Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I recently aquired a 1 yr old, 4 ft Coastal Carpet Python. He was not a problem when I first moved him into his new cage. He shed after 2 days. After this he started biting. I fed him (in a separate feeding enclosure)thinking this might be the problem. After 2 days to digest I tried again. Same result. He bites repeatedly no matter how he is held. My hands and arms are starting to look real interesting. Anybody have any suggestions?

Young carpets can be very nippy. Seems anything warm their heat pits pick up result in a strike. They do settle down with age and consistent, gentle handling. He is new to you and his surroundings so I would let him settle in more. I have 42 constrictors, all are fed in the cage, and I very rarely get bit with lots of handling. Feeding outside the cage stresses the snake. It also tells the snake that he may be fed every time he is taken out-not good. If you don't have one, get a snake hook. When you open the cage for anything other than feeding touch the snake with the hook. When food enters the cage never let him see a hook. He will be conditioned to this fairly quick.

If he is biting that much wear gloves. Hook him out and let him crawl onto your arms on his own from the hook. He may just stay on the hook for a few times and that is fine at this stage. Move very slowly and deliberately with short handling sessions. Try not to restrain him but let him move freely but do keep him away from your face. Work with him, build trust and I think you will do just fine. I wish you the best-Bill.
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...three years ago it was just another snake cult...
The Retic is King.
Anacondas-the other Dark Side.
Afrocks-the dark side of the Dark Side.

You could also try washing your hands and arms up to your elbows in cold water to lower their temperature. Another thing you might like to try is opening the enclosure, and letting the snake wander out on its own, straight onto your hand. This is what i do with my young carpets. They soon learn to trust you.

One other thought... can your snake see you throughout the day or evening? Try puting the snake in a room that s/he can see you often, and learn that you are not trying to eat him

Regarding the gloves, this can work in some circumstances, but it is much harder to guage how much pressure you are applying to the snake whilst wearing them. Also, it is teaching the snake to become comfortable with handling, but not to be comfortable with you.

Good luck, and don't give up.. that'll only make the problem worse.

With every new snake I put a piece of an old worn t-shirt in the cage so the snake learns your scent. Can't hurt-Bill.
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...three years ago it was just another snake cult...
The Retic is King.
Anacondas-the other Dark Side.
Afrocks-the dark side of the Dark Side.