You mentioned feeding out of the cage and that is something I don't recommend. It is not good for you or the snake. Moving a snake after feeding causes stress and the snake can still be in feeding mode and bite you. Feeding out of the cage does not make a tamer snake but does teach the snake that every time it is taken out of the cage, it may eat. Many years ago I fed out of the cage and that was the time period when I got bit on a regular basis. All of my snakes are fed inside the cage and are easy to handle, including my reticualted pythons. Bill
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...three years ago it was just another snake cult...
The Retic is King.
Anacondas-the other Dark Side.
Afrocks-the dark side of the Dark Side.