I've posted a couple of times about my female royal being really aggressive towards handling. I've never actually been able to handle her for more than 4-5 minutes without her striking and then curling up into a ball. She is hit and miss with food but is getting better.
She's in a 18l rub with two hides, a water bowl and plants etc, I put a magazine over the top of the rub to block some light out.
Could try putting her in a smaller rub as she might just be a bit scared. Could try a 9l if she is a baby or a 12l if she is bit older. Might calm her down a bit and might help with feeding. Or you could fill the one she is in with loads of foilage and hides so she has loads of places to hide, might make her feel more secure. And just keep on with the handling and she will calm down mine used to strike at me all the time now she is as friendly as anything
Try staying away from the head, most royals are very head shy, also pick her up from the side if that makes sense? A hand coming from above may confuse her into thinking its a predator. But apart from that she will calm down eventually and realize you are no threat :)
1.0.0 Normal Royal Python - Rafikki 0.1.0 Harlequin Crested Gecko - Kiki 0.0.2 Amel Motley Corn Snake - Bob + Marley 0.0.9 Fishies + Shrimp 0.1.0 Wife - Alex :)
I find the easiest way to handle scared/aggressive ones is to gently place a square of tissue over them including their heads before picking them up then when they are comfortable in your hand remove the tissue. Here`s a good video that may help you with general handling http://youtu.be/S7DQssbM0uk
Best way to deal with an aggressive or defensive royal(or most snakes) is confidence. Ignore the hissing and threat display just hold don't try to get them moving in your hands just let them sit and do what they want once you've got a hold of it. Obviously if it keeps striking it could injure itself so have to put it back then but most snakes will only strike once or twice before giving up.
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Female still angry
Posted - 20/12/2012 : 20:49:06
