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Snake struck at my brother in law

Posted By:

Nikbauer

In Relation To:

Roxy

Alright so I left Chong alone for 3 days after she ate. I went in there today to change water and clean the bowl. I have not seen her since I fed her on Friday. When I went to change her water, my brother in law reached in to grab her, like he has done before and she struck at him. I wasn't in there so I didn't see what happened but he said it wasn't like she was gonna bite him but more like a jump to warn him. Does anyone have any idea what we did wrong, or what might be wrong with her? Maybe she is stressed? I don't know, any answer would be appreciated.

Thanks guys!


Points:	150
Topics:	General Health
Tags:	Behavior
Species:	Pythons > Pythons > Python regius
Administrative:	Show/Hide

Assisted Answer

3/10/2009 10:46:40 PM

aaron

Closed mouth strike?

That's common in a lot of species, nothing to worry about... may have gotten scared, defensive, whatever... I have a couple of chondros that closed mouth bite when I try to feed them and they are not interested...

All sounds normal, no need to worry IMO

Member Comment

3/10/2009 11:26:24 PM

aalomon

Is she new (it looks that way from youre tracking). She might just need a little more time to settle in.

Assisted Answer

3/11/2009 12:02:33 AM

Sonja K. Reptiles

I always tell people to remember that snakes don't have eyelids. You can't tell if they are sleeping or not. Also, some will get a bit spooked when you are reaching in to get them from above.
I'd find something like a dowel, a rular, a snake hook, ettc. to have by the cage, and get used to touching the snake lightly with it prior to each handling. This will wake the snake if it's sleeping, and it will also help to turn off any feeding response - the snake will learn that it's not time to eat, I'm just going to be handled.

Member Comment

3/11/2009 12:18:43 AM

vonnick52

My carpets always headbutt me while in their cage. Only one of em uses teeth occasionally, and she's young. Makes ya jump the first few times but you get over it.

Getting bit is way overrated anyways, unless you have larger snakes, it rarely causes any damage...I think its cute when I get whacked by the smaller snakes. I like to see animals protecting their home and personal space, makes it more majestic to me. Maybe I'm crazy.

Member Comment

3/11/2009 1:13:28 AM

glendtcocaine

Is the snake head shy? Sometimes they really flinch quickly if you go near their head and maybe he thought it was a strike at him, but actually Chong just did not want his head touched.

Member Comment

3/11/2009 7:25:57 AM

ChrisMontgomery

snakes only bite brother-in-laws, it's a proven fact. don't let anyone tell you that it's normal for snakes to bite. they specifically target your wife's brother. the only remedy is blue play-doh applied to the snakes tail, generously, on the day before attempting to introduce the snake to your brother-in-law. all other attempts will result in bloodshed.

just trying to introduce another good snake myth. sorry.

Member Comment

3/11/2009 8:07:37 AM

Kaiyudsai

Getting struck at just goes with the territory... it happens even with the most docile of snakes sometimes.... I always say... if you have snakes, and haven't been bitten, then you haven't had snakes long enough............

Member Comment

3/11/2009 3:32:21 PM

LokisKafka

herping and masochisim are a good combination i suppose.

Accepted Answer

3/12/2009 2:09:22 PM

noahsboasandreptiles

If I can just add a simple suggestion: Use a snake hook. It is a great way to "wake up" your animal, and let it know that: A) You are not food, and B)You are going to be working in it's environment or "territory". I make it a habbit to use the stick whenever I clean the cage or change poop. In my opinion, the snake was sleeping, got awaken by your Brother-in-law, and did what every startled animal will do, and that is to defend itself. Upon awakening, your snake could not tell the difference from a quick movement being a friend or foe.

Member Comment

1/17/2011 12:35:38 AM

abi21491

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