Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I got my first burm, (albino) a week ago, I let him be to get used to his new cage, and today i started petting him, *note i had my leather jacket on, and huge gloves, im quite the pussy* and I was petting him for a while, and then out of no where he striked, im not sure if he bit me really quick or just touched me, cause i didnt really feel much of a bite. but i just wondered if anyone had any ideas im too scared
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0.1 Albino burm
2.0 Ball pythons
0.1 Columbian Red tail boa
1.0 Savannah monitor
1.0 Albino Australian Shepherd
1.0 Cockatoo
1.1 Kitties

Is this a baby, sub, or adult? If it's a baby, No offense, but if you are that afraid of this snake now, what are you going to do in a year when it is 8 feet long? It's possible it just struck at you as possibly a warning, or maybe it didn't like the gloves you were wearing. Some babies can be a little nippy anyway.

If it's a sub or adult, there could be many reasons why. Just take it easy for a while and get him/her used to you a little bit at a time.

Again, no offense meant, but perhaps a ball python would have been a better choice?

Good luck.

Circusfan

I have ball pythons, and I have a red tail boa. Im very familer with snakes, im not scared that if he bites me its gonna hurt, i dunno he just makes me jumpy, ive never had a problem with snakes striking, hes 4 months by the way.
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0.1 Albino burm
2.0 Ball pythons
0.1 Columbian Red tail boa
1.0 Savannah monitor
1.0 Albino Australian Shepherd
1.0 Cockatoo
1.1 Kitties

I'm sorry. I was half asleep when I made my post. I didn't notice at the bottom the animals you already have. My mistake.

All I could say is to try and just work with him little by little. You'll grow used to each other that way. Hope this helps.

Circusfan

Many snakes will strike at, but not bite, only hit, somone as a warning. As if to say " you're in my space, back off." Once you've spent some time with it, it should calm down. If you're going to keep it you will have to get it used to being handled. So if you really are afraid of it a ball might be a better choice.

I know how you feel. Even little snakes get me nervous when they're ticked off. But I have to agree with sneakypete and Circusfan here.
If you're handling a 2-3 ft nonvenomus snake, armored to the teeth and are still scared stiff of the little guy, a Burm's probably not for you.
I have two options to suggest to you.
1. Handle the little guy every day bare to your shoulders, let yourself get bit and snapped at if neccessary, suck it up and get over your fear. Harsh but absolutely necessary if you want to care properly for this little guy.
2. Return the burm to the breeder, with or without a refund. Even if you lose out on his purchase price and have to pay shipping both ways, think of how much you'll be saving on food costs. Then to expand your collection, get a cornsnake or a California King. Both species are hardy, affordable, relatively docile, and babies are under 12 inches, so even a nippy baby isn't too scary. They also come in an insane variety of color morphs and patterns that humble even the banana yellow albino burm. Think of it, your Ball pythons are from Africa, your Boa's from South America, so how 'bout a North American snake to round things out?
This option has a few benefits.
A. you'll save on insane food/housing costs.
B. you'll get a snake that doesn't scare you
C. a baby cal king or cornsnake gets a good home
D. the baby burm gets another home while he's still young
You don't have to take this suggestion, but please consider it.
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0.2 chickens
0.2 dog mutts (half ownership, only mine when they misbehave)
0.1 Halflinger horse
0.0 Arizona Mountain Kingsnake (coming soon)
1.1 parents
Still searching for 1.0 WC human

Yeah, you might be scared but I think you really need to get over it. You are coming here asking for advice, not asking what kind of snake you should be getting. I disagree with everyone's post. I think you should take the leather jacket off, get rid of the gloves and conquer the fear of getting bit. It happens and sometimes it happens unexpectedly down the road even with the nicest snakes. Getting bit is like getting a bad cat scratch. Whatever you do try and not react with a jerk. It will make the bite worse.Handle your snakes with respect and not fear and you should be OK. Good luck!!

Brett

thanks for all the help. yeah i dont want to give him up, theres too many snakes out there that need help, im gonna give it my best.
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0.1 Albino burm
2.0 Ball pythons
0.1 Columbian Red tail boa
1.0 Savannah monitor
1.0 Albino Australian Shepherd
1.0 Cockatoo
1.1 Kitties

I have noticed with baby burm they do not like to be "pet". If your gonna handle it pick it up and handle it. Your fear of it is making it scared of you. It feels threatened and harassed by your actions cause your scared. Like others said take the gloves off and deal with it. I personally think nobody should own any animal that they are scared of.