Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I recently bought my second burm (hatchling male albino)and he does not like to be touched whatsoever. I can enter my hand in the cage to pick up after him,change the water,and even get really close to him, but as soon as a touch or try to pick him up he bites without hesitation. does anyone have any suggestions on how i can tame him down so i can handle and work with him.

Have you tried to pick him up any way, my used to do that but i've picked him up anyway ,just keep him away from your face.He's still kind of young so give him some time,try wearing long sleeve shirt or something thick, and some gloves.If you back off every time he gets pissy he will get used to it, and it will be harder to break the habbit.Just give him some time to get use to been picked up and most important is to get use to you.

after i get him up he insists on slithering out of my hands sometimes suceeding and hitting the ground

I would sit on the floor and handle him. that way if he does fall, he doesnt have far to go. I would not recommend wearing gloves. You want him to be able to smell you so that he gets used to you and associates your smell with a nice warm spot. And also hes just a baby, so he is going to be a little nippy for awhile. I would just give him some time, and im sure he will calm down. Dont put him back after he bites you. Make sure and keep holding him so he doesnt learn to bite when he wants to go back.
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1.0 Albino Green Burm
0.2 Normal Burm
1.1 Java Retic

thank you guys for all your suggestions all of them were helpful

I wouldn't think wearing gloves would be a problem. I've had several snappy Burmese and retics over the years, and handling them with gloves always did the trick. Having my hands and wrists protected enabled me to handle the snakes more confidently yet in a more gentle manner. I think the snakes responded to that more so than to the texture of my hands/gloves. After a few weeks of biting and peeing on the gloves, they calmed down rather nicely. When I started handling them without gloves, I had no problems. Each of the snakes in question turned out to be very well-mannered adults though they were very snappy juveniles. I'm not trying to be contrarian, but I've had very good luck using gloves. I've kept snakes of all persuasions and sizes for over 13 years, and I've been bitten many, many times. It's something I've never grown used to, and something I try to avoid. If gloves help you handle a snappy snake with confidence, then go for it. No need to bleed if you don't have to.

RP