Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Ok, I have never had a Dumeril before but did some research before buying and read that they are typically a very docile species. When I was at the store he was very calm. I set him up in a 40 gal breeder (he is 3.5 ft) with appropriate fixtures, hides, temps... and have successfully handled him twice at home. The problem is that that is twice out of several attempts thwarted by highly aggressive behavior. As soon as I reach into tank he either moves to or does strike then burries himself under the substrate in a deffensive stance. He even strikes at the tank repeatedly when I'm observing him. Is this normal up to a week or so after environment change? Possibly hungary? Any tips will help, I realize that getting tagged is a occasional part of snake ownership but I've never had a snake of this size before. Also, should I never show fear to him? Sorry about the long post.

First two things I'd check out, is the cage too hot, and is he hungry. After that, make sure he's not in a high traffic area, being taunted all day by movement in front of his cage. Make him feel secure, make sure he's not overly hungry, which could easily be the case coming from a pet store where a maintanence diet is probably what is used, and get him out with a hook before free handling him. Congrats on the new Dumerils, they're grerat snakes, and you'll start to learn his personality/actions. As far as showing no fear, just don't do "mock attacks" with your hand when you try to pick him up. If you're going to do it...DO IT! Don't go half way, stop, go again, stop, etc...making it look like some sort of unsure predator getting ready to grab him. Take care

Do you feed him in the cage or out? If you feed him inside the cage then everytime you open the door he will associate your hand with food & strike. I had the same prob with my female. It only takes once or twice of feeding a snake in a cage for it to start striking at you everytime you walk by. Take him out & put him in a box to feed.

Hello again! First, I checked my temps and the side of the tank is 80 F so I would assume that under his cave where the tank heater is no more than mid to high 80's at the hottest. As far as being hungry, that is a what I figured but I'm having trouble getting him to take his rat. My store said he had been eating them already instead of mice but he won't eat. He will strike and take the rat right out of my tongs but that is it. My best idea is time will be the biggest factor. How do you feel about hooks? I appreciate your help and any futher input as well.

As long as he appears healthy not super skinny let him adjust to the new surroundings for at least a week or two without handling or feeding. Make sure temps and humidity are good and he should be fine. Good luck you have chosen a great snake.

Im not sure how this would work for aggression but it certainly helped my dum to start eating. He is only a few months old so to make him feel more secure i put sweaters around the tank so that NO light could get in. I left him like that for a week and the next time i threw a soft fur in there he took it with no problem. He was also much calmer when i would bring him out. Its worth a try, you just dont get to see him for a bit =(.