Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a baby Luecistic Texas Rat which was fine before I went on vacation for four days. Got home, and can't get near the cage before her mouth is open and will strike at anything that moves. I have been bitten so many times I am now wearing gloves, even for a little one like that. She just barely draws blood and it barely stings but taking 20 bites every time you hold your snake just can't be healthy. Anyway, I know this is typical, and it's actually a little refreshing, all my other snakes are puppy dog tame so this is kind of exciting but just wondering if you guys know how badly they stress. Really that is my concern, I have dealt with lots of aggressive snakes so thats not the problem but I don't want to cause any problems over stressing her. Any help would be appreciated, and thank you in advance, Eric-

Well as long as you are not one of these people that try to out will the snake into not biting. That is you don't hold the snake every day trying to calm it down you should be fine. I have noticed over the years that crazy babies end up being fine after they get a little bigger. It doesn't seem to matter if you hold them or not. If you have enough snakes to be in the area near the snake for awhile with out picking it up or if you have so few cages that the snakes are in your room even better. It seems to be a deal that once they feel they are big enough to not be eaten they are fine. There is always the snakes that do not calm down but I feel better caging would help a lot of these animals. ie. more hides

Good Luck
Later Jason