My snake was one of the nicest it never striked or anything and one day I was going to get it out and it striked at my face... I dont why or what to do bc it scared me really bad and i dont know if it will do it again.
2006-07-23 12:57:52 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Reptiles
had you handled a mouse or rat (or something it would consider food) recently? if it smelled that on you then it may have attacked thinking you were food - always wash your hands if you have handled a rodent before picking up your snake, and always feed in a separate container, not the snake's vivarium, that way the snake will not associate you opening the vivarium's door with being fed.
Another possibility is that you just surprised it. Make sure you approach your snake slowly, and if possible don't reach down from above as snakes see that as a threat (attack from a predator), try reaching underneath the snake and picking it up - that's assuming your viv opens from the side rather than the top.
Also, your snake may have been going 'blue', getting ready to shed. They can't see as well when they are going to shed so can be more grumpy and dislike being handled.
Remember, snakes are animals and all animals even cuddly ones can have a bad day. Just be careful, reach in slowly and carefully with your hand. And depending on the size of your snake a bite isn't generally that bad - if its a corn snake or something along those lines it won't be much worse than a cat scratch.
Keep with it and try to handle your snake once a day (unless its just fed) to get it used to being picked up.
Hope that helps some.
2006-07-23 13:06:30 · answer #1 · answered by ukstubby 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't know what kind of snake. Python's are notoriously moody How long had it been since you fed your snake? Had you handled anything just prior, that would qualify as snake food (scent on your hands)? Was it about to shed? Sometimes people are bitten accidentally because the snake mistakes something for food. If none of this appies, take your snake to a reptile specialist. Might be a physical issue.
2006-07-23 13:03:50 · answer #2 · answered by justme 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A snake doen't change its "personality". A snake relies on instinct and probably felt threatened for some reason.
If you haven't fed it in a while or picked it up in a while may be one reason.
If you handled an animal before handling your snake is another.
Maybe you should try to tap on the cage before going in and grabbing it.
Make a habit of picking up your snake daily. In the meantime, buy a snake hook and use that to pick up your snake before using you hands.
2006-07-23 13:04:19 · answer #3 · answered by Pappa Poopy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Often, snakes that are 'calm' are lacking in something- often viamins or UV light, or are injured.
Boas are a great example. Helathy boas are a bit aggressive and snappish. "Calm, peaceful" pet boas often turn aggressive when allowed out in the sun because they were so lacking in UV (and often kept too cold!) Other 'docile' boas often turn out to have rib injuries when X-rayed.
OR, you just woke it up and/or otherwise startled it. It is always a good idea to let the snake know your plans before you pick it up. I stroke mine gently first to avoid surprise.
OR it is hungry,
OR getting ready to shed and partially blinded- which makes them very nervous.
2006-07-24 06:11:09 · answer #4 · answered by Madkins007 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you smell like food, or it does'nt like your personality. They are wild animals, despite what u think. They will bite. Don't blame the snake, all it hasc is instincts.
2006-07-23 16:47:36 · answer #5 · answered by the shug 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it may have been sleeping and you woke it up and frightened it, that happened with mine except i wasn't trying to get him out i was getting something that was near his cage and i accidentally tapped it and he struck the glass, it scared the hell outta me but i got him out latter and he didn't strike at me or anything, just be careful when you go to get him out.
2006-07-23 13:25:28 · answer #6 · answered by psycho_sweetie_92 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because it needs to sell its ideas to you or satisfy a new master.
Although to compare Bush to a snake is to insult all snakes
2006-07-23 13:01:04 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Was it getting near its time to shed? When they get ready to shed their skins, I understand they can be a little more irritable.
2006-07-23 13:02:26 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
when they get ready to shed their skin, their eyes get blurred and he just probably thought you were something to eat. also if he is hungry it isn't a good idea to mess with him.
2006-07-23 13:24:03 · answer #9 · answered by Littlemiss 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A reptile will always be a reptile no matter how you treat them.
2006-07-26 08:25:10 · answer #10 · answered by M'lady 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋