Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey,

I have a new pair of bloods I got from Kevin Marter. They are truly awesome! But the dang male (always those boys, isn't it?!) is a real beast, bites at any movement, extends and flares his hemipiens, and sprays when really agitated. I'd like to calm him down to get him to be handleable, but I'd rather not taking a chewing on several times a week.

Any schedule or input for handling to calm him would go a long way!

Plus, how do you post multiple pics on here???

Thanks,

Steve

Hey Steve,that's an awesome male you got there.I almost picked that male up,but decided on getting one female for now.When I first got my girl from Kevin Marter she didn't like or trust me one bit.She also would not eat for me.Here's what I did:I made sure the temps and humidity where right on.I made sure she had TIGHT/SNUG fitting hide boxes.I threw in a sock or t-shirt that I had just wore.(so she could get used to my smell).I would first lift the hide box off of her and just look.no touch.for about a week.Then I would lift the hide box and then gently stroke a part of her body.I haven't even lifted her out yet.Then the following week I attempted to lift her out and just set her on my lap or the palm of my hand.I would also stroke the top of her head very gently(NEVER TOUCH THE TIP OF THEIR NOSE)so she would get over being head shy.Now it's all good and she eats too.GOOD LUCK!!!Hope this helps.

Your female is outta this world! Really, really something. Wow!
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"If we could see ourselves, would we get it right?" - www.kmband.com

BUT-- I think you just need to be patient. (It's kind of like pursuing a girl that you like.) If this Blood isn't ready to warm up to you, don't push it. I have compared notes with another couple of Blood keepers, and we have concluded that it just takes time for most of these snakes to mellow out.

I have a male that was very aggressive as a youngster. I used a hook to move him around, and didn't attempt to directly interact with him until he was 6-7 months old...by that time I was able to pick him up with no more reaction than a strong hiss. It surprised me that he had calmed down so much.

Hope this is helpful-
Have a good one-
Jim
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There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Rom 8:1

I'm gonna have to go with that patience thing. And, ofcourse, making sure his set-up is dialed in. Regardless, he's gorgeous! Well worth a little extra time and patience, if you ask me. Congrats on nabbing that guy!
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"If we could see ourselves, would we get it right?" - www.kmband.com

Steve, Are you keeping him in a high traffic area? If so, you will continue to have these problems. What is the ambient temp.of the room they are in? Upper 70's-80. All my 04's were kept exactly as you see them in the pic, water dish on newspaper.Keep it simple! These guys should NOT be biting you!

np

my Marter female is very tame, although she is more vocal than my other bloods, which scared me in the beginning. It took 4 days to get her to eat when i got her, but that was because I was being novice and touching her twice a day. When in my hand, she is constantly moving and exploring, which I find different from others that I have held, which just stays still.

I am more used to boas which eat the very same night of getting to their new home.

You might try using a hook to lift them out. I also use one glove and one bare hand with all my new guys. It seems to work better for me that way.

Dave

Hey Steve!

Good to see you post pix of your new critters. KMarter does produce some pretty animals doesn't he? Be patient with the little guy and be sure handed and calm. He will settle down but it will take a few weeks or even months if he is really stubborn. Make sure he has adequate hides. Make sure his cage isn't too big (the little guys get nervous with too much room). When you pick him up move at a moderate pace and pick him up with confidence. I think they are much like horses. If they can get you scared they ride rough shot over you for awhile. Good luck and keep a few bandages around just in case, just kidding.

Steve