Reptile & Amphibian Forums

np

It depends on the individual snake and/or snake species. Some show very little warning. Some bring their head back and kink (what could be best termed as it's neck) making it look like a spring. My ball python normally does that one, though at times he will go completely past prey and then stike about the time I have given up on him eating. Generally though if they are irritated a hiss and recoil would be a good indication. Though I have seen long term expert keepers that got tagged when they never saw any indication it was coming.
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Bryan, Atlanta GA

1-0-0 Ball Python - Apep
0-1-0 Mountain Horned Dragon - Ki
1-1-0 Rats... no wait... ROTTEN Little Cats - Ra, Bastet
0-1-0 Little Angelic Kitten - Isis
1-0-0 Horse... whoops... BIG Golden Retriever - Jake
0-1-0 Wife
2-0-0 Kids

n/p

Some snakes will usually coil up and tongue flick, following your every motion with their head. Also, when they coil, deliberately pulling their tails into the coil, they are pretty upset. Tail rattling is a good indicator in some species as well.

Overzealous feeders, such as some kingsnakes, will calmly tongue flick your skin then slowly open their mouths and just clamp on to you! It is a really charming habit.

You have to learn your snakes. There are a few indicators, but there is no substitute for experience.
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Chris Harrison
Does anyone else here think that these scrolling signature lines are stupid?

Yup, My little Sophia (an overzealous feeder) slowly and delicately scans the portion she's interested, hovering one centimeter away and does little half flicks with her tongue, to assure that I'm tasty enough before leisurely chomping on. Surprised the heck out of me the first few times! But I'm slowly learning.
By the way Chris, nice signature.
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0.1 chickens (Condor)
0.2 dog mutts (half ownership, only mine when they misbehave, Lucy & Amy)
0.1 Halflinger horse (Crissy)
0.1 Normal phase California Kingsnake (Sophia)
1.1 parents
Still searching for 1.0 WC human