Thanks! I'm sure you all are way more experienced with snakes than I am since this is the first one I've ever had. I've never been afraid of snakes, though, and I give them the utmost respect in the wild. I've encountered many copperheads and black snakes and once I heard a rattler, but didn't ever see it. I wouldn't kill any of them. I just keep on my way and move out of their territory. After all, the woods are where they live, not me. I just visit from time to time and camp out. One of the reasons I kept this one is because I sort of rescued him...sort of. I was at work a couple of weeks ago and I saw this cat. I stopped to pet the cat and noticed that he was really into something...I first thought it must have been a mouse or a mole or something. When I looked, I saw that it was this little snake he had cornered. I was thinking that he might have been killed by the cat so I picked him up, but instead of releasing him somewhere else, I decided to keep him. So...I guess I really captured him...instead of rescuing him, but at least I know he's safe with me and will hopefully live a long life

Have you tried just putting food in your hand and not moving your hand until he has taken it from you?

It took mine 9 days before he would eat, although that was probably my fault since I was trying the wrong type of food. Also, I have been doing things to his environment almost every day so he's become accustomed to my hands being in his cage. I started feeding mine by hand from the start and now he seems like he's used to it. Tonight I fed him 2 more nightcrawlers and a while later I just put my empty hand in there and he started checking it out looking for food. He started moving back and forth across my hand as well. I can gently stroke him as he moves around, too. It is pretty cool. I'm hoping I can pick him up soon without him freaking out. I'll give him more time for that, though. I don't want to ruin what I have going now.

I apologize for the loooong post . I'm not a frequent post'er...I just write a book when I seldom do post something