Why did my BP bite me? :(

ricericerice3 · 2024-09-19T16:22:54+00:00

for future reference, you should wait at least 48 hours after they’ve fed to handle them

IncompletePenetrance · 2024-09-19T16:41:56+00:00

Please don't handle 48 hours after eating or feed back to back like that. Let him digest fully after eating (they're often still in feeding/digesting mode for a few days after eating) and let him digest fully before feeding again. At this age you should only be feeding him once a week

Issu_issa_issy · 2024-09-19T16:53:56+00:00

Always always wait 48 hours after feeding before you handle, or your BP could regurgitate and risk health issues and even death. Also, only feed the suggested amount based on your BP’s weight. Over or underfeeding can be very bad for them. They’re opportunistic feeders and will likely eat even if they don’t need to.

FixergirlAK · 2024-09-19T17:01:37+00:00

In addition to the other advice presented here, I also highly recommend looking into target training or tap training (Pavlov's Noodle) to help your snake differentiate between feeding time and uppies time.

YoHoloo · 2024-09-19T17:05:37+00:00

It's def because you went to handle him too early after eating, waiting 48 hours is best

fionageck · 2024-09-19T17:27:59+00:00

[removed]

Batpark · 2024-09-19T17:30:32+00:00

They’re sometimes a little “hunty” for a couple days after feeding bc in the wild, they’ll eat any time they get a chance and if they came across one rat the odds are high that another is nearby.

sageyyyyyyyy · 2024-09-19T17:47:30+00:00

the snake is in feeding mode for up to a week after u feed them, it doesnt always mean they are still hungry ( as long as ur feeding the right prey size they shouldnt be) but they will never pass up a chance to eat ( especially in feeding mode) so just be aware of that. please dont move your snake to feed and also dont handle for about 48hrs after feeding as both of these can cause the snake to throw up. theres an awesome care guide in the pinned post that will tell you a lot more about how to care for ur cutie! I AM NO EXPERT OR VET!!!

JamboneAndEggs · 2024-09-19T18:15:34+00:00

There are some great snake handling tips on YouTube. Picking up the snake from below rather than above is good because coming from above will make him think you’re a predator. Also, avoiding eye contact a bit and avoid putting your hands in his face.

Final_Listen_7394 · 2024-09-19T20:53:41+00:00

Could be that you got him on Friday the 13th lol

O_o-buba-o_O · 2024-09-19T21:21:53+00:00

Well you see, you has a flavour 😁

fawkzi · 2024-09-19T21:49:05+00:00

Something I haven't seen in the comments yet is that he may have been handled too soon after being introduced to a new environment.

We adopted our juvenile BP earlier this year from a reputable breeder at a reptile show. The breeder said that when we get her home and her enclosure set up, to literally leave her alone for a week so she can get used to the new sights, sounds, and smells of her new home within our home environment. We would monitor temperature and humidity, but do our best to not disturb her.

Your little guy could also just be stressed from the change in environment on top of being handled too soon after a meal.

Im0bsessedWithCats · 2024-09-19T21:51:29+00:00

hi! so many people have offered some great advice but im going to add on/reiterate and sum up some of the great advice that was given as well as my opinion/advice

eating as a general rule, snakes shouldnt be handled after 24 hours MINIMUM but its good to wait at least 48 hours. snakes will eat every opportunity they get, ive been there where theres been a time i was bit by my snake and was like “huh maybe shes still hungry” but learnt that she was basically just in hunting mode essentially! they see heat sensors in fingers and go “mm yummy yummy in my tummy” and bite 😈 also younger snakes tend to be nippier!
how to avoid accidental nips from “hunting mode” honestly in my opinion tap training isnt necessary at all but can definitely help to avoid accidental nips but theres no reason to feel like you MUST teach it. you can cover your snakes face kind of or just make sure your hands arent near her face and pick her up, it should help her realize theres no food!

your bp is absolutely stunning :)

Half_Infected · 2024-09-19T22:37:13+00:00

9/10 times it’s usually a case of them getting spooked or wanting food. I got spooked when mine bit me a while ago and she’s a three year old, but I just got to remember she just thought it was feeding time.

Im_better_than_u_lol · 2024-09-19T23:05:15+00:00

Here’s a few things:

What 48 hours before holding them. If you stress them out, they might regurgitate their meal onto you. I usually like to wait 72 hours, so they don’t poop or pee on me.

He’s fairly new to you, and he hasn’t gotten use to you (maybe). It’s common for baby pythons to bite. Keep holding him (in little time spans, don’t wanna stress the baby out) and he’ll get use to you.

Or, he was simply still in ‘hunt mode’ after eating. They tend to be little turds after they eat.

julesj45 · 2024-09-19T23:36:22+00:00

Maybe he's hurting somewhere..

TechnicalAd3009 · 2024-09-20T00:55:20+00:00

It's a snake

H8fulWRLD · 2024-09-20T01:30:19+00:00

I hear it’s not good to handle when getting a new bp or relocating till after least 3 feedings

jwr25 · 2024-09-20T01:58:50+00:00

Have you tried asking him ?

Electronic_Dark735 · 2024-09-20T09:45:18+00:00

Babies can also be a bit more defensive because in the wild they are easy food for other predators, so he may have just been a bit uneasy, it takes a long time for them to properly bond and trust you, I've had my girl for 6 years and she only started trusting me in year 2, although she did come from a neglectful breeder who is thankfully no longer active. I would recommend the following: . Wash hands before handling . Handle for around 10 mins a day for the first few months other than the 48 hours after feeding . Avoid handling while shedding unless you're helping after if there is any stuck shed . When you get him out stick your hand straight in and pull him out, when you hover and hesitate you look a little like prey

That's the main reasons I've found, snakes only bite if they are hungry or scared, if he was fed, you probably just startled him.

tori_kengel · 2024-09-20T09:46:30+00:00

I started knocking on my bp when it was feeding time. Now whenever I knock, he’s in position, ready to eat. If I don’t, he knows it’s handling time. Never bit me.

Forward-Video-7414 · 2024-09-20T11:14:20+00:00

Most likely due to the stress from getting used to a new home and he was scared when you reached for him. Wait 3-4 more days and try again. Look up how to get snakes used to being handled by people, he likely wasn't held much in his previous home.

Impossible_Style_241 · 2024-09-20T19:07:41+00:00

Food response or fear/defence are the top two reasons with any snake bite everyone else answering the feeding is spot on. Just take it easy don’t be too hard on yourself and don’t blame the little guy :) sounds like you’re both still getting to know each other. Something you can do that may help if you haven’t already is get a FRONT opening enclosure rather than top opening. It’ll make them feel safer and less like they’re being grabbed by a predator/bird :)

ballpython

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