Hey folks, I just need some general advice about how to curb my female's aggression before it becomes an issue, and how to do it as safely as possible.

My female eastern garter is approaching two years. At the start of this spring she entered a major growth spurt. She use to be more timid, even when you handled her however she tolerated you and would rather try to get away then put up a fight. However ever since her major growth spurt she has changed considerably. Handling her is frightening at times. I try to minimize it because I do not want to stress her too much considering she's undergoing a major change in her life.

But once I took her out to show my husband, she was definitely acting different than the males( i have four males atm, so yes, a female garter is VERY foreign to me atm). She would kinda poise as if she was going to strike in my hands. This had me worried, i noticed her eyes trailing after my husband's hand. I warned him that she may bite, but he decided to try his luck and rub her on her chin. A few times she snatched back and uttered a loud snort. Last time he did it she had enough and lashed and bit the crap out of his finger! It was alarming because the males we have NEVER do this, they never seemed bothered when we would do the chin rubs to them.

Not good! I am very worried, she is STILL growing, and I was to curb this before she can really pack a punch behind her bites. What can I do? I know handle her more, but the way she kinda poises herself in a striking position is getting me worried. SHould I start handling her with gloves?

Any advice will help, thanks!