Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just purchased 1.1 Honduran MilkSnakes and I tried handling one today (I realize I shouldn't handle them for 4 days to a week, but I just HAD to) and the snake urinated on me and bit me. I have never owned Honduran Milks before but I had a Pueblan MilkSnake that would do similair things when I tried to handle him. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I should do to try and break these snakes into handling. Could it be the stress from being shipped that caused him to bite?

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
Ralph

P.S. I will try to put an old T-shirt in the tank ASAP so as the snake gets used to my scent.
-----
Ralph

1.0 Bearded Dragon
1.1 Honduran Milksnake
0.1 Desert Kingsnake
1.0 Bullmastiff

Most large breeders or any dealers for that matter rarely hold there snakes. So most likely your new snakes haven't been held for more time than it takes to go from one tank to another. They probly just aren't used to being handled. The only thing that breaks them of this is handling them somewhat frequently. I suggest letting them settle in for a few days. Once they've fed at least once in their new enclosure they probly are over the stress of the shipping prcedure. Then I suggest handling them for about 15 minutes a day. Don't over due it. If you don't want to get bit, Put them in a pillow case and carry them around like that. It gets them used to being held without being able to bite you. Works for me. Hope this helps.