Bitten

[Eight]

Like others have said, it will take time but eventually he'll settle down to a degree. Although I kind of sympathise with how your probably feeling. My second snake was a striped Cali kingsnake. Totally different to my corn, and a fast angry biting machine. He just wouldn't let go. He bit me pretty much every time I went in his enclosure. Such a small angry snake that wanted to eat everything. I actually remember thinking "what have I done?" and I truly believed that this little snake would try to kill me pretty much everyday for the foreseeable future.

He is so much better now, and I've learnt to read his intentions from his body language and the way he approaches me. He is very viv defensive but out of the viv he is a complete puppy of a snake. He's probably one of my favourites now, and I could never be without his distinct character and he is the main reason I like kings so much.

Again as others have said don't try to restrain his head, take him gently by scooping up his middle. Try to move in his viv with confidence. Don't grab him quickly and don't hesitate, just do it calmly. I've always found that's the best way

[Deva]

I have a milk snake and the only time she bit me was when I only had one hand on her and she whipped around and bit me a good one.

She is a little flighty and was trying to get away and I was losing my grip. I am sure she felt unsupported and was just defending herself.

Its good advice, grab your snake by the middle and lift up. Try to support her whole body as much as possible.

[snakeriver]

I am so sorry! Well, the most sensitive part of its body is its head and tail. Snakes usually don't enjoy being touched there. Next time just be sure to pick him up by his back.

[bcr229]

Originally Posted by Eight

My second snake was a striped Cali kingsnake. Totally different to my corn, and a fast angry biting machine. He just wouldn't let go. He bit me pretty much every time I went in his enclosure. Such a small angry snake that wanted to eat everything. I actually remember thinking "what have I done?" and I truly believed that this little snake would try to kill me pretty much everyday for the foreseeable future.

He is so much better now, and I've learnt to read his intentions from his body language and the way he approaches me. He is very viv defensive but out of the viv he is a complete puppy of a snake.

Our high white Cali king snake is becoming like this - he's very territorial in his viv, totally non-aggressive outside of it. He's threatened to bite and done the "nose bump" and hissing, never actually grabbed hold though.

I've found it's easier to remove him if he's climbing on one of his sticks or being active, as I can encourage him to move across my hand so he's well supported when I lift him up.

OTOH our black Mexican king is the exact opposite! She can be in full gray in one of her hides, and you can reach in and pick her up, and she doesn't make a fuss.

[Bloedig]

My Honduran Milk has never bitten me, but he does act like a Milk. He tends to be shy and runs from contact. But, once in hand he is very cool and collected and just kinda hangs around and checks things out.