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Time...but not a whole lot of handling...

Roe Nov 08, 2004 04:25 PM

I have a trio of Red Bloods that get very little handling...since I received them I have used a hook to move them to and from their cages when cleaning. They typically fuss and hiss at me, often with that tongue-half-out expression that says, "Give me a target!".
Today I decided to try to pick them up by hand (tried a couple of times before with aggressive response), and was pleased to find that they seem to have gotten over the hump-- I was able to pick up two of them with no problem other than a slight hiss.
I don't have much experience with Bloods, but a couple I had in the past pretty much followed the same course- as they began to put on some size they began to calm a lot.
I know a lot of folks shy away from Bloods because of temperament issues, but I want to encourage anyone who is willing to take the time to work with these animals---it's worth the effort, and can be very rewarding.
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There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Rom 8:1

Replies (6)

jordanm Nov 08, 2004 04:41 PM

Its always great too see them calm down. Thankfully most of my have been puppies from the get go, but theres always the challenging one. Nows the time to start handling them a bit more and they should warm up to you alot. Thats a great lookin blood btw! Good luck with your trio.

Jordan
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"It's my snake, I trained it, so I'm going to eat it!" - Mad Max, The Road Warrior

blood67 Nov 08, 2004 06:03 PM

Wow! fantastic colors!

googo151 Nov 08, 2004 06:52 PM

Hey,
Very nice! all the best with the new bloods, they are lovely and unfortunately do get a bad rep, but maybe it's all the better for us in a strange way.
-Angel
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"Until we lose our self, there is no way of finding our self."
-Henry Miller.

Amelia Nov 08, 2004 08:42 PM

You are right that they are not right for a lot of people, any animal takes its own amount of work, some just more than others, with bloods I would say cb over wc definately has a better outcome of an animal. So far all I get from the reds we have is the occasional hiss, I havn't had them that long, in fact just about 2 months now, so far its the hets that are just a little bit more fussy at times, the older red is actually quite calm, I have just been reaching in for her so far, I do that with the hets but get a hiss or two, or even them looking at me for a target. I guess it will just take some more time and handling with them, although you do need to have the time to work with them..which not everyone can do. Good luck with your bloods, they really can be wonderful.

drummagirl Nov 08, 2004 09:26 PM

Congrats on another step with your bloods

I obviously need to handle one of my females more often...my biggest female nailed me right in the face last night. Fun times

Oh hey, what seems to work for some people is just sitting on the floor with them in your lap. Back when I was actually working on taming my big girl down, this 'lap method' seemed to cause a good bit of improvement. Take care,

Carole
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"I do not believe that sheer suffering teaches. If suffering alone taught, all the world would be wise, since everyone suffers. To suffering must be added mourning, understanding, patience, love, openness and the willingness to remain vulnerable." -- Joseph Addison

Roe Nov 09, 2004 08:23 AM

Oddly enough, I appreciate these animals more due to the fact that their personalities are so feisty. Apathy can be pretty boring.
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There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Rom 8:1

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