Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Here’s a question for those of you who have experience with Children’s pythons. I’ve got a pair that I’ve been raising since they hatched (Dec. ’11). Now, the reason I decided to work with these pythons is because of all the positive things I’ve read about them (mild temperament), and their very manageable size.

Now, I’ve been keeping snakes since I was a kid (the 80’s), and I realize that hatchlings can be a bit nippier, but my experience thus far with the Children’s pythons is that they are nonstop biting machines haha.

For instance, if I take the top off the cage, the female will literally come out of her hide, coil-up, and repeatedly strike at me. The male is slightly less aggressive, but tries to bite me any time I get within 8" or so. I’m wondering if this is common behavior for really small Children’s pythons (13", or if there may be something in my husbandry that is triggering it. I have videos of it if anyone is curious what I’m talking about.

Thanks in advance.
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I'm sure you mean Dec. 2010? Most pythons mellow as they get older! Try to get a different routine for feeding/handling, that helps!

She might not feel secure. My experience is that antaresia only bite under stress. If you are cohabbing, perhaps add more hides. Also make sure there is enough heat to go around... If one of them is monopolizing an ideal hotspot, it could be creating stress. Comfortable, well fed childrens are pretty calm. If you feel like all your bases are covered but they are still nippy, try housing them independently.