baby eastern needs lion taming.... lol... help

[A#reptiles]

Thanks everyone for reading and helping me first off. :-)

I have about a four month old eastern garter that was cb that is the spawn of the devil. He will strike and strike and strike at me. Outside the cage, inside the cage and holding him. (Does not hurt... lol) but I would like this behaviour taken care of... if I can... before he gets to big.

I feed him 3 times a week f/t fish and worms. He is not hungry. Lol

Thanks.

[guidofatherof5]

How are you feeding the little scrub?

[gregmonsta]

Sounds like a strong personality. How do you interact with this little monster? Do you just reach in and grab or are you letting it come to you? Is your enclosure top-opening or front-opening?

Handling and trust - Thamnophis Alba - The Scottish Garter Snake

[Selkielass]

Put his enclosure in the busiest room of the house so he sees people a lot and can observe from a safe hiding spot.
prepare his food, put it in a lid or dish, then wash your hands repeatedly to remove all traces of food scent. If using a scented or deodorizing soap keep it consistent. Don latex gloves if desired- some snakes dislike the taste.

have a calm handling session- or at least as calm as you can keep it. I handle my snakes until they start to slow down and rest, but mine tend to bolt, not bite. When dome calming down or tiredness is noticed, return them to their cage and fresh food. In time most snakes develop positive connections to handling as food soon follows.

good luck!

[Blackavar15]

Do you feed him outside of the cage? Sometimes they can become aggressive if you feed them in-cage, because they negatively associate opening the cage and your hand with food. I feed mine in separate containers so that they learn that hands are not food, but that they lead to food. It's also a great opportunity for a busy person like myself to interact with them regularly.

[A#reptiles]

Thanks for your help! I have him in a top opening cage.... I feed him with tongs or in a small cup. But it is a different strike with the feeding.

I don't know how to explain it.... he knows its me and he tries to kill me! Puffs out and everything. He will calm down a little after a few minutes but then goes into killer snake. I hide him in-between my hands like two rocks and he is still the second I open up my hands he hates me.....LOL. He does not chew he just strikes and bites.

My puget sound I feed the same what I have had no problems with him bitting. Yet he is older and I know all snakes are different.

[guidofatherof5]

Sometimes the different scents/soaps/cologne/perfumes we wear can cause problems. Handling other animals(possible predators) before you feed might set them off. Doesn't happen often but you might change things up to see if it makes a difference.
Just an idea.