You have to work with them. This does not necassarily mean that you have to get bit a lot, though an occassional bite might occur. What kind of caging are you using. The reason I ask is because if it is a top opening enclosure then that also might be a little problem. As a juvenile snake all predators appear to them from above. When you open their cage and reach in to remove the snake he naturally will percieve your big hand as a predator. I strongly recommend front opening enclosures if at all possible. Secondly, hook train your snake. It is still young enough so you can condition it. Everytime you get into its cage for anything other then feeding, gently rub its body or head with a hook. Over tiem this will condition the snake into knowing when the hook comes in and touches it then it is not feeding time. Never hook him or touch him with the hook when it is time to feed. It will not take long for him to differentiate the differences.

When handling your snake, make slow deliberate movements. Support his body evenly so that he feels secure and let him naturally explore where he wants to. Keep control of him and limit him but let him basically choose his own course. Now the next step I believe to be the most vital part. If he gets upset and starts hissing and even striking, do not put him right back in his enclosure. Suck it up, be a little more cautious and continue the handling. If you get bit and put the snake back then you are conditioning him. He doesn't want to be messed with he shows a little attitude he gets put back. This is not hte outcome we are desiring. Remember, burms tend to be more vocal and tend to be a little aggressive in their cage. Once outside of their cage they are usually pretty calm but will still often hiss loudly. Welcome to burms...lol. Hope this helps, Todd

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