Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Picked up a nice male Paulsoni, but he bites anything and everything in sight. Never seen this species this agressive.

Any pointers to tame him down appreciated.
-----
Rhac 'n Roll Reptiles deadrats.net

AS with any snake you are going to have to handle it and suffer the biting until he calms down. Just dont make any fast movements and try not to restrict his movements so he doesn't feel threatened.
-----
2.1 dogs
0.1 cat
1.2.1 crested geckos
1.2.0 leopard geckos
0.0.3 Western Hogs
0.0.1 Vine snake (Ahaetulla nasuta)
0.0.2 African egg eaters (Dasypeltis scabra)
1.0.0 Viper boa (Candoia aspera)
0.0.1 Green tree frog
0.0.2 Copes Gray tree frogs

I have found that my Candoia will come straight at me as I get close to their enclosure and will bite if get to close to them. Especially if they are hungry. However, I do have a australis that is agressive all the time. However, without fail, if I go into the cage with a snake hook and move her off of her target (my hand) I can hook her, pull her out and she will not bite. In fact, she is quite sweet.

If I just stick my hand in the cage, she triangulates like a laser onto my hand and goes for it.

You might try using a hook to handle her and try getting her used to handling.

j
-----
John R. Stebbins
-------------
0.1 Candoia bibroni australis
0.2 Candoia carinata carinata
2.0 elaphe guttata guttata

I agree with the hook method, however I do have a female paulsoni that no matter what will try to kill me every chance she gets.....

Good luck,

Chris
-----
Christopher E. Smith
Contact
Captive Bred Herps

I can relate to the feeding response with snakes when one puts a hand in a cage, try getting tagged by an adult jungle, that I have done, use hooks on him and all is well.

This guy is just plain mean. Get him out, he looks like another candoia and then WHAM, you are tagged. I am trying to work him like I have done with the carpets, with gloves and regular handling.

I just have never seen a Paulsoni with an attitude before, picked two teeth out of my arm tonight as a result of regular handling. Will take a pic and post as he is a rather pretty pink, otherwise he would be outta here...

Thanx for the input...
-----
Rhac 'n Roll Reptiles deadrats.net