Thanks for sharing. I think she will be fine...

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ The Rat Snake Forum ]

Posted by duffy on November 12, 2002 at 15:17:52:

In Reply to: Should I just let her bite me? '02 Texas Rat w/attitude.. posted by duffy on November 09, 2002 at 08:29:21:

The second time I went to pick her up on Sat, she was a little less defensive. And, again, once I had her she calmed down pretty quickly. I handled her for awhile and couldn't help but think that once she does mellow out I will appreciate her that much more for having to put in the extra effort working with her. She is beautiful and, yes, a good eater.
Didn't mean to "steryotype" her, but compared to my other rats she is pretty feisty. But she is the baby, and younger by several months that my others were when I got them. So I never really experienced the "joys" of the true hatchling baby rat of any species. My other 3 rats just seem so darn CALM!!!
Anyway, thanks again for the thoughts and all. Bianca is beautiful, Pat. Did I mention that my baby girl is a lucy, too? A great addition to my small group of N. American rats.
Duffy

:Hi,
: The newest addition to my ratsnake collection is a Texas. She has the typical "baby texas" attitude when I take the cover off of her container. She opens her mouth, rattles her tail, and gets ready to strike. She has not bitten me...YET... once I scoop her up and she is in my hands she keeps her mouth open for a little while then chills out. Sometimes she seems more ready to rumble than others. This morning there was little doubt in my mind that she was ready to tag me, so I left her alone.
: My question: Should I let her be when she is in "super defensive mode"... and just pick her up when I can get a good scoop before she postures, or...should I not let her get away with the attitude and just figure on getting bit a few times before she calms down. She is just a baby so I know that: A. She won't maul me, and, B. She may calm down quite a bit over time. My other 3 rats are like lambs compared to her. They were a little older when I got them (not-quite-yearlings), and they are blacks and a "greenish"...
: Sooner or later, this little girl is gonna bite me...and that's OK... But should I let her put me off? Is this "teaching" her to posture, or allowing her some space when particularly nervous? Any comments or observations will be of interest. Thanks. Duffy

Follow Ups: