Reptile & Amphibian Forums

about five minutes after I take my borneo out for handling he starts to stiffen up and swing from side to side. I know this means he wants to be put down, but if I put him down every time he does that he'll continue to do it with the expectation of being put down. I want him to get used to being handled. I don't plan to handle him longer than 15-20 minute periods. I just want him to be tame. He's a few months old and has been eating for five weeks straight- Any suggestions? Life Is Learning // Sankofa P.S. Will it hurt really bad if he bites me?

First off he is pretty young and most snakes in general are a bit high strung/defensive when their young. They have to be otherwise they'd get eaten in the wild.

He's probably swinging side to side because he doesn't feel secure. One method that I like to use is the "movie method." Pop in a movie, plop down in your favorite comfortable chair and set the snake in your lap. Don't move much, don't pet him, just sit there and enjoy your movie. Most likely he'll just sit there and do nothing. If he moves, don't restrain him...let him go where he wants (unless its inside the chair). It's calming, he has a firm, secure surface to lay on, and he can get used to your smell and temperature. Do this once or twice a week and you'll have a nice tame snake in no time!

Does it hurt when they bite you? A little, it may bleed a bit, but it's like a few pin pricks...not that bad. Personally, I hate getting bit, but you get used to it after a while. Just make sure if they do bite you to:
1. Not get mad and handle the snake roughly
2. Don't put him away...if you do he may do it more because he's getting what he wants.
3. Try not to be jumpy/nervous around him. This can be tough, but I think snakes can sense when someone is nervous by the way you move and this may encourage it to bite more.

Matt

Thanks for the reply! When I'm holding him, I always use two hands to make sure he's well supported. Nevertheless, I understand the ground/floor is still a much more stable feel for the snake. Life Is Learning/// Sankofa

I've noticed, especially as they get older, they really appreciate having full contact with a secure surface. Unlike a species such as the boa constrictor, who can use you like a tree and cling to you.

I have a 2 year old Red Blood (P. Brongersmai) who throws a fit when I try to hold her but is calm as anything when she's on my lap, or on the floor or bed.

I don't think bites are that bad (from bloods). I don't find them painful, they may sting a little at first but being stuck by a cactus is worse, IMO. I was surprised more than anything when I got my first bite. It's amazing how much those little pricks bleed, so it looks a lot more gruesome than it is.

But that's just my opinion...

-Jackie

Yes sometimes they can swing around a good bit. Best thing to do is try not to let go and go sit down with them somewhere. It is best to handle bloods while supporting their entire body if possible. If it starts swinging and you just let it down it's going to get conditioned to do that when it wants you to put it down. And bloods dont usually WANT to be picked up but when you tame them they will not react in a negative manner.

J
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"It's my snake, I trained it, so I'm going to eat it!" - Mad Max, The Road Warrior