than others. ON occasion you'll find an African Rock that isn't quick to bite, but they are the exception rather than the rule.

Different species have different defensive tendencies. Some snakes spray musk, some curl up in a ball, some roll over an play dead... some bite. Af-Rocks are biters. If this were a species that didn't get big, it wouldn't be a problem. Unfortunately they do get big enough to hurt you.

By what you wrote, I'm guessing this is a new hobby for you. Simply put, you purchased a snake that really belongs in the hands of an advanced keeper. It's not that it's a bad snake, it's a bad snake for You at this time.

You'd be much better off getting Your Af-Rock into the hands of a more advanced keeper while you focus on something easy to handle, less likely to bite, cheaper to feed, etc. There are TONS of species out there that make better captives.

New keepers have enough problems learning how to manage temperatures, humidity, substrate, secure caging, feeding, sheds, fasting. You DO NOT need to add biting to the list of issues.

Good luck and Happy Herpin',

Doug T

>>Hey whats up everyone. Just registered for this site today and just bought a new male baby african rock python 2 days ago. He is a little bit aggressive. He didnt hiss at me or anything when i was holding him but out of no where he struck at my face. He doesnt show too much aggression while inside the cage if im touching him or "petting". Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.