Finally a member of the Bleeder\'s Club. Er.

[Voodoo]

So, I'm cleaning out everyone cages, scrubbing down water bowls, and such, and I get finished with everyone except for Johnny (the 4.5' male that I got from Ed).

I poke him a few times to make sure he's awake, like I always do so I don't startle them when I put them up. I need to move him caus he's pressed between his water bowl and the side of his home, and I need to clean his bowl.

I pick him up all nice and start moving him to the other side, when

WHAM! I felt something hit my face, and I look at him, all open-mouthed and weeweey-looking. At this point I realize I'm bleeding profously, so I hurry to the bathroom. Blood EVERYWHERE. He nailed my upper lip (inside and out, since my mouth was open), so that explains all the blood.

To anyone who hasn't been bitten, it's really more shocking than anything. I mean, this happened, like, ten minutes ago, and my lip's still swollen, but the bleeding's stopped, and now it just kinda aches. And this coming from a Bog Boy AND getting nailed on a sensitive part of the body.

The worst part of it, for me, is that Jonnhy's such a SWEETHEART of a snake. If I had gotten bitten by either of my 2 shy snakes, I wouldn't have been so stunned.

Cody said that we're now gonna get a snake hook for me as soon as possible, lol.

Can I pretty much assume that this strike was cause by me waking him up and moving him from where he was comfy? I'm not well-aquainted with bite reasons.

I can't wait to go to work tonight and explain the horseshoe shaped puncture marks on my face, lol.

Too bad I'm too pale for a good Polaroid pic. Heh.
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[eddie]

Well.. it sounds like he thought you were gonna eat him. [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]

I've seen dogs and cats both, prod or poke dead animals first before eating them, so it seems like he thought you were testing him, then snatching him for dinner and gave a defensive strike.

And forget about using hooks with him, it would only make him worse.
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[Voodoo]

Well, I was petting him. Just like I do with all my other snakes, including him. But I haven''t done it too often with him (usually, he's out roaming about, and I just reach in and pick him up), so I can definatly see that.

Well, Ed always used hooks with him and the female I got, so I was assuming he'd already be used to being picked up with a hook.
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[eddie]

Ed_r.. used hooks... with BPs?

BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!
Wait till I rag him in chat!
That hook wimp!

Anyways.. it (they) will get used to you handling them a lot quicker by using your hands to pick them up and out of the cage, vs. a hook.
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	Ball Python The Ball Python (Python regius), also known as the Royal Python, is a ground dwelling snake native to the savannahs and rain forests in western Africa, predominatly the countries of Ghana, Togo, and Benin.

[Voodoo]

Uh oh. What have I done?

They'll get used to being handled in general, or being picked up? Cause you only need a hook to pick them up, not handle them with it exclusivly.

Now that I've settled down and understand the reason behind it, I don't plan on getting a hook, just be aware of what my actions might be interpreted as, hehe.
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[Ed_r]

Cram it Eddie. lol I basiclly use the hook to let them know I'm there and its not feeding time. With the real skittish ones it helps too. I really don't care to be bit.

Wow that amazes me that he would do that. He has always been nice. Sorry to hear that [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_frown.gif[/img]
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[Voodoo]

I know! I expected it the least out of him, since he the sweetest one I have. Doesn't mean it lowers my opinion of him any, tho. He'll still get all the loves I've been giving him, hehe. I'll just have to chalk it up to experience and get on with my life, hehe.
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[RevMojo]

Please note: Induction into Bleeder's club requires photographic evidence. We can admit you on a probationary basis, but you must include pictures of the next bite.

Bonus points if creature still attached in pic
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[Bry]

Voodoo, your ball python either got scared that you were going to eat him, or he just didn't want to be moved. I wouldn't worry too much about him becoming a "habitual" biter. Even the tamest of snakes will bite to defend themselves if they see fit. You won't need a hook, this was most likely one of those once-in-a-lifetime things. Mostly because the handler often learns when and how not to mess with them in order to avoid repeat situations in the future.

You know, now that I think of it, I wish I had teeth like a snake's so I could bite those people who tend to be annoying in the ways they wake me up. [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

Bry
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[SnakeMann87]

That sucks, I thought you were talking about a boa or something not a BP I havent heard of too many BP's bites. Hope you feel better I had my first tag not so long ago by my 3ft female BCI. As you said yours was always such a sweetheart mine was too, but then one nite BAM. LOL but it was all my fault, she wasnt interested in the food so i stupidly reached in. THank god she wasnt 8ft lol
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	Boa Constrictor Imperator Boa Constrictor (Boa constrictor imperator). Most common is the Colombian Boa.

[CPMillerWV]

I'm VERY new to having snakes. Jost got a 'strike' Monday! We got our 2nd PB (hatchling) Sunday. We only have one tank so I put him in a large Tupperware tub. Used a hot rock for heat and covered so he wouldn't get burned. I took him to work so I could keep an eye fore him. I had his tank on order (75gal I got today.) I wanted to keep a close eye on him since he had less room. He was just sitting there and I reached in to feel the Aspin wood over the rock and he struck! I was so shocked!!!! He was so passive Sunday! Nailed my R index finger top of 2nd nuckle! Felt like a 'good' shot. I looked and squeezed hard to get blood up so I could find it. 2 fang spots and 2 other above one side. He hit my knuckle so it prob bounced one fang.

It was weird. He coiled up in air as if to warn me to stay away. Since this was my first time, it was mainly shock! I stuck my tounge out at him and 'farbeled' at him.

I know the new home and such just had him upset. He is in new and final home (I blocked off half for now).

Sorry all, no picks! As I said, a hatchling and I had to squeeze hard to find the actual marks.

Chuck
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[RevMojo]

it means nothing without pictures. And if you don't bleed it doesn't really count either.
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