Spicy Reticulated Python Handling Update 

I have been working with my unusual Albino Burmese Python, Sunshine, for over a year. He was sold to me as a snake who could never be handled, flailing, striking, biting. Poor snake is fearful of everything. Never use a hook with him, he freaks out. I can hold him now, change his water without him striking and biting. I hope he will trust me someday. I am 74 years old as of yesterday. I am thin and petite. Would love to earn his trust in case he needs to be rehomed if something happens to me. I plan to live into my nineties, and give him a great life. That is why I am watching this for tips on how to make Sunshine feel safe and secure. He is putting on size now. Poor Sunshine was very thin and small for his age when he came to me. Watching this update is such a difference from the first video. So glad for the beautiful Pied Retic and her owner. He has to work on his fear of her as to not have her feel his hesitation and shying away from her. Helps to have the attitude that you will not be bitten. Calm and slow is best. I feel concerned when Sunshine quickly climbs on my shoulder. He loves to stay there and view everything over my back. So glad the owner is not using that hook which hurt his snake. Looking forward to the next owner and snake. Thank you Tim.

Enjoy the Updates ❤🥰🐾🐾🐾🐾

hey cool i was wondering about this guy when we were talking snake hooks the other night. good stuff and great work. wow night and day difference when he goes in for the grab.

Can’t thank you enough brother. Tim you are an amazing person to continue these online handlings and be able to point things out I don’t see. Definitely progress so far and can’t wait for the next couple months of working with him. Thank you again and keep up the great content and wonderful community. 🤙🏼🔥

Thank you so much for the update! I had this same problem with my carpet python a few weeks back, so I left her alone for about a week to give us a clean slate, and then began working with her every other day. She has allowed me to have her out now for 15 minutes, and she could go longer if I let her. Using the tips in your first video have helped immensely. Thank you Tim.

your coaching is pretty amazing. i remember watching that original video. there is a world of difference in these 2 handling sessions. wish we could clone a few more of you.

Great to see updates

Love the update, great to see him more confident. Cant wait to see more 😊

Muy buenos consejos

One thing I've found super helpful with snakes like this is before lifting the hide, tap on it pretty loud and firm 3 times before lifting. Just like tap training with a hook, it's just creating a habit and a feel/sound/ vibration to help prepare the snake I am coming in. It's a pressure and release in prep for actual pressure. Now I am a mom so of course I say "Good Morning Beautiful " at the same time lol. It sets the session off to a good feel. You'll notice real shortly that behavior goes completely away and they anticipate what's about to happen vs being startled awake into defense mode.

Looks like he really needs to get a different hide that’s easier to get off.

I love these videos. Even though I only have a ball python who is completely docile. I may want to interact with something else in the future that has more spice. I’ve learned a lot

Let me share my experience with you; it might help anyone in the reptile hobby. I have two Tambolongans, one Kalaotoa, and one Bicol. The hook never worked with my female Tambolongan, and it took me some time to understand why. At first, every time I used the hook with her, she was so defensive, attacking me and the hook, even coiling around it as if trying to kill it. So, I decided to stop using the hook with her because I realized she was scared of it. I never dared to put my hand inside her enclosure because she would bite and squeeze my hand. Therefore, I bought gloves for the first time and started handling her with them. She never tried to bite me, but instead, she seemed unsure if I was a threat or not. She would coil around my arms and squeeze them so tightly, as if I were a rat she was trying to kill. Anyway, I began handling her more frequently with the gloves and without the hook at all, until she finally relaxed and became as chill as my other retics. Now, I never handle her with gloves. What I'm trying to say is, the hook doesn't always work with all snakes, so maybe the hook is the problem. Always try to find out what's best for the snake