Just received my first columbian rainbow 3 days ago -- a lovely patternless male who is about 1.5 years old. Anyway, I've read a lot of care sheets and posts about how these juveniles are notoriously nippy, but then calm down to make great docile snakes with enough patience and gentle handling.
BUT...I was wondering if anyone with some experience could guide me in what exactly might be the best approach?
-Should I start by opening his tub with me and him in the same room, and letting him explore his surroundings on his own terms?
-Or should I just pick him up and passively let him explore and get used to the smell of me?
-Is it best to do this in just brief intervals, for only 10-15 mins? Or longer?
-Once a day, a few times a day?
-Or is it just a "try whatever and see how it goes?"
My first snake was an African house, and he's about as puppy-dog as it gets, so this is pretty new to me. I don't want to seem ignorant, but it does startle the s!@# out of me when my boa strikes. How uncomfortable is an actual bite from a rainbow this size?