Big mistake!

[monitorlady]

Got myself bitten by my 10ft burmese last week. Fed her a rat, but instead of just leaving it for her to find it for herself like I`ve done since she was about 6ft long (because my tongs were feeling uncomfortably short) I decided I`d use the tongs to wiggle the rat a bit (because she`d been waiting patiently for ages, having fed my other snakes already, and she takes ages to realise where it is, even slithering over the top of it!) Only, the rat was so big and heavy, my hand was making the most movement, and you can guess the rest! It seemed to take ages to get her off. Luckily, I`d already made myself the rule of never feeding or handling her without a second person there once she was over 8ft, so my hubby was there to help, and stopped her from coiling her whole body around my arm. My hand`s getting better (it`s not black and blue anymore), just a bit of nerve damage and end of one finger is still numb. Unfortunately, on handling her a couple of days later, I realised she`d shaken me up more than I thought and was nervous of her. I knew it was my fault and she`s still a friendly snake but couldn`t get it out of my head that she`s an overly keen feeder and there could have been a worse case scenario (i.e. grabbing my face). And so I`m gutted to say (because I feel I failed her) I swapped her for 2 baby corns with a reputable shop. My little corns are great though and I`m really pleased with them. On a good note, I enjoyed the time I had with my burm since a hatchling and it hasn`t put me off keeping burms and also a lesson-ALWAYS BE ON THE BALL AND NEVER BECOME OVERLY CONFIDENT! I was having a foolish day and it cost me my favourite snake.

[jaysnakeman]

shame you couldnt get over your fears

[Markgrieves]

It only takes one lapse of concentration and its all too late, although you had a good intention with her food.
Sorry that your fear got the better of you and i hope the snake goes to just as good a home.

[Ian.g]

such a shame! i am always extremely careful when feeding my girl...and her food just gets put it at the opposite end of her viv to her head, she is the same and takes ages to find it, but if that keeps me from needing stitches or worse then so be it real shame it made you wary to the point of swapping her....i had a similar thing with a boa of mine about 10 years ago although she was only around 6-7ft but luckily i realised it was my own doing so had no fear of her after....

[daisyleo]

I think you did the right thing hun, I love big snakes but I would never have one I just don't think it's fair on them I know we can say that for any snake taken from what is it's natural enviroment etc. and even with my bosc I often feel guilty he can't run in the wild etc. but big snakes take alot of handling and in the "typical 3 bed semi" they aren't really easy to "throw" about single handedly, just put all your time into your new babies and relax knowing they can't bite your face off

[monitorlady]

My confidence will probably come back, I just didn`t want her to be sitting in her viv unhandled while I waited for the flashbacks to stop. When I handled her after the incident I was annoying her by gripping her near to the head because I wasn`t relaxed with her. Better it happened while she was only 10ft and not 18ft. Lucky I learned my lesson without it being too serious. Didn`t want to tell anybody at first either because snakes get bad enough press already, and it was in no way her fault. She isn`t the first animal I`ve had a run in with over food. I used to have 2 horses (didn`t get on with each other), went in field to take pics, both thought my camera was food in my hand, started fighting, trampled over top of me! They do say pets are like their owners. I wonder if that means I`m greedy? Now, I wonder if I`ve got any biscuits in the cupboard

[Moshpitviper]

I've seen loads of similar situations to yours but in our your case it is without doubt the most responsible outcome you could have pursude. i do agree it shakes you up pretty bad when you get kissed by larger pythons. i have been bitten by a couple. and quite badly by a 9ft indian python so i know where your coming from with the fear bit, im still cagey around them at feeding time.

hope ur wounds heal soon.

Dave

[daisyleo]

Haha funny you should mention biscuits I just ate a packet of ginger nuts whilst browsing, didn't realise I had gone down the pack so quick
I agree better whilst she was that size but rather you than me, but I am a big wuss anyway so I could cry with a corn bite

[tombraider]

Aww hope your hand gets better soon. I think you have done the right thing. it wouldnt be fare on the snake to have it sat in the viv not being handled.

[muckypup]

i've read a few of a fair few cases where owners give away their burms after being bit & constricted. it must be scary, and I can imagine the flashbacks knowing that it could have been fatal.

enjoy the corns