Mr.MojoRisin, you've only had this snake for a couple of days, max. I would leave him alone at minimum 7 days from the last time you handled him. New arrivals can be quite defensive, even without a diet in the equation.
In the case of a defensive bite (where they bite and release):
Once a full week has transpired, then attempt to feed. Assuming he takes that no problem, then you can begin short handling sessions. I normally just do 2-5 minutes at a time, either a couple times a week or a couple times a month. With time, they generally come around.
Be sure to respect the snake's boundaries. If it hisses or strikes when you open the enclosure, do not handle. Do little things like change the water daily, rummage for poop, etc. so it gets used to your presence. But do not touch the snake.
If you must remove the snake, such as for cleanings, put the snake straight into a dark enclosed container until you are done, and put it straight back in the enclosure. Do not open the enclosure for at least a few days after.
If there comes a time you can open the enclosure and move around without him striking/hissing, then take him out. If he hisses or strikes when you touch him, that's ok. Handle for a couple of minutes and put him back. Be prepared to get bitten: use heavy duty gloves, or mentally prepare yourself so that you don't pull back or flinch when they bite. Don't want to pull out his teeth, and you'll get less damage if you don't pull back.
Be prepared for a snake that remains hands-off if he remains defensive even after several years. I'm not a fan of forcing snakes into being docile by handling them until they stop: it breaches their autonomy and is very stressful.
In the case of a feeding bite (where they bite and wrap):
Use a hook, as mentioned, just rub or tap a few times before reaching in. I wouldn't pick the snake up with the hook, but you can push their head away with it if they go over the hook after your hand.
Use gloves as well (if you so choose), at least until you have confidence not to use them.
Just give him time to work out his new diet, the grouchiness should fade as he settles into the new routine. Also be sure to wash hands thoroughly before handling, and do not handle on the same day you feed any of your other snakes (if you have them).
Quote:
Originally Posted by kazz
I have heard it a lot of times but can't understand how it works ?  |
Every time a snake eats, it gains 2-3x the mass of its intestinal tract, heart, and kidneys. It also drastically ramps up the strength of its digestive juices. Once the prey is digested, the tissue starts to shed off into the bloodstream. It takes time for this to be repurposed and the blood levels to return to normal. They will also continue shedding tissue for awhile after actually defecating, before their tissue walls return to a resting state.
The physical strain of not allowing a snake to go through this "feast and famine" cycle affects the physical structure of their liver, heart, and digestive tract. They will also grow rapidly to make up for the intake of food, which can cause skeletal problems when this type of feeding is ongoing. With weakened organs, they can succumb to a variety of different health issues.
In addition, snakes with abnormally large fat deposits are at heightened risk of fatty liver disease or similar diseases, where the excess fat travels to the liver and inflames it. Without rigorous vet treatment, this can result in death. Reptiles suffering from this disease can refuse food and rapidly lose weight. I am not sure what tends to trigger these episodes, but it happens often enough I see it discussed.
Feel free to correct my mistakes.
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