Reptile & Amphibian Forums

We have a Bull snake that is usually pretty sweet. She can be picked up and handled with hardly a hiss, but give her a whiff of rodent and BAM! She turns into a tag-happy, finger-chompin demon snake from the deepest pits of Hell! It's quite amusing really- as long as I get my fingers out of the way in time. She will even stalk anyone looking through the vivarium windows, moving her head from side to side to get range. Try moving away and she will strike, hitting the perspex. One hour later and she is back to being a sweetie again.

Has anyone else noticed similar amusing changes in personality?

Sounds like my Female Bull, she is a gentle giant she is eight foot in length and her size makes her look quite intimidating but she loves coming out of her viv, never hisses or puts on any kind of display, but if I walk in the room where my vivs are kept with any kind of rodent and thats it, she will strike at the glass, she goes crazy even if the food isnt for her then after a hour or so she settles down. I think the majority of Bulls are like this, my Male Bull is also the same.
Hope this helps.

That is pretty common amongst bulls. This is why I usually feed then in another tub. On a few, I'll tap the edge of the tub a couple of times, and they'll race up to the side but they won't hit it. I usually can open it then.

Scott

Welcome to the world of Pits!!! We have many that require a hook when first reaching in the cage because they are so food aggressive, even some that are handled often and are dog tame otherwise. As soon as you touch them with the hook and they realize there is no food, you can reach right in. But if you just reach in right away, they strike first, identify you later!!
P&S Pituophis

A big AMEN to that. All of mine (except one) are quite tame once you hold them, it's the getting them out that can be a problem. I know most poeple don't like the pits for just those reasons, but it doesn't bother me at all. Have I got tagged before, you bet, but you got to love em'. Pretty much if there is no rodent smell, they are not too bad.

Scott Robinson