Bitten Much?

[prattypus]

Now I know that most folks on here have had more than enough opportunity to get nipped at by a snake. Reaching out to catch them, trying to feed them, move them, or just handling them in general.

And while I know that each species/sub-species is different, and that individuals themselves can vary- I would just like to know how often people get tore up as a result of this hobby.

I know I'm due, but I am still scar free- snakewise that is...

[Stefan-A]

And while I know that each species/sub-species is different, and that individuals themselves can vary- I would just like to know how often people get tore up as a result of this hobby.
Speaking for myself, never. I do my best to avoid it, even if it's not important to be that careful. I've been bitten three times. The first two times were intentional, I wanted to test how snappy my female parietalis was and the third time a baby tetrataenia probably just thought my thumb was edible.

[Seere121]

I've gotten it once or twice accidentally and a couple times intentionally. Only once accidentally by a "big" snake, my female ball python during feeding. On a few occasions with my garters I've had to substitute my finger for something they thought was food and shouldn't have been eating.

[Sid]

Believe it or not, I have never been bitten by one of my adult garters. I have been nipped a few times by babies and nailed on occasion by both water snakes and racers. Neither of the latter were bad at all.

[Zephyr]

I never get hit by wild garters anymore.
In my collection, occasionally Fatty will work herself up and give me a good nip if I've got worms on my hands or I get in the way.
Other than that...
I've taken hits from northern water snakes. It's only bad if they decide to "chew."

[Loren]

I get bitten occasionally, but very rarely when considering that my collection is usually between 70- 85 snakes. My Garters practically never bite. A couple of them would definitely do it out of feeding response, but I feed with a hemostat, so it doesnt usually happen.
Only rarely does a bite actually draw more than a drop of blood though. The only ones that have caused much bleeding are my 5'+ gopher snake and my 3' racer. I have a coachwhip now, so most likely it will join that list soon too :)

Wild snakes rarely bite me either. I do use my hands(for non-venomous), and do not constrain their head, but have done my best to learn how to handle with the least amount of threat to the snake, so they usually do not bite.

[crzy_kevo]

i have been nipped by george twice while feeding i was about to give checkers a worm and george still smelled food on my fingers and she took some nipps at me and i caught a baby a few weeks ago that wouldn't stop trying to bite me

[jitami]

I haven't been bitten yet and while logically I know it will be no big deal I've managed to get myself a bit worked up about it. I KNOW it's silly... I KNOW it won't really hurt... but I guess until it actually happens I'll continue to be a bit paranoid about it. I also know that sounds weird, but what can I say, it's the truth...

Ms. Ella will surely get me one of these days. She pounds food and gets defensive when disturbed... anyone want to take bets on whether my inevitable first bite will be a misguided feeding response or a defensive strike? :rolleyes::o:rolleyes:

[Zephyr]

I haven't been bitten yet and while logically I know it will be no big deal I've managed to get myself a bit worked up about it. I KNOW it's silly... I KNOW it won't really hurt... but I guess until it actually happens I'll continue to be a bit paranoid about it. I also know that sounds weird, but what can I say, it's the truth...

Ms. Ella will surely get me one of these days. She pounds food and gets defensive when disturbed... anyone want to take bets on whether my inevitable first bite will be a misguided feeding response or a defensive strike? :rolleyes::o:rolleyes:
Hmm... With wanderings...
They seem to have good accuracy...
I'm gonna have to say defensive strike.

[jitami]

Not exactly wanderings, elegans elegans(mountain garters)... she's a beast, though...

I was trying to feed both in the tank yesterday with one pair of tongs... it went something like this... shove fuzzy in Ella's face, while she's working on that, try to tease feed Sly, done already Ella? Give Sly's fuzzy to Ella, quickly grab another fuzzy from bowl, try to tease feed Sly, What? Done already Ella?, give Sly's second fuzzy to Ella, while she's working on her third fuzzy try to convince Sly to eat... give up... put fourth fuzzy in the fridge, then in Sly's hide with him later while she was hidden on the other side of enclosure. Check back half hour later, Sly had bulge, fuzzy gone... system needs some tweaking!!!

[infernalis]

I have been bitten a few times, Chomper (The Savannah Monitor) and Cain (Ball python) have the biggest impact when they bite.

Garters have bitten before, no big whoop, My Corn tried to eat my finger once:D

Those baby ribbons from Kyle, well they always bite!!

[brownskink]

I have been bitten several times, especially while catching wild snakes. I've noticed that out of the native snakes here in eastern Kentucky, dekayi, ring-necks and green snakes are the least likely to strike.
The worst bite I've experienced was from a racer (coluber constrictor) that I grasped at the mid body.

Out of the captive snakes, the worst for nipping were eastern milksnakes and sometimes a radix would get me. Earlier today, I was bitten by a w/c juvenile nerodia sipedon that I have been keeping. My mexican milk and knoblochi king are super well behaved, only vibrating their tails when startled. But I never handle them after they have eaten or when in ecdysis.

Out of the thamnophis I've kept, only the radix juveniles seemed to be nippy and the others had a tendency to musk when harassed instead of biting. The eastern garters seemed to be the more docile.

As one mentioned before, I never constrict the movements of a docile snake.

[reptile3]

I have been bitten a few times, Chomper (The Savannah Monitor)

You must of smelled like gravy!!:D


Those baby ribbons from Kyle, well they always bite!!

I must say, my red sided from Kyle tried to bite me a few times, he is not so bad after all!!! Kyle are you training them to bite?? LOL

[infernalis]

You must of smelled like gravy!!

Actually, he was quite pi$$ed off at me, I was late feeding him, so he made it a point, did not even try for the food! went straight for my hand, took a good angry bite as if to say "Don't do that again" and proceeded to eat after that.

[Loren]

Rosco, my Savannah, never got me, and I'm glad. I once heard the skull shatter on an adult mouse as he chomped down on it.

[infernalis]

Thankfully Chomper was not trying to hurt me, I think he wanted to just let me know he was cheesed!

I am more respectful of those claws, He has power in his jaw, but he has power in those short legs as well, and talons at the end of each one!

He has always been puppy dog tame to me, except that once, and it was my fault.

[Loren]

Same with mine- he only ever scared me if I scared him first.

Are his nails either getting filed down by digging or something like that, or getting trimmed occasionally? If you just let them grow, and they dont get filed down on their own, they get really sharp, and eventually get so long that they force the toes sideways. I used a cat nail trimmer to take the tips of from time to time.

[Garter_Gertie]

Chomper "Jaba" is precious, Dekay. I'm very sure it WAS your fault as Chomper is a precious perfect. :rolleyes:

You need to be more respectful and understand your ways of being a hand-maiden with opposable thumbs... :D:D:D

[Lulu Bennett]

I have been bitten a few times from both my marcys and tetras mostly due to my lack of concentration.
I did take on a malnourished and mite riddled 4 foot boa and it tagged me in the face. He hadn't had much human interaction in a while so i don't blame him. i blame the mother of the 15yr old that let him have it.

[aSnakeLovinBabe]

I get bitten occasionally, but very rarely when considering that my collection is usually between 70- 85 snakes. My Garters practically never bite. A couple of them would definitely do it out of feeding response, but I feed with a hemostat, so it doesnt usually happen.

Wild snakes rarely bite me either. I do use my hands(for non-venomous), and do not constrain their head, but have done my best to learn how to handle with the least amount of threat to the snake, so they usually do not bite.


that is basically exactly what I was going to say. In fact, i think you read my mind!!!

[infernalis]

No Shannon, they just like to poop all over you:D

[aSnakeLovinBabe]

you are right Wayne...

Not many people out there have been showered in garter poop by 5 massive females all at once, and were so proud of the moment they made their boyfriend stop to take pictures!!!

I saw them all and I HAD to dive on the pile... I HAD to catch them all for photos and observation!

I know it was really gross, but at the same time.. how many times does that happen?!?! that to me was the mark of a truely exhilarating and fun herping expierience even if it was messy. Rarely do many herpers come across PILES of snakes!

It is why showers were invented!

[ssssnakeluvr]

I've been bitten more times than I can count...lots of them are from snakes grabbing fingers that smell like fish. have a few nasty ones that bite anyway. occasionally bitten by a wild one.... been tagged by a few other herps also...including a baby eastern massassauga...dry bite, only one fang hit my finger at an angle...got it bleeding right away, rinsed it off...no effects...other then the a**hole vet making me get rid of my collection (she didn't like me anyway).

[Loren]

You went to the vet for a snake bite? You're an animal! :)

[Tori]

I've never been bit by an adult garter. I let the babies bite all they want and by the time they are grown they never try anymore. A baby bite usually doesn't even break the skin unless they are large enough to latch on and chew a bit. Of course I think of them all as babies until they are large enough to breed, so, about 3 years of age since I have never bred any younger than that. My corns are about 4 and neither have ever even attempted to bite and I hope they never figure out that they could. A four foot corn bite might hurt more than a garter bite.

[Loren]

My male corn is about 4' long now too, and doesnt seem to be slowing down- especially since he's eating small rats. Another animal to start thinking about a cage upgrade...

I dont think I have ever had a garter snake bite that broke the skin. The only bites I can even remember is from little babies, and I couldnt even feel teeth.

[count dewclaw]

I've been nipped by a few garters, mostly WC adult females. None have broken the skin.

The last milksnake I evicted from my basement nailed me good. But I was being stupid and trying to hold it and photograph it at the same time. It started to chew a bit, so the skin was broken. It really didn't hurt, even with it chewing a bit.

[infernalis]

What a cool thread!!

Here is an observation with out Ball Python, I would assume it would be true for any snake with heat pits.

Cain has always ate live prey, I was told when I got him that was all he would ever take. (bet they tried to serve cold)

When I thaw mice from the freezer, I put them in a bag, and set the bag in a dish of hot water. This thaws the mouse quickly and gives it heat.

Whenever I dangle a warm (F/T) from the tongs, Cain hits the bulls eye perfectly, however when I get to the last mouse or two, they have started to cool down, suddenly my hand is warmer than the mouse, and his aim changes drastically!! (I have had him try to go for my face before)

If the mouse is cold, all the snake knows is that his nose smells food, and apparently his heat pits take priority over his eyes when it's time to strike.

[prattypus]

See, now I feel left out... I guess I'll just have to swish my hands around some salmon and just dangle them in the tank...

[Snake lover 3-25]

willow has bitten me numerous times but mostly when he gets out and i find him on the floor.......
meadow got me good when i caught her..... the held on and had to be pulled off..... left a nice ring of teeth marks on my hand but other than that it didn't really hurt.....

[Loren]

What a cool thread!!

Here is an observation with out Ball Python, I would assume it would be true for any snake with heat pits.

Cain has always ate live prey, I was told when I got him that was all he would ever take. (bet they tried to serve cold)

When I thaw mice from the freezer, I put them in a bag, and set the bag in a dish of hot water. This thaws the mouse quickly and gives it heat.

Whenever I dangle a warm (F/T) from the tongs, Cain hits the bulls eye perfectly, however when I get to the last mouse or two, they have started to cool down, suddenly my hand is warmer than the mouse, and his aim changes drastically!! (I have had him try to go for my face before)

If the mouse is cold, all the snake knows is that his nose smells food, and apparently his heat pits take priority over his eyes when it's time to strike.
Definitely some truth to that. I have noticed snakes with heat pits aare pickier with f/t, and it seems to help if its good and warm.
My bp used to take f/t, then I made the mistake of letting someone watch him take a live rat (they had never seen a snake eat a live animal, and wanted to). He has been a live-only eater since. Hits like a freight train!

[Loren]

See, now I feel left out... I guess I'll just have to swish my hands around some salmon and just dangle them in the tank...
That'll do it! :)

[infernalis]

Rub a mouse on your nose and give 'em a kiss:D

http://www.wildonesonline.faketrix.com/content/pictures/original/awesome-snake-bite-photo.jpg

[Loren]

Yeah, then post a pic. :)
I would hate to take a face bite from my bp. Hes getting big and really strong. The only snake of mine bigger is my largest gopher, but bitewise, I think the bp would hurt more.

[infernalis]

Oh yeah, Cain is as thick as a sink drain, prolly 1.5-2 full inches in girth.

AND he is still young:eek:

Once he wrapped around my hand/wrist and started to squeeze, my fingers went numb.

Thankfully Royal Pythons are rather docile, Probably explains the popularity in the pet trade.

When he takes down a rat, it is impressive to see. Lightning fast, and dead accurate, He has NEVER been bitten while in my care.

He constricts them in a way that the head is safely pointed away at the time, or he clamps down on their head with his own mouth to prevent them from biting him back.

Limon strikes fast also, fortunatly he has a small mouth, he is more likely to leave an impact bruise!

[Loren]

Yep, my bp is very precise in his hold to, which is amazing considering the speed at which he does it.
For the most part, bp's only seem to bite out of feeding response. They arent typically aggressive, rather they live up to their name and ball up when threatened.

[bsol]

I cant count how many times I've been bitten either. Garters, water snakes(a number of species), racers, kings, rat snakes... There might be more. That was during my younger days. Now i'm a more careful. Also a lot less in the woods and canals.

[ssssnakeluvr]

You went to the vet for a snake bite? You're an animal! :)
LOL!!! no I went to the normal doctor, worked for the vet while in the army....and yes I have been called an animal on many occasions...:cool:

[reptile3]

Let's see... Kyle my red sided, tried to bite me.. didn't hurt!

My Iguana has bitten me 2 times, small bites - hurt & bled

Bearded Dragon, never bit me.... come close to it, cause I hand feed him his greens
and worms.

My Ball Python, hasn't bitten me, or even tried to!! He is soo sweet, that is why I call him my baby!
Aundrea likes to call him.. Mr. Goodyear (Goodyear tire) LOL - I feed him frozen,thawed small rats. I did start him off on live mice, then switched to the frozen.

as for my geckos, none bitten me yet either.


However, I had been bitten badly by my old iguana Willy, 5ft male, at the time he was 7 yrs old. I was 3 months pregnant with my son.
Took Willy out for a walk, brought him back in his room... proceeded to take off his collar... & he took a bite. I didn't realize till I saw massive amounts of blood. Got 3 of my fingers, scars to prove it!!
After that, he never even tried to bite me, he was my best friend!!

[Loren]

However, I had been bitten badly by my old iguana Willy, 5ft male, at the time he was 7 yrs old. I was 3 months pregnant with my son.
Took Willy out for a walk, brought him back in his room... proceeded to take off his collar... & he took a bite. I didn't realize till I saw massive amounts of blood. Got 3 of my fingers, scars to prove it!!
After that, he never even tried to bite me, he was my best friend!!


Guess he just needed to get that off his chest, then he was ok? :)

[reptile3]

Guess he just needed to get that off his chest, then he was ok? :)

Must have been!! I was still learning about iguanas. It was breeding season, new area.. all the trees I have in the yard. He was in overload!!! If he really wanted to tear my hand/fingers off he could have! BOY do they have some TEETH!!!

he was my big baby... loved to eat from my hand, he loved grapes, I would throw them across the room, he would race to get them. He was potty trained, after that incident, he never tried to bite me again, nor whip me.

Getting Whipped by an iguana tail, OUCH it does hurt. I have been whipped across the face, arms & legs. I have scars all over my arms from his nails. Which I learned to trim, & handle him without him digging into my arms.

It was sad to let him go. He was adopted by another family. An hour away, & he is still living. He is about 11 yrs old now.
We had to put him up... his room, was my sons room. It was sad to let him go! But it was good that he went to someone who loved & cared for him!!
:)

[Snake lover 3-25]

wait he really took off 2 of your fingers??? wow that sucks......

[richard f.]

Lucy, by her five inch ring-neck, hanging from her finger. Probably a little rough with it. "It didn't hurt so much". "Yellow-bellow (now demised) loved me, didn't he?

[kurtnagel]

What a cool thread!!

If the mouse is cold, all the snake knows is that his nose smells food, and apparently his heat pits take priority over his eyes when it's time to strike.

Ha! Now I know what those things on the face are called and what they for! I was just in PetCo the other day admiring a Ball and thinking, "What are those holes?" Show how much I know about snakes in general :p

[Loren]

Some reading for you Kurt, and anyone else :)
The Reptipage: Serpent senses (http://reptilis.net/serpentes/senses.html)

Its about snakes and thier senses. I havent had a chance to read it all myself, but it looks like good reading.

[infernalis]

Ha! Now I know what those things on the face are called and what they for! I was just in PetCo the other day admiring a Ball and thinking, "What are those holes?" Show how much I know about snakes in general :p


Hang around here for long, you will know more than you ever wanted:eek:

Stare into that display wall for very long, sooner or later you will likely wind up walking out carrying a box........

[Snake lover 3-25]

lol yup i sure do:D

[Rook]

Jiffy is only my second snake, but I have never been bitten yet. Rook was really really good, she ate right off my fingers and never confused my fingers for food. Jiffy we have not even had a week, he is pretty friendly though..I dont think he will ever be eating from our fingers though lol

[Garter_Gertie]

Hay, Dekay! Think I should spill about Peepers biting me? Folks should get a good laugh at my expense.

[Loren]

well, you kind of have to now, Gertie! Dontcha know.

[Garter_Gertie]

No I don't. Don'tcha know? I gotta get Wayne's permission. It was his son that chowed on me...

LOL!!!

And Loren, you *mite* get jealous, Love. Ittiz kind'a racey....

[Loren]

My folks just got home from minn.- visiting the family. Didnt tell you I have some minnesota blood, did I. I wasnt born there though, just my folks.
Been there many times. SW corner- the little towns.

[Garter_Gertie]

Well, pooh! Should you deign to come, let me know. I'll do my damndest to get down that way to meet you.

Turkey Town? Pipestone? Near Blue Mounds State Park?

[Loren]

Pretty much. Leota, Edgerton, Chandler area. I do remember seeing signs for blue mounds something or other, and I have been to Pipestone.


Not sure about turkey town, but it sounds delicious.

[Garter_Gertie]

I can't remember the name o'the town - Worthington? - but ittiz like the worlds capital for turkey production. down around that area.

[Loren]

Yep, been to Worthington. Didnt remember seeing any turkeys there though. Its been a while though.

but, keeping in line with this thread... I dont think anyone bit me while I was there. :)

[Garter_Gertie]

OOOOOOOO! Be still my heart, Lover! I'm hurrying as fast as I can with my make-over!

COME ON DOWN! We'll work on you you getting bit in MN!

(I am so naughty!)

[Loren]

:D



(not quite sure what else to say to that)

[infernalis]

I think it was the location of the bite that adds the humor to it, So go ahead, tell us where he bit you:D:eek:

[Garter_Gertie]

Yeah, well location AND stupidity!

Otay. Here goes. Have fun you guys...

Remember me talking about garters and calming when they hear our heart beats? That's my contention, at least, because that's how I tamed (tamed?) Winnie, the garter at the park.

I got Peeps & Jeeps from Dekay - THANKS, Dekay! And Peepers, my pride and joy, is THE MOST skittish, frightened, bull-headed, chicken snake I've ever met. Breaks my heart as of the two he's my fav. Though I've since given up - little stinker's won! - I was DETERMINED to tame him. The brat!

It was hotter'un h&11 here this past summer. When hot I wear these little like tube tops (they're stretchy), but longer and they have like a built-in sports bra/band bra in them.

I was h&11 bent on getting Peepers tamed; like determined! So, I was holding him up against my heart, here at the computer but needed both hands. So... I put him in my top as it was somewhat tight and he could stay there without falling out and be right against my heart, between my breasts.

Yeah. You got it. All of a sudden he LATCHED on the left side of my right breast and was working his little heart out to get it ALL IN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was blowing and blowing and BLOWING in his face - his eyes were looking up at me and I SWEAR I saw a "Ha-ha!" glint in his eyes! And he tried harder - determined to make me pay - to mouth the whole thing!

FINALLY, I ran to the sink and dumped handfuls of cold water on him. And he finally let go.

You could see top toofy marks and bottom toofy marks. In perfect v-shapes. It was red for like two weeks and then the prettiest bruise you have EVER seen showed up. Had THAT sucker (WHOOPS! PHUNNY!) for a good 3-4 weeks.

And that round went to The Peepsmeister!

[prattypus]

hmmmm, definitely not where I had envisioned this thread to go. This is the best forum ever!

[Lori P]

ROFLMAO!!!!!! OMG... poor little guy is going, "LOOK at the SIZE of that pinky!!!! Mine mine mine mine!!!!!" Gertie, hun, you need to stop wearing Eau de Meece perfume...

[Garter_Gertie]

It's the ONLY damn pinkie "that poor little guy" has put in his mouth to date!

Ah, ha! I just had an idea! What if I DO put a pinkie *there* and put Peeps there, too? MAYBE he'd eat the pinkie? He will NOT eat a f/t... Do you think he wants live????

[Loren]

I would try scenting mice with your chest.
:)

[Garter_Gertie]

Help!!!!!!!!!!!! 911!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I Can't Breath!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Roflolpmpcoosbagbbomn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I Cam
T Qioyt ;aigomg!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11

[Loren]

repeat after me;
he- he -he- hooooo he- he- he- hoooooo

[Lori P]

What, is she having a baby??! Lamaze ain't gonna help her!!!! LOL

Oh, my god, I now have visions of us girls running around thawing out pinks and mice under our boobies... hmmmm, wonder how many I can fit under there???

[Loren]

Oh, my god, I now have visions of us girls running around thawing out pinks and mice under our boobies

Thats funny, so do I. :o

just kidding :)

[Lori P]

Well, if I ever try it and find out, you'll be the first to know!!!!

[Zephyr]

I, sadly, cannot partake in said experience for personal reasons.

[jitami]

OMG, I am laughing so hard!!! Gertie, love ya hon... thanks for sharing the story and for a great laugh! OMG.... lol...

Lori... I am not... repeat... am not... ever putting a dead mouse under my boob! What if I forget about it? :eek:

[Snake lover 3-25]

Omg .

[GartersRock]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!! OMG!!!!! I can't breath...!! Gertie.!! :D

[Loren]

Lori... I am not... repeat... am not... ever putting a dead mouse under my boob! What if I forget about it? :eek:

I think the smell would eventually remind you. :)

[Lori P]

Lori... I am not... repeat... am not... ever putting a dead mouse under my boob! What if I forget about it? :eek:

ROFLMAO!!!!! Well, I agree that's a definite possibility. Can you imagine your next trip to the Dr? "Ummm... ma'am?? I don't... know... quite how to tell you this..."

LOLOLOL

[infernalis]

MK told me about this the day it happened, Out of respect for the snake, I kept quiet:eek:

[Garter_Gertie]

Yeah, right, Wayne. LOL!!!

[Aundrea]

OMGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA Im sorry but Its so DAMN FUNNY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I guess we wont be doing that again eh? LOL. Lucky you didnt have BOTH of them in there LOL :eek::D

[infernalis]

MK you win, it was out of respect for you that I did not just open the floodgates that day and let it out:D

[Garter_Gertie]

I know, Sweetie Dekay! Thanks for holding your giggles and gafaws! :)

I think we both knew I'd admit my idiotcy when the time was right... This was the time.

Well, as I always say, "The kids come first," and that - at the TIME - was the best for Peepers. Now, however, folks in h&!! will get ice cream cones before I EVER try and cuddle Peepers *there*!!!!

[guidofatherof5]

I asked my daughter Gabby to get into the Fox snake enclosure. They had dumped their water and it needed cleaned and refilled. Seconds after taking the screen off Gabby yelled for me. The male Fox snake is an aggressive feeder and he thought it was dinner time. He gave her a good solid bite and wasn't wanting to let go. Once I got my finger inside the lower jaw I was able to pry him off. Gabby got cleaned up and returned to the snake room. She said she wasn't mad and that he was just hungry. She's a great snake helper.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/fox_snake_bite.jpg

[GarterGeek]

Wow, what a bite! How long is the fox snake?

Is prying off difficult? I'm always scared to pry because snake jaws seem so delicate. I always use the hot-water technique. - It works like a charm.

[guidofatherof5]

Wow, what a bite! How long is the fox snake?

Is prying off difficult? I'm always scared to pry because snake jaws seem so delicate. I always use the hot-water technique. - It works like a charm.

He's a big boy at almost 6 foot. I pushed the lower jaw forward and it released. He had the top set in deep. He then grabbed me and held on for about 10 seconds then fiqured out it wasn't food and he let go. It was pure feeding response. After he let go of me I picked him up and he was fine. The problem is he's been feed from the top most of his life and been given very little non-food interaction. He'll do fine adjusting to the new routine. It may take awhile and a few more bites. My Gabby(age9) wasn't mad and understood why it happened.

[ConcinusMan]

That's way cool. Most kids that age would be terrified and want nothing to do with snakes after that. I had a few very large(5-6 feet) San Diego gopher snakes back in the 80's. Even though these guys were particularly tame, and tolerated handling well, they sometimes responded that way too especially if you go reaching into their personal space while they are just "chilling out". but most of the time, the bite was pretty nasty compared to that pic. There's some debate about it but even though they may track down mice by smell, they strike at just about any thing that moves when they are hungry so when it comes to the feeding response, it's visual. My concinnus garters were different. The only time they went cray like that and bit me was when the smell of fish was everywhere, including on my hands. When I have large snakes, even garters, I always keep a couple of swabs handy, soaked in watered down vodka for such cases. Get that on their lips when they won't let go. It gets them let go fast and doesn't seem to harm them.

[gregmonsta]

I always keep a couple of swabs handy, soaked in watered down vodka for such cases. Get that on their lips when they won't let go. It gets them let go fast and doesn't seem to harm them.

;) Alcohol based mouthwash seems to get the thumbs up too (although I've not tested it ... still haven't been bitten ... in 15 years :D).

[ConcinusMan]

I don't know if all those other chemicals are necessary though. Some are definitely toxic. The response to let go is achieved by nothing more than a little ethanol. It doesn't even have to be very strong. I wanted to add also, I can't count how many times I've been bitten. The worst was by large wild gopher snakes, but my garters never bit me unless it was a feeding response, and most of wild capture bites from garters were basically just quick nips. When they realize that musking and biting isn't working, they usually just give up and calm down.

[GarterGeek]

I have a kingsnake who bites me all the time. It's rare I pass a week without getting bit. Not only does he like to bite, but he holds on and chews until I pour water over him. :o He's only about 2-3ft long, but he always draws blood! I just don't want him to still be doing this when he's around 6ft.

I put my hand in the aquarium and he rushes over to that side of the aquarium in what seems to be a feeding or territorial response. When I do get him out of the aquarium without getting bit, (which isn't too hard considering his extreme stupidity) he is calm and just wraps around my hand. He'll either sit there or slither over me for anywhere between five-ten minutes, suddenly without being provoked he'll just clamp on. I've noticed that when he's going over my hand, it's very similar to what I've seen him do once he's wrapped around a pinky and he's looking for the head.

Is there a way to stop him viewing me as food?

[ConcinusMan]

That is so strange. All CB CA kings I have kept or seen did the same thing, even striking at the glass when you walk by. And yet, all of the wild kings I have caught, from youngsters to 5 footers, have always been very sweet, and never bit me. Strange. The only thing I can think of is that a diet of rodents makes them more aggressive. All the wild kings I had would only feed on other snakes or lizards.

[aSnakeLovinBabe]

I think a lot of people mistake feeding aggression for the snake being "mean". I always hear that, that everyone's kingsnakes are mean. A lot of people worry that eating mice makes their snake mean, but it's not that at all, it's just that in captivity, the snakes are relaxed enough to express their extreme lust for food. I have had my california kingsnake for 7 years, does he try to bite me every time I open the cage? Yes! But it is not aggression that drives him, it is because he is conditioned to respond to me messing around in his cage as time to eat. Kingsnakes will eat anything so once they have ahold of you they don't want to let go. That is their instinct, grab it and DON"T LET IT GET AWAY. If there were kingsnake-bite-sized humans I am sure kingsnakes would have no qualms eating them! Kingsnakes are the labrador retriever of snakes. Food is what motivates them and drives their actions. Bandit does not have a mean bone in his body, but he is definitely a food motivated snake and will stop at nothing to attempt to eat anything that moves. If I wave at him through the glass, he will chase after my hand with his mouth open. Once I take him out and he realizes I am NOT feeding him, he's a big sweetie pie. I could provoke him all I want and he will show no aggression. Kingsnakes simply appear to be MUCH more willing than other types of snakes to hang on once the grab their "prey". A.k.a. my middle finger, which bandit once completely swallowed and chewed his way around my knuckle and refused to let go for 20 minutes! cold water? pfff. Alcohol? pfffff. Whiskey? ha, forget it. I had to use semi-hot water from the faucet!

As for being bitten... it's basically a part of my daily routine. Brush teeth, check. Brush hair, check. Eat breakfast, check. Have a few snake teeth embedded in my flesh, check!

[drache]

none of my kings are biters
good thing too - Drache is almost 6' now and I'm sure it wouldn't be entirely pleasant to get tagged by him
I have a couple of garters though . . .
one of the easterns I just adopted came with got renamed "the beast", and Whizzy, my crazy concinnus - both of them will bite any time; even when they're stuffed and I could chase them off with rodent, they'll still tag my hands

[ConcinusMan]

I disagree about the "mean" kings being a feeding response. I know the difference. The mean kings I have seen (and owned) we're downright mean. They weren't hungry. Rattling their tails, puffing up, and striking at the glass was not because they were hungry, and bites sustained were not the "grab ahold and don't let go" type of bite. These were defensive bites. The tame kings don't do any of this.

[Steven@HumboldtHerps]

As for being bitten... it's basically a part of my daily routine. Brush teeth, check. Brush hair, check. Eat breakfast, check. Have a few snake teeth embedded in my flesh, check!

Oh, I can relate to teeth embedded in flesh! On a couple of occasions I have had my female snow corn "Luna" tag me (my fault; I smelled like a mouse). I didn't even realize I had teeth embedded unti weeks later after it had healed over. Then, just like a big splinter, they slowly rise to the surface - Yes, fun with tweezers!

As for my garters, the only ones that ever has attempted to bite is my Oregon Garter. In my confrontations with the wild garters here (ordinoides, elgans, sirtalis, and atratus), only the Oregons (T. a. hydrophilus) have been nippy; almost every wild adult Oregon I have handled has drawn blood; the neonates are feisty too! Here are a few memories:

http://www.humboldtherps.com/images/oregon_garter1C_-_sapphire_lake_-_trinity_alps_-07-06-2007.jpg

http://www.humboldtherps.com/images/oregon_garter3E_-_stuart_fork_creek_-_07-07-2007.jpg
http://www.humboldtherps.com/images/oregon_garter3C_-_stuart_fork_creek_-_07-07-2007.jpg

http://www.humboldtherps.com/images/HCHSimage-CHOMP_-Oregon_Garter_Snake-So._Fk._Chetco_River_OR_07-28-2007.jpg

http://www.humboldtherps.com/images/20080822HCHSimage-Oregon_Garter-McCloud_River-Siskiyou_County01C.JPG

[Steven@HumboldtHerps]

And the great hydrophilus chomp of 2009!

[ConcinusMan]

I've had my fair share of wild ordinoides latch on to me when first picked up. hydrophilus have always been feisty and love to bite (and chew!). sirtalis(concinnus) occasionally bite me(especially males) but but mostly they flatten out and "dry" strike a few times before taming quickly. T. elegans terrestris (found along hwy 101 in N. CA) tend to do the same thing.

[brubru2]

I have gotten bit by snakes loads of times, but not by any of my three garters. I get bitten by the banded water snakes I catch up at my cottage. they aren't just being agressive, they only bite when I first catch them, but after that they warm right up to me. The biggest one I've caught so far is a two-and-a-half foot long male I nicknamed, "Re" (as in the Egyptian sun god) Suprisingly enough, I have caught him more than once!:D

P.S: Water snake bites don't hurt at all.:)

[ConcinusMan]

Thanks for the tip. ;)

[brubru2]

Oh, and when I was about nine, I even found, what I now realize to be a baby California kingsnake!:eek:

P.S: You're welcome

[krystalirelan@southslope.]

not bit much, peed on alot :)

[ConcinusMan]

Oh, and when I was about nine, I even found, what I now realize to be a baby California kingsnake!:eek:

P.S: You're welcome


Talk about biters. The "little kings" are the worst! Nippy little boogers.

[brubru2]

Really?:confused:
The one I caught seemed to be verry well behaved, and it was wild.

[brubru2]

Oh, one quick question.
At my cottage, (up in Waupaca, WI )a lot of people on the lake, say they have seen a snake that (when frightened) will puff-up its head. They say it is fairly large. While I have never seen it, I'd have to say it was either a hognose snake, or a false water cobra.
From this, can anyone tell what type of snake it is?

[count dewclaw]

Well, since false water cobras are native to South America I don't think it is one of them. Unless it escaped and can survive in Wisconsin....I don't know enough about hognoses to say one way or the other. Garters will flatten their heads when threatened, not sure about water snakes.

[mustang]

Oh, one quick question.
At my cottage, (up in Waupaca, WI )a lot of people on the lake, say they have seen a snake that (when frightened) will puff-up its head. They say it is fairly large. While I have never seen it, I'd have to say it was either a hognose snake, or a false water cobra.
From this, can anyone tell what type of snake it is?
probably a hognose snake

[brubru2]

Okay, thanks for the help.:D

[guidofatherof5]

This wasn't what I had expected.
These two girls faced up and started pulling, each thinking the other had their food. Seconds after taking this picture I saw the paper towel which had been holding pinkies heading across the enclosure. Another girl had found a wet area on the paper towel and was eating it. I was able to work the paper towel out of her mouth with my left hand, the other two were in the discovery stage with my fingers. Then shortly after they all let go, my girl Tourette came up to my face. She had been given a few fuzzies but wasn't satisfied. I looked at her and said there was no more food. She apparently took offense to that and grabbed my nose. The nose is a sensitive place and full of tiny blood vessels. It took 15 minutes to get the blood to stop flowing.
It was then I decided not to feed anyone else tonight.:D
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/bitten.jpghttp://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/bitten1.jpg

[prattypus]

Criminy Steve, you look like a glutton for punishment- I am glad to say I still haven't been bit, but my exposure has definitely waned over the last year.

How much did your fingers bleed?

[ConcinusMan]

He did that ship on purpose.^^^ ;)

Show off!:D

OMG I think he's having a reaction. Look what it did to his face! It's all distorted!:p

[guidofatherof5]

Criminy Steve, you look like a glutton for punishment- I am glad to say I still haven't been bit, but my exposure has definitely waned over the last year.

How much did your fingers bleed?

No bleeding on the fingers. I made up for it on my nose.
It was all feeding response and mice was on the menu.
This group has been increasingly aggressive during mice time.

[Spankenstyne]

He did that ship on purpose.^^^ ;)

Show off!:D

OMG I think he's having a reaction. Look what it did to his face! It's all distorted!:p


Reaction to the venom imo, it's also even started making his mustache go grey! :eek:

[guidofatherof5]

I had hesitated on posting the photo of myself for fear it would comeback to haunt me.
I guess I was right.
Let the haunting begin.:D

[Snakeknot]

I've owned snakes for a little over a year. The first corn I got was a baby Okeetee even though I was told they can be a little nippy. He tagged me twice the first week! Even drew blood! The third time I was being stupid and hand feeding him and instead of grabbing the pinkie, he grabbed MY pinkie! That was actually kinda funny though.

The others I have yet to get bit by. Fran/Franco my Kenyan sand boa, never. ( Knock on wood. ) And I better not because that's the one I let kids handle! Draco my big, amel corn, never. ( Knock on wood. ) Achilles, well he musked the vet and I while we were medicating him but no bites. ( Knock on wood. ) Wishbone my baby amel corn, never. ( Knock on wood. ) Smoothie the Saharan has yet to show any signs of biting but then I've only had him less than a week! And Bogo the new garter baby has musked me but not bitten. So either I have it coming to me, ( knocking on a whole wood pile here! ) or I picked out really nicely tempered snakes. I HOPE its the latter! I want to do reptile outreach with these guys so I better pick nice dispositions!

Steve : I see your guys like finger food!

Devon

[Mommy2many]

I think it's kinda funny when they nip. The little guy I saved the other night from being eaten by its sibling, turned and latched onto me as soon as I got him out of the other snake's belly! I think it was a residual reaction due to being almost half swallowed. They always seem to draw a little blood each time, they have sharp little teeth, even the baby ones!:D

[jitami]

Well, I'm no longer a snake bite virgin :p

It wasn't my absolutely perfect, in no way would we bite mommy, garters, though :D The cornsnake often puts on quite a show of tail rattling, S'ing up, etc., but until today hasn't followed through with an actual strike. I was taking him out of his feeding tub a few minutes ago and he nailed me on my index finger. I screamed like a girl and then started laughing. I felt practically nothing and while there was a tiny spot of blood I can't even see or feel where he got me now. brat. Getting him out of the tub turned out to be somewhat interesting. He had poo'd so I wanted to rinse him off before putting him back in his enclosure. He continued to strike and be a brat so I just put the feeding tub under the faucet and waited until he had to swim, reached in picked him up, rinsed him off, with no more attitude issues. Ok, so I'm still a bit of a sissy, but it worked. :D

[prattypus]

I almost got hit today. I had just fed Mojito- Similis, and I was pulling the dish out- and he normally goes to the opposite end when I am in there. Well I had my hand in, and he struck- no connection, but he held his body somewaht aloft and lef this mouth gaping for a moment - never seen him act like that before. onery cuss.

[guidofatherof5]

My 5.5 foot bull snakes nailed me today. She grabbed my wrist and hung on for a few.
It was my fault as she was still in feeding mode.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/bitten2.jpg

[Mommy2many]

Now that's a bite!:)

[jitami]

Ouch, Steve! I'd like to say my brat was still in feeding mode, but he doesn't even strike at his prey, just slowly takes it in his mouth and starts eating. Ungrateful brats, I tell you ;)

[prattypus]

Man oh man- Steve when you say blood, sweat, and tears- I am more prone to say that you shed all of them in ample amounts over your charges- DEDICATION!!

[guidofatherof5]

Well, my 5.5 female Bull snake is at it again or should I say at me again.:D
She came to the Ranch about 2 months ago a skinny neglected snake. She had that keel look to her back. Once in her new home she made a point of striking at everything that moved by her enclosure, every time. She was a very hungry snake. I focused the first month on getting her body weight back up and then started working on her manors. Once she was out of that starving mode she started to come around.
I was now able to enter the enclosure without defending myself and once she realized it wasn't a food situation she allowed me to pick her up.
Tonight I entered the enclosure to do some housekeeping(poop pickup or in her case, shoveling). That part went very well as she stayed in the hide. After the cleanup I decided to get her out for some calm time. I grabbed the corner of her hide and started to lift when she came out like a rocket and grabbed my forearm. After a few seconds she released and I was able to pick her up.
I knew I was going to get tagged by her eventually but I thought it would be in the beginning of our relationship. I don't hold a grudge and I expect to be tagged a few more times before she leaves. I'm going to see if I can get her a job with one of our County Conservation Officers. She'll have to get out of this grabbing mode before that can happen. I look at it as a long rehabilitation for her. Maybe another year on the Ranch.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/bitten3.jpg

[Spankenstyne]

I lost count long ago. I like 'em feisty but my Cape gophers are my worst biters at the moment. It used to be probably 50 or more bites per session before they calmed down. Now the male never bites, he's super docile, but the girls are another story. They're down to maybe a dozen times now per session so there's progress being made lol. My garters haven't been biters yet, just the usual attempts at flight at worst but quickly calming down.

My opinion is it's always our fault when we get bit. They're just doing what they're programmed to do, whether it's defending what they see as a threat or trying to eat what they see as food. Getting tagged is sort of a rite of passage, you're not a true snake keeper until you've been bitten ;)

Here's one of my Goins Kings letting me know I shouldn't get complacent and make sure I wash my hands between bins when feeding, not just when I'm done. Gotta love the feeding responses in these guys:

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj267/spankenstyne/Colubrids/goinlunch2.jpg

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj267/spankenstyne/Colubrids/goinlunch4.jpg

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj267/spankenstyne/Colubrids/goinlunch5.jpg

Really going for the kill

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj267/spankenstyne/Colubrids/goinlunch6.jpg

The aftermath of about half an hour of chewing. Always looks worse than it is. Just had the funny pin-prick mouth patterns on the finger

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj267/spankenstyne/Colubrids/goinlunch7.jpg

My wife laughed, she kept reminding me that normal people don't go grab a camera when their animals try to eat them..

[Tyrel26]

lol kool pics. I have one funny story about a redside i had a while back. She was a BIG girl and from time to time i would feed her a trout about 5" (took her 30secs to eat it...) One day while i was feeding her she was being a little fussy so i rested my hand on the edge of the tank and i turned my head to look at my cornsnake and then she decides shes hungry afterall.... She lunged for the fish but instead she got the top of my finger and because she was a big girl and my fingers tasted like trout she continued to eat me lol....took a lot of tickling to get her to realize i wasnt lunch lol

Also I have a maritime garter now, she loves to be held and quickly stretches out on me and relaxes when ever i take her out BUT show her the camera and she gets mad as can be lol she'll snap and bite at the camera....maybe it's the little red light on it but i dont know. anyone else ever have this happen?

[guidofatherof5]

lol kool pics. I have one funny story about a redside i had a while back. She was a BIG girl and from time to time i would feed her a trout about 5" (took her 30secs to eat it...) One day while i was feeding her she was being a little fussy so i rested my hand on the edge of the tank and i turned my head to look at my cornsnake and then she decides shes hungry afterall.... She lunged for the fish but instead she got the top of my finger and because she was a big girl and my fingers tasted like trout she continued to eat me lol....took a lot of tickling to get her to realize i wasnt lunch lol

Also I have a maritime garter now, she loves to be held and quickly stretches out on me and relaxes when ever i take her out BUT show her the camera and she gets mad as can be lol she'll snap and bite at the camera....maybe it's the little red light on it but i dont know. anyone else ever have this happen?

It sounds like your snakes have you pegged.
I don't think that red-sided got hungry. You stated you turned your attention to a corn snake. It wasn't hunger it was jealousy:D

[Tyrel26]

haha I think maybe you are onto something

[jitami]

My wife laughed, she kept reminding me that normal people don't go grab a camera when their animals try to eat them..

LOL Love it :) I have to admit I was a little disappointed that I didn't even have a mark to take a picture of when the corn finally got me. Should have got the tiny bubble of blood before washing my hands I guess :D

[GarterGeek]

I lost count long ago. I like 'em feisty but my Cape gophers are my worst biters at the moment. It used to be probably 50 or more bites per session before they calmed down. Now the male never bites, he's super docile, but the girls are another story. They're down to maybe a dozen times now per session so there's progress being made lol. My garters haven't been biters yet, just the usual attempts at flight at worst but quickly calming down.

My opinion is it's always our fault when we get bit. They're just doing what they're programmed to do, whether it's defending what they see as a threat or trying to eat what they see as food. Getting tagged is sort of a rite of passage, you're not a true snake keeper until you've been bitten ;)

Here's one of my Goins Kings letting me know I shouldn't get complacent and make sure I wash my hands between bins when feeding, not just when I'm done. Gotta love the feeding responses in these guys:

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj267/spankenstyne/Colubrids/goinlunch2.jpg

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj267/spankenstyne/Colubrids/goinlunch4.jpg

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj267/spankenstyne/Colubrids/goinlunch5.jpg

Really going for the kill

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj267/spankenstyne/Colubrids/goinlunch6.jpg

The aftermath of about half an hour of chewing. Always looks worse than it is. Just had the funny pin-prick mouth patterns on the finger

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj267/spankenstyne/Colubrids/goinlunch7.jpg

My wife laughed, she kept reminding me that normal people don't go grab a camera when their animals try to eat them..

Is Goins Kingsnake the same as Appalachicola kingsnake? Aren't both Lampropeltis getula goini? I have one (who bites just like yours does!) and I'm terribly confused with its name. You could say I'm in need of a classification clarification! I have also heard that they are sometimes referred to as Lampropeltis getula meansi. There seem to be two groups of them; ones with red and ones without, is that just a difference in traits?

Your snake has some beautiful coloration by the way.

[Spankenstyne]

Is Goins Kingsnake the same as Appalachicola kingsnake? Aren't both Lampropeltis getula goini? I have one (who bites just like yours does!) and I'm terribly confused with its name. You could say I'm in need of a classification clarification! I have also heard that they are sometimes referred to as Lampropeltis getula meansi. There seem to be two groups of them; ones with red and ones without, is that just a difference in traits?

Your snake has some beautiful coloration by the way.

Thanks and yeah they're the same snake, so many names. Goins, Appalachicola, Meansi all the same snakes. The one pictured is one of the "blaze phase" examples. It was very bright orange as a baby, which washes out into a reddish orange or peach tones as they get older, more commonly losing all or almost all of the red & orange tones. These seem to be holding their colours pretty well so far though, usually by now there is very little or no traces of orange & red. Here's the same snake as a baby:

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj267/spankenstyne/Colubrids/blaze1b.jpg

[prattypus]

Alright- I got some corns a few weeks ago, and while I went years off and on throughout garters, one of these corns won't leave me alone!

Trying to handle him more, but he thinks it's time to eat all the time! Got the tail shaking and everything.

The novelty hasn't worn off yet, but I may worry a bit more when she's bigger.

[guidofatherof5]

Looks like someones eyes were bigger than their stomach.
This is Gabby(age 10) taking a bite from a hungry, impatient radix
Very little blood drawn but I did have to peel the scrub off since she couldn't release on her own. She took too big a bite.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/bite4.jpg

[aSnakeLovinBabe]

Haha.... I love the kingsnake... because I can sympathize with that.... Bandit grabs me at least once a month... he is just so eager to catch his next meal! (me) He has been attempting to capture and eat me for 8 years now :o

[gartermorphs]

most kids i know that age would have been flipping out and probally would have been trying to yank the radix of you have such great kids! even after over 7 years keeping snakes im still a bite virgin! lol

[guidofatherof5]

Getting bit isn't that big a deal.........unless it's a 7+ foot Bull snake that is really hungry. They are very strong and not only do you have to fight with the sharp teeth but also the powerful coils that are doing their darndest to keep you away from the food.:D

[ConcinusMan]

I have a scar from a wound that required sutures as a teen. It was the result of trying to catch an overheated (over 6 foot) san diego gopher snake by hand, and then making the mistake of jerking back when it bit me. It is indeed a big deal when a large, angry gopher snake bites, that's for sure.

[prattypus]

See, I had to open my mouth and start this thread. I have a group of WC wanderings, and it's a hoot trying feed them. I've now been hit several times, and they seem to think it's a game.

[Selkielass]

I've been nipped a few times ny wild garters when catching wild snakes as a kid. Pinched, but never drew blood as far as I can recall. Been musked plenty of times.

[ConcinusMan]

See, I had to open my mouth and start this thread. I have a group of WC wanderings, and it's a hoot trying feed them. I've now been hit several times, and they seem to think it's a game.

With 4 big concinnus girls being fed together from my fingers, I always get tagged at least once. These 4 are good girls though. They always realize their mistake quickly and let go.