Jungle issues :/

[harlemrain]

Hi I bought my first jungle a week or so ago, she's 11mnths and living up to the name "chainsaw" I know they're hard to handle by nature but wondered if anyone had any useful tips for me? It's not just a bite or two when we get her out, it's the dog walks past her tank without so much as looking in and she goes the glass. I had her out for an hour the other day just quite in my room with her on her stick on my knee not even touching her and whenever I move she strikes. So I tried just biting the bullet and getting her out with my hands and just handled her for about 20mins and the whole time she was biting me even just sitting still in the palm of my hand. I really want to get this under control before she gets too big so is there any insider knowledge I'm missing? What's the best approach or is it all trial and error? Thanks guys

 

[junglepython2]

You've only had it a week and you are stressing it out. Leave it alone for a month with no handling and cover its cage with a blanket/sheet to stop the dog firing it up.

 

[harlemrain]

Ok thanks, she fed great 3days ago no issues so I thought she was ok but I will definitely do that,continue weekly feeds do you think?

 

[joelysmoley]

Ive heard it is good if you put the enclosure somewhere were there are people always walking past. Like the living room or something because it gets the snake used to seeing people, other pets. And when you get it out to handle it, its less likely to be stressed out because it knows your not going to hurt it because it will be used to you walking by.

 

[harlemrain]

I've heard that also, I'm just worried about doing more harm than good if you get what I mean. The couple I bought her off said she was temperamental but they didn't say to what extent. The sold me her plus the tank for $200 after only buying her a month ago so I'm thinking this isn't new behaviour but I'm willing to put in the time and effort to calm her down just not sure what the best approach is

 

[junglepython2]

Ive heard it is good if you put the enclosure somewhere were there are people always walking past. Like the living room or something because it gets the snake used to seeing people, other pets. And when you get it out to handle it, its less likely to be stressed out because it knows your not going to hurt it because it will be used to you walking by.

Id be giving the exact opposite advice, put the cage in a quiet part of the house to reduce its stress levels. And yes weekly feeding is fine.

 

[joelysmoley]

Id be giving the exact opposite advice, put the cage in a quiet part of the house to reduce its stress levels. And yes weekly feeding is fine.

I agree with your advice too. i would recommend your advice more than mine. i would say mine would be a last resort option.

 

[wylie88]

I agree with junglepython2, cover the tank up. My 2 jungle hatchies are in opaque tubs and in a quiet, low traffic room to reduce stress. If the snake is highly stressed and feels like it needs to be constantly on guard of course it is going to bite. In terms of handling I would suggest leaving it for a week after you cover the tank before trying again. When I began handling my hatchies they were chainsaws as well (more so the female) and behaved exactly as you've said your snake does. I started out hooking the snake out and after letting it sit on the end of the hook for a little while i would slowly slide my hand up the hook until it is ever so slightly touching the snake, the snake would usually move onto my hand and i would slowly slide it off the hook until i was holding it or you could hook it out and place it on your hand, moving the hook down to your hand rather then your hand up to the hook. You will get bitten at first but as long as you pay attention to your snakes behaviour and refrain from acting in a threating manner the snake will learn not to fear you. By doing the things I suggested I can now pick my jungles up by hand without getting bitten.

 

[harlemrain]

I agree with junglepython2, cover the tank up. My 2 jungle hatchies are in opaque tubs and in a quiet, low traffic room to reduce stress. If the snake is highly stressed and feels like it needs to be constantly on guard of course it is going to bite. In terms of handling I would suggest leaving it for a week after you cover the tank before trying again. When I began handling my hatchies they were chainsaws as well (more so the female) and behaved exactly as you've said your snake does. I started out hooking the snake out and after letting it sit on the end of the hook for a little while i would slowly slide my hand up the hook until it is ever so slightly touching the snake, the snake would usually move onto my hand and i would slowly slide it off the hook until i was holding it or you could hook it out and place it on your hand, moving the hook down to your hand rather then your hand up to the hook. You will get bitten at first but as long as you pay attention to your snakes behaviour and refrain from acting in a threating manner the snake will learn not to fear you. By doing the things I suggested I can now pick my jungles up by hand without getting bitten.

Thanks heaps and yeah I actually noticed last time I had her out she responded better towards being moved towards me rather than me moving towards her, I will definitely try that, am going to keep her covered for two weeks and see how we go then

 

[emshep85]

all new snakes require time to settle, and to feel secure in their new home follow the advice given and you should be fine, and remember your gonna have this snake for a very long time years and years so no need to rush the handling process. especially when you have a yearling jungle, be patient and im sure you will have a great snake

 

[NotoriouS]

Please also be aware that the advice given above can help, however each snake is an individual and some may not grow out of it it, regardless of the attempts being made to calm it down. Wish you the best of luck, just be patient with it.

 

[bigjoediver]

The best advice I can give is have patience and exercise restraint. We all like to play with our new toys but snakes are not toys nor are they cuddly. Start with short handling sessions and gradually build up. As previously stated it may never grow out of its aggressive behavior but hope it dose.

 

[mungus]

its very hard for jungles to change at that age..............but possible.