Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Not to sound redundant here but I just got an un relaated pair of yearling Jungle carpets. I was told the female was a little nippy getting her out of the cage and the male was fine. I handled both while transporting them home and they were fine.

Once I got them into their cages I gave them a day to settle in. The female has been a dream, a slight amount of poosturing but no strikes and she likes to move around when I hold her. The male is another story First time I tried taking him out he whacked me on the fingers. I have been using a glove and taking him out daily but he is still very defensive and looks lik ehe will strike at my other bare hhand. Now I know I need to keep up with the handling I am just wondering when he will calmn down and if there is anything else to help the process.

Thanx

Tom M

Usually what I do with the neonates is either get them stoned or give them the date rape drug-oh wait, that was just a joke. One thing that does seem to help is to not reach in their enclosures and GRAB them. Use a hook, or even an unraveled clotheshanger to get the little ones out and that is half the battle. When they are that small the bites are really nothing remarkable. I would try to stay away from gloves-sounds like you are-because I think maybe the feel and heat from a bare hand can be a weird sensation for them. Just take your time and try to handle several times a week. Daily handling may possibly be too much. Use your discretion and things will work out fine. It may take a while, but it will be worth it.
Dustin

Possibly part of the problem is that you only gave them a DAY to settle in rather than a WEEK...JMO...

Possibly part of the problem is that you only gave them a DAY to settle in rather than a WEEK...JMO...

With all the other snakes I have had I have handled them about a day or so after setteling in and never had any problems, including a baby retic. I figure I will give him more time plus today I plan on feeding them so he will be left alone for a few days after that then I will try again. I never thought that there could be too much handling but I will back it off and see how it goes.

Tom

There is definitely such a thing as too much handling, it really depends on the individual snake and the species. Take green tree pythons, for instance. The hatchlings are much too delicate to really be safely handled. It can be done, but it really isn't a chance you want to take. Just give your little one some time and things will work out.
Take it easy,
Dustin