When a Good Snake Becomes “SCARY”- Let’s Fix This Snake!

I found one of my pet Retics has become nervous and untrustworthy. This is due to various employee interactions where the employees lacked handling confidence. Essentially, people were scared of her and she has become scared of them. Let’s dial this back and show how to regain the snake’s Trust!
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Kevin McCurley
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New England Reptile
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[@icemanespoo2977]

”Don’t take your eyes off the snake” followed by taking his eyes off the snake twice in the next minute. Hearing advice and following advice are two different things.

[@user-jo4wq3uk1k]

He knows what he’s doing. He’s being do this for multiple years.

[@JK-vy8vh]

Bro I’m sorry I was exhausted thought u were talking about for some reason Kevin lol.

[@Baiswith]

Also easier when you don't have a peanut gallery distracting you lol

[@sambojambo9448]

I TOTALLY AGREE, THIS GUY NEEDS TO LEARN TO LISTEN AND DO BEFORE HE MOVES ON TO STEP TWO!!!

[@RedSmirk54]

Wonderful to watch Kevin handle this big girl. She was clearly not a bad snake, just didn't like being poked and did not want to go in that box! It's like you have to make them think it was their idea in the first place.

[@reelburke]

My favorite thing here was watching Medusa and the other snakes when they hear Kevin's voice. They're immediately at the glass and looking for him. I'm not sure if it's just mouse day, but that looks more like they know who he is and want to interact. 💚

[@terrygrund6598]

Snakes are deaf.

[@MeLoNHeAd00]

It's a scent thing.

[@alexcrowder1673]

Retics are smart snakes. They can recognize their keepers. Whether its by sound or smell is debateable, but in my opinion its likely a bit of both your smell and the general tones of your voice. My retics dont seem terribly bonded with me unfortunately. I think they prefer my wife over me. My african rock python is my best bud though. She watches me all the time with super dialated pupils. Ill look over towards her enclosure from across the room and see her just staring at me all the time. If the couch is blocking her view of me, she will move her face up all the way up to the top corner so she can maintain eye contact with me. Shes such a goof. She loves being out, but shes always moving lol. She doesnt just chill and watch movies like some of my burms will.

[@liss1356]

I've never met an animal more in tune/responsive to a person's energy and vibes than reptiles. I've seen it with my animals and I've watched it in others. Watching that cage cleaner gave me anxiety so I can't imagine how the snake felt. Love the video Kevin. Keep doing what you do best 🙂

[@NewEnglandReptile]

Kind.

[@Thunderyena]

as an equestrian i will say, horses are the same. when kevin mentioned acting like he's not going to get bit, that's the kind of confidence you need while working with horses. they are incredibly sensitive animals-- physically & emotionally. if you are nervous, the horse will get nervous. if you're confident, it helps your horse be confident. it's like magic.

[@bettinalykke5151]

Birds are very sensitive too. Every time I watch a birdtrick video I'm thinking this is some next level shit

[@Thunderyena]

@@bettinalykke5151 birds are avian reptiles! but they are different from other reptiles in a lot of ways.

[@marianneconverse4824]

Kevin's energy is so calm when handling. Seems to make all the difference in the world.

[@NewEnglandReptile]

It helps a bunch.

[@susanmartin3762]

When they hear him, they open their own door, closes it, climbs into her box, lights a cigarette and turns on a movie waiting for Dad!😅😊

[@sugarmuffin319]

That was MAGICAL. 😅😅😅😅 Whoever greenlighted this to be posted, THANK YOU😍😆 I giggled non stop when she made a break for it I really like that Kevin takes the time to verbalize what the snake is thinking based on her body language and his response. I found it really helpful. Threads of trust, baby!🐍

[@NewEnglandReptile]

This is perfect. Thank you.

[@derekstockton8943]

The first person had zero confidence and wanted to try to control from the lower half, so she flee'd. Nice contrast stark difference when Kevin came in and it was a completely different experience. It's sad that cage cleaners not knowing what they are doing have gave her some bad experiences to cause her to be that way - it's also a good chance she does some major damage to them some day. I really liked this video as it showed real world handling of a large constrictor that isn't the easiest to navigate.

[@NewEnglandReptile]

Glad you liked the two view points.

[@carlhoppe]

Kevin, I watch all your videos. We met in South Africa with Dingo and we had an awesome chat. You’re the reason I got the courage to get into Retics. I follow your advice to the letter. Carry on doing what you’re doing bro! The reptile industry is better off with you in it! We need more guys like you! Cheers bro!

[@NewEnglandReptile]

This is wonderful!!!! Thank you very much for your kind words!!!

[@morningstar2384]

K I have been a reptile keeper all my life. I now take in unwanted or sick reptiles. I have to say that I was doing things not the best back in the day. Your threads of trust has change how I look at reptiles and how they look at me. Thanks K, lots of love from Canada!

[@NewEnglandReptile]

Thanks for sharing! Love to hear this!

[@pumpkinchow]

I always take in rescues and surrenders it’s truly sad how many unwanted discarded pets there are out there 🤦‍♂️ most people don’t do the proper research before getting a pet and right away feel in over there heads or wasn’t as easy to keep like every one showed. I’ll stop there because I can go on and one with that subject. So anyway I definitely agree with you Kevin’s tips have changed everything for me. I have quite a few monitors and now with using his threads of trust I have a good relationship and trust with all of my monitors. They all have their own personalities and behaviors so I’ve learned to work around them or to my advantage. Nothing like having a bond with your monitor basically having a pet dragon the coolest animals in the world in my opinion. Wish you all the best with everything your doing and don’t ever give up. What you do makes a huge difference wether it feels like it or not sometimes your helping a lot so keep up the great work. It definitely gets hard and discouraging running a rescue. Truly wish you the best and hope you and all your critters have a great day 🙋‍♂️✌️

[@christine_blake_404]

Fellow Canadian 🇨🇦BC

[@ziggy4465]

Kevin always takes time to get an animal comfortable again. We need more keepers and breeders like Kevin.

[@sugarmuffin319]

"heellow." - Kevin proceeds to convince snake that she's there bestest girl and to put herself in the box😂❤

[@NewEnglandReptile]

Haaa haaaaaa. It’s was a bit of a fuss but we got there.

[@katharinejungkind356]

Calm assured movements are critical with most animals, not just snakes. I have not handled a lot of snakes but that calm confidence is critical with horses and works on dogs as well. Very nice handling.

[@NewEnglandReptile]

Yessssss. Horses! I grew up around a fair numbers of horses and that bad neurotic energy is no good. Dogs….. yep.

[@katelyncourtright866]

Rescue and breed dogs here and this is 100% spot on. If u go in a whelping female's kennel to tend puppies and ur jumpy and nervous that's going to instantly tell her to be on guard that there is something wrong. If u walk in casual and comfortable and very "hey baby girl I just came to see u and the babies" at ease she will usually relax instantly. We watch animals to read them, and they do the same to us. U have to watch wat ur telling them with ur body language tone and emotions.

[@deadrocker4478]

After watching your videos and learning how you can read snakes body language I took the plunge to get my first ball python ( now 6 ) and I'm now a proud keeper of a hognose. I have only been keeping for 8 months and still never had a single bite. I am currently working with my GHI ball python as she came to me and seems to like to strike. Just handling her and working with her and her body language we are now at a stage 2 months in where she doesn't strike at all ( Just her food :') ) Thank you so much for showing me the way of the snake and I couldn't imagine my life without snakes now

[@carlhoppe]

This is why in my books, Kevin is the best in the world. The man is a legend!

[@NewEnglandReptile]

You are verrrry kind.

[@Varenyam86]

I'm a relatively 'new' snake keeper but the "fake it until you make it"- confidence thing is so real. I've had to learn how to do with with something as small and harmless as a ball python 😅😂 1 of my 4 was a spicy gal haha. Really hard to suppress the inner ADHD 😅 but it can be done. Great reminder:)

[@NewEnglandReptile]

Indeeeed

[@user-wz8kj6ly9u]

I love how your experience makes it look so easy!!! I've used your threads of trust for years with my own reptile (snake for my son after using your videos as research!) Over the last few years I have learned so much and I continue to learn daily!! Never give up so many of us count on your knowledge and experience

[@NewEnglandReptile]

Love to Hear this!!! Thank you!

[@user-wz8kj6ly9u]

Absolute fact so please remember that when u are down about videos most of your real subscribers know that all the important stuff goes on behind scenes!!!! Reggie is now an integral part of our family....even meeting him has changed people we knows mind about snakes

[@michelleshaw1010]

It's so relaxing to watch Kevin expertly handle these animals! I've been trying to use some of his advice when working with my crested gecko, sometimes when I look at him in the cage, I could swear he looks back at me watching me. Sometimes he's easy to get out of his enclosure and spend some time with but sometimes he will run all around the place to avoid me, when he does that, I generally leave him alone. I'm on the fence if that is what I should be doing.

[@NewEnglandReptile]

To know what they are thinking would be gold.

[@bkm2797]

Thinking Peter was prodding at the retic way too much, I know if it was me I wouldn't like that at all. Have to say it's pretty intimidating, she's a really big retic. Kevin was relaxed barely used the hook and moved up about a couple of feet supporting her upper body once out. I remember how he lets them go up towards the air while letting her move through his hands. Have to say Kevin, it's hard to think your not going to get bit,lol, but in all seriousness I hope Peter finds a way. Thanks guys, great mini class.👍❤️

[@NewEnglandReptile]

Yesssss. Just pretending I won’t get but dnd then I don’t.

[@Valyndris]

Everyone's gotta be a rookie at some point, unfortunately at the cost of the animal's trust when something goes wrong. It's so much easier to undo trust than build it. It's the same with birds, and they can take years to gain someone's trust. This video does show what could happen to a newbie though, so it's cool to see the difference when you change your approach, and also what you could expect if you're looking into getting your first big snake.

[@NewEnglandReptile]

Accurate points!

[@alexcrowder1673]

Exactly. I also think the newbies often try to hide their inexperience because of all the gatekeepers out there who act like only experienced keepers should keep big snakes. Its a bit contradictory though, because as you said everyones got to start somewhere. That doesnt necesarily have to mean keeping smaller snakes if thats not what you are interested in though... Id argue that getting a snake you dont actually want, purely as a "stepping stone" towards another species is just a bad idea. Youll just end up with a neglected snake that you dont know what to do with. Personally I think that volunteering at, or working for, a reptile shop is the BEST way to get into big snakes like burms, retics, and afrocks etc..... That is probably exactly what the 1st guy in the video is doing...... BUT not everyone is lucky enough to volunteer for a guy like Kevin! Its worth pointing out that not all shops or even breeding facilities know how to work with these snakes as well as Kevin does. Personally im not one to gatekeep. I think most people who have a good head on their shoulders could feasibly keep a large snake like a burm or retic using nothing more than kevins amazing advice and a bit of common sense, dedication, and their own research. The most difficult part about them is definitely their size, and its not like they all get all that huge anyways. Their size is often exaggerated quite a bit. A male burm or retic who is fed moderately could be a great pet for even a single adult household. 8-9ft snakes honestly sound a lot bigger than they really are. Its actually a pretty managable size even for my 5ft 2 inch wife. Infact ive seen her handle much larger snakes by herself (with me nearby). I do know that some guys will keep huge 15ft + pythons by themselves, with no one else in the house.... but i prefer to always have a second (trained) person in the house for snakes of that size. Luckily my wife is a certified EMT and has plenty of experience with burms, retics and even our african rock python. She knows exactly what to do in an emergency. Luckily, none of our snakes have ever bitten us. Ive kept ball pythons since i was 4, and kept burms since i was 10, and im 32 now..... Yet somehow, in all that time, ive only ever been bitten by wild snakes, or while cleaning cages at reptile shops. Ive been exceptionally lucky to have never been bitten by my own snakes. I cant say the same about my monitor lizards though lol. Both me and my wife have taken some pretty gnarly bites from a large Nile. Hes actually the 6.5 footer in my profile pic. Hes super super sweet, he just doesnt pause and think when hes hungry like some other lizards do. Once he sees movement, he has often already decided that it is food. He doesnt ever check to make sure its food. No, he goes for it full force just incase it is food lol.

[@arazlam4754]

Love it! No harshing on Peter's inexperience or nervousness just learning and advice to help everyone get better. As always Kevin you are the master!

[@NewEnglandReptile]

Kind, thank you.

[@Phantomshift0]

Your videos are always so on point with everything. Every time I see someone handling a snake with nervous energy and making a show of it for KZbin the snake is always freaking out and frightened. It’s such a bad representation. Every time I interact with mine it’s just like you, calm, fluid, nice interactions. The few times I got bit I knew it was coming based off their body language and common sense (had to proceed in those situations due to external circumstances) Anyways you’re definitely a huge positive force for the reptile community and I hope your popularity will reflect that!

[@dixiedoe3528]

Kevin...you truly have a spiritual connection with reptiles. They feel your aura even if sometimes it's a hyper strobe light ... and I say that with admiration. 😊

[@NewEnglandReptile]

Haaa gaaaa. Yes a bit hyper but I try to slow my roll.

[@dwendel8512]

Been loving the content lately its contagious the amount of love for reptiles you show

[@NewEnglandReptile]

Thank uuuuu. All animals.

[@dwendel8512]

@@NewEnglandReptile of course nature is awesome thank you

[@Paula-sw2tt]

I am thinking you are a reptile whisperer. So amazing. I will never own a huge snake, but I find your ideas and methods also work on small snakes.

[@NewEnglandReptile]

Yes they do For sure. Threads of trust.

[@karyannfontaine8757]

Always watch the snake, never drag them backwards, control the first third of the body, the rest will follow, move smoothly without fear and no hesitation which will frighten the snake. Flow with the snake, the comment below this one of making the box seem like the snake's idea was brilliant and just what Kevin did.

[@NewEnglandReptile]

Yesssssss

[@karyannfontaine8757]

Thank you Kevin, for another example of how to earn a snake's trust and give the snake confidence.

[@paranoiarpincess]

My grandsnek (kid's snake) is the gentlest, most patient in the world because of what you, Clint, and Ed and Emily have taught me. For the psychology though? That's all you. I don't know if O told you this story yet but when we took him to the vet a while back, she said he was the best behaved snake she had ever met. He basically let her do anything she wanted to and when she was palpating him, he pulled himself out of her hands just enough to look down to see what she was doing and her day and watched her perform her exam. Not only that, he was friends with my sadly now late kitty. We had to euthanize her yesterday because her kidney disease caught up with her and her liver even began to shut down. Anyway, I felt comfortable letting them smell and lay beside eachother for many reasons, but the biggest was because she would be turning 20 in August had she made it that long (that's a long time to get to know her personality VERY well) and I knew his personality so well and was able to socialize him SO well because of your advice. I knew when it was ok to let them explore and when I needed to come between them. I could tell if one was even tomorrow not in the mood to deal with the other. On top of that, I am pretty sure because of all my knowledge I was able to help my son and hubby be more comfortable with him too. He is quite good motivated and struck each of them, but because of your teaching, I was able to prepare them for the potential of being bitten in the first place, and tall them through why it happened and in after both, neither of them hesitated to get him out of his enclosure. I have always had a word relationships with both animals and kids. They tend to gravitate toward me, and so I've always had that flow thing you always talk about, but knowing the specifics relating to snakes in particular, is what I attribute all my success with my crazy white ramen noodle with two sapphires thrown on it lol.

[@conanhighwoods4304]

Clint the reptile review guy?

[@NewEnglandReptile]

Sorry about your kitty. Good intel. Thank you.

[@Lovell93]

@@conanhighwoods4304 Yes, Clint's Reptiles. Ed and Emily are from Snake Discovery.

[@AwesomePossum1987]

Kevin is the snake whisperer. I really want to work at a place like this. Super fun atmosphere and who's not excited to work with massive reptiles all day?

[@johninnh4880]

What *I* take out of this video is: "Let Kevin take care of it" LOL .. I get my snake fix by watching NERD videos. ;-) Excellent video. Calm handler = calm snake

[@NewEnglandReptile]

Haaa haaaaaa.

[@sphericreptiles]

The start of this video is hilarious😂😂😂!!! He was very hesitant and not confident. Kevin was very deliberate, conscious and steady = success. Running the hands is the best thing. Great video!!!

[@NewEnglandReptile]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@paranoiarpincess]

You fully schooled them. Reptile whisperer at it again. ❤

[@susanmartin3762]

When they hear Kevin coming, they open their own door, closes it, climbs into her box, lights a cigarette and turns on a movie and waits for Dad!😅😊

[@lyrieth8833]

She went into panic after the box and water went everywhere. Kevin is a reptile god!

[@NewEnglandReptile]

Kind.

[@pencildragon1961]

Second comment.... winning over my Brazilian Rainbow Boa. I think she was pretty well socialize by her breeder, but she was really stressed when she was shipped to me. She tagged both me and my wife a few times as I was checking her for mites, straight out of the shipping enclosure. I gave her a few weeks to get used to the new enclosure (bioactive... I presume she was raised on paper) , then immediately started with hood training... 3 strokes of the hook means it's handling time, and to make certain she's awake. I learned a lot of my handling tricks from you, Kevin. Letting her be high, watching her head... watching those tongue flicks. Now she only strikes if she is in a stressful situation... and that would be her annual wellness check with her vet. I hold her instead of the vet tech, while the vet is doing her thing. It seems to keep her calm, because except for her arrival day she's never had a negative experience with me..

[@NewEnglandReptile]

They can get upset and be a bit high strung. Change of environment can def do that.

[@geoffoverfield37]

You're amazing Kevin!! I've watched almost all your content for the last ~4 years, and I can't even express how much you've helped me as a handler. Your lessons have helped me with my boas, my retic, and my cobra so much!! You f'n rock dude!! Unrelated - Love Mr Snarffles!! Thanks for the video of him the other day

[@KellyIzy]

I only have a bredli but I learn so much from you Kevin. Thank you.

[@NewEnglandReptile]

Love to hear!!!❤

[@trainattendant5810]

Beautifully educational, high quality content. The concept of snake psychology & putting it into use is important. The peaceful & respectful interaction with these creatures is a joy to watch. Snakes used to be scary, but now when I see snakes in the wild or on KZbin my heart skips a beat. Hopefully in the future I'll have a snake or two & develop a relationship of trust & respect with it. Narrowed down my preference to Eastern Indigo, Dumerils Boa, or Russian Rat.

[@danyalthompson6190]

I totally get using the door as a shield if you think the snake might take a shot at you, but definitely drop it if the guy is telling you to do so. I think driving the snake to the other open side was a valid tactic to get the head pointed away and the snake moving itself out of the enclosure but that also then gets the snake in a racing mode where if you don’t change its mindset once it’s out, you’re going to be chasing a defensive snake until you can get it back under control. Big snakes are very difficult to muscle around. One thing that might help is a side entrance door to that shift box, it’s a face level for the snake and goes right into a dark shelter, just point the snake’s head into it and the snake will move itself right in.

[@incautusfuturi]

I just want to say that your videos on building trust with snakes have really helped me. I have a graduate degree in herpetology and have had pet snakes for twenty years, but I was resigned to my Amazon Tree Boa being an untouchable display snake. Over the past few months, though, I've been doing work with her to build trust, and she's *so* much better. It's more rewarding for me, less stressful for her, and means I'm much less worried about getting her vet care or needing babysitting if I go on a trip. My more handleable babies have also benefited from my more skillful approach. Thank you.

[@jasonmee9716]

Amazing. Not only does Kevin have an amazing connection with animals but hes able to articulate what hes actually doing and teach others how to do it. These videos are really helping me form a better relationship with my sassy VPI Albino Boa. Her name is Turtle. Because she’s snappy.

[@alithorstad6206]

First, this is not a pathetic channel. Second, these are the types of videos that I love. While I love my critters that have come to me as babies, my heart is strong in rescue/rehomed/wildlife (conservation) animals. So most of my group have come to me with "unique" issues. And that issue could be a normal instinct response. Not only hearing about the concern, but to then see it in play and giving me the tools I need. So we can share space for a long time. Thanks again Kevin!

[@carnev]

You are the Master! Beautiful girl. Your smooth and mellow way of handling her made all the difference.

[@NewEnglandReptile]

Yessss. I believe so.

[@nicholemartinez5986]

Kevin is truly amazing, Kevin you make it look so easy.

[@NewEnglandReptile]

Wow, thank you!

[@teetaylor6525]

The contrast was massive . Good content .

[@motofrost1304]

Kevin watching you and your team is probably the only reason I got into the large snakes can’t agree more I got a 15 foot female orange glow and I’ve been doing everything just like you said from day one and me and big girl just hang out now 😅👏👏 grateful advice

[@MaximusVergil]

Ive been going back to watch videos I missed since finding this channel a year or so ago. Still extremely helpful on things I didn't know or sometimes moment of finding out something I do naturally is the same thing recommended. Except with the rainbow boa. That dude will never trust me like he trusts my gf. But sunbeams race to climb me so win

[@RC_Berserker]

I’ve always just instinctively handled my snakes the same way. I’ve never been bit and everyone that doesn’t know better tell me “it’s only a matter of time” 🙄 not if you can read your snakes and don’t be reckless with them! But one thing I’m having issues with is my boa. She’s a glass striker on feeding day. She smells the rats as soon as I walk in the door and is sprung up ready to go every time and as soon as I get close to her enclosure with or without a feeder, she strikes the glass. I’ve tried covering her enclosure but as soon as I move it, bam. Strikes. STRONG feeding response. So what I’ve been doing, I just walk in the room and immediately open her doors and she always comes out about 8-12” in spring stance. Get her feeder ready while she watches me from across the room, I walk to her slowly with it in a box holding it by the tail with tongs and pull it out so she sees it and move her back into the enclosure with it, she strikes and I wiggle it a bit and lay her in her enclosure and close it up. Then she will get into spring mode after she’s done while I’m feeding my other snakes and will stay in feeding mode sometimes for days. Not ready to strike pose the whole time but every time she sees movement, she comes out and spring mode staring out the doors. She will strike sometimes. I’ve tried covering her doors so she can’t see but as soon as I move it, she thinks it’s go time again. I’ve shut her down with a foam block. Just boop her nose and she backs up and last time I had to move her head away like you did to take her attention off me, went to pick her up and she turned at my hand quickly like she does for feeders. Instead of pulling away I scooped her up and she turned away… she’s getting big and i definitely don’t wanna take a feeding bite from her and the glass striking is definitely not ok. Any advice would be appreciated

[@seanbaros-qe1rp]

Thank you for that video Kevin!! Retics are beautiful. Stay safe and have a nice weekend!!🤘🤘

[@NewEnglandReptile]

Thank you, you too!

[@pencildragon1961]

I'm typing this as Kevin first gets on screen. The biggest mistake the first handler (Peter?) did was grabbing her by the tail. That's an easy way to make her defensive. Most snakes identify being touched on the tail with predation.

[@NewEnglandReptile]

Yessss you are quite correct.

[@katlady567]

Confidence is truly everything in reassuring any animal (including the human species) that there is safety and control of environment. With time and much more experience, plus maybe a bite or two, Peter should gain confidence in handling.

[@observinghumanity3034]

The 1st guy had me cringing and more worried about the snake injuring herself in the chaos. Kevin is 100% correct that your energy will dictate the outcome of an interaction. My baby and I have a tight bond. I literally give her water from a cup in one hand while holding her head gently with my other hand. My wife swears my snake thinks I am her father.

[@sarahhubbard5659]

I have watched all the behavioral stuff. I have many snakes as a breeder but had gotten 3 burm Boys as pets and I almost rehomed them at one point. Butttt I watched and learned and now with a hook to say hello, and hand contact to help them identify me and me to feel them, they go from hissing a bit in their enclosures to "hey mamma, wanna cuddle" All idiocy aside, it works, it builds your confidence it makes them feel safe.

[@StLMikie]

Thanks for the class Mr. Kevin!!

[@NewEnglandReptile]

My pleasure!

[@tianarhastings8372]

I honestly was sad watching the first guy 😅😅 he was trying to “control” the situation and didn’t really seem to be paying attention to any of her uncomfortable cues. They made her scared but Kevin came in worked beautifully with her had calm energy and didn’t “control” the situation he guided the situation

[@pamknight472]

Kevin you are the snake whisperer! Amazing!

[@NewEnglandReptile]

Thank uuu much.

[@caughtafaygo]

Yea first guy needs to reevaluate his resume. Incredible job Kevin as usual. Awesome lesson. Seems a big part of this stuff is no hesitation you got to go in and be confident. Ty kev!

[@NewEnglandReptile]

Agreed!

[@pumpkinchow]

Good morning and hope the whole NERD family has a great day I wish you all the best 🙋‍♂️✌️keep up the great work 🙌

[@NewEnglandReptile]

That’s very kind of you.

[@spiercephotography]

the giggling from behind the camera while they worked to catch her, so funny! Granted I wouldn't do any better with a snake that big either 😂

[@jaxxom87]

I really shouldn’t have laughed as much as I did at his struggle, but the mix of bravado and complete uncertainty was a definite train wreck moment. Definitely loved the rehash and discussion of how to rebuild. It’s so easy to write an animal (snake, dog, whatever) off when all they are is scared.

[@PTIPPY]

Lets get another Snarffles Video!

[@dragonboy4578]

Another great and inspiring video. I learn so much from watching you and it has helped me be a much better keeper

[@NewEnglandReptile]

Great to hear!

[@Half-this]

Lost trust in my favorite retic taking her around a hyper puppy got bitten and now my biggest problem is trusting myself as a keeper to be confident in handling her again thanks for this video

[@NewEnglandReptile]

It’s a reality.

[@mithralgear417]

The python was juking the guys at the beginning. Too funny.

[@Phoenix.Sparkles]

Amazing contrast between new and experienced snake handler

[@silverhawk8379]

I work with marine mammals and while the way your methodology and the way you describe it is a little different, the behavioral concepts you are talking about here are almost identical to how we would work with our animals. Relationship with and animal is kinda hard to define but the best way I’ve heard it defined is that it is the result of the cumulative total interactive history an animal has had with someone/something. Behavioral psychology, specifically operant and classical conditioning, work with every species and it’s interesting to see how the concepts overlap between them all!

[@MelSparrow]

Kevin, i try to keep talking in a calm voice. It seems to soothe the snakes, and keep any personal stress down

[@christine_blake_404]

Very cool; very interesting! I love your gentle approach to her. ❤

[@richardcruz7265]

You are on point. When it comes to reptiles

[@erinevelyn4022]

Awesome video! Thank you!

[@NewEnglandReptile]

Glad you liked it!

[@Filywardo]

kevin youve been on the youtube grind buddy keep it up!!!!!

[@NewEnglandReptile]

Trying!!!!

[@deannacorey5650]

Thank you Kevin!! You are awesome!! I love how you teach!!!!!! I have learned so much from you!!!

[@NewEnglandReptile]

You are so welcome!

[@notreallydavid]

'Fuck it, I'm going to catch the bus and go to the mall. Oh, and hisssss.'

[@samwhitehead7695]

You are always on point, Just like the snake you just handled, and you knew she/he was getting ready to strike, Well read., and great work, Thanks Kevin

[@NewEnglandReptile]

Thank you.

[@faithmothergoddess7055]

Kevin you are one heck of a teacher especially when explaining your techniques to us and i couldn’t be more grateful to you xxxx thankyou for your time and patience my snakes are happier thanks to you xxxx i have a question ….. what would you recommend for a home setup? Bioactive or normal? Glass tank or wood viv? I have royal pythons and a hoggy they are all happy and healthy im just interested in your thoughts? Xxxx

[@NewEnglandReptile]

Well, ball pythons do well in many scenarios. Bioactive is cool and there are some cool cages being offered by reptile basics. They are very slick. The new sliding glass door cages that are super lightweight and easy assembly. The hognose can easily go in glass tank and aspen bedding can work rather well. So many opinions. Thx k you.

[@norcal6181]

I have a two year old Central American boa. She does this thing where she’s normally fine getting her out and she almost seems to enjoy being out, but putting her back in her enclosure almost always illicits defensive behavior. She gets back in there and squares up with me, sometimes feigning like she’ll bite, huffing and puffing and just watching my every move as I button up her enclosure and move away.

[@ashleighhadley4807]

That was great your an amazing person we need more people like u in this world 🌎 love your vids watching from Nova Scotia Canada

[@NewEnglandReptile]

Wow, thank you!!!

[@edierodegerdts506]

great difference Kevin. you are so interesting to watch interact with your animals they pick up your vibe and intent. and realize you respect them but also care for them and their safety and health. Peter will get there he is still a bit Green and young.

[@johndeer3659]

Love your content. I've learned so much from your videos!! Greatly appreciate your knowledge sharing!!

[@Blackbird0216]

When big retic gets scary..when they havnt ate in awhile and realize you're now on the menu or u trying to take her eggs

[@jaytoppo1670]

This isn't a pathetic channel Kevin lol, this is an amazing channel where we see the best of the best show and do their best!! This channel is an absolute pleasure to watch, don't dis ya selves lol we'll have none of that here lol :D

[@ClevelandKitten]

So it's ok for a new person to be rough and mishandle an animal? If a person at a child care facility was like this, they would be in jail.

[@NewEnglandReptile]

Kind, it is being hidden as I’m evidently still on probation.

[@stevetrent4753]

Master handling class

[@IntrepidExotics]

She's a good girl, just about any snake will get annoyed by excessive poking it with a stick and chasing it around by it's back half. Hope the new guy watched how Kev used the hook just for a second and just started handling straightaway...can't hook handle a 16' retic, gotta own the interaction and focus on the snakes comfort and ignore our own discomfort :-)

[@NewEnglandReptile]

Yesssss

[@Stratboy999]

Thanks Kevin. Very interesting video.

[@NewEnglandReptile]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jennifer7582]

It's the same basic principle with your more common pets (cats and dogs). Calm confident energy, move with purpose but not too quickly, work with them not against them. I was nervous AF giving my cat subq fluids the first time (big needle phobe), but I faked it and I made it. Our animals are so responsive to OUR energy that learning to control yourself can fix about half of most problems.

[@jabarriley3799]

Another great video ...I have to do be more confident with my blood pythons....well some of them are just start acting crazy after about 5 mins out and handing ...they be cool np at all then out of nowhere trys to take a bite lol

[@nicolewilleford749]

I have ADHD, but I know if I want to approach an animal, I need to do it on their terms, I have always been able to get them to come to me, including snakes, I don't know how this magic came about but it works for me

[@NewEnglandReptile]

I have that too but I try to Put it on hold when I’m doing this.

[@nicolewilleford749]

@@NewEnglandReptile yeah, fun stuff that, animals will be in defense mode if you come at them wrong, I know so many people that do that, and then they blame the animals for bad behavior.

[@blackkittycat15]

I was cringing that whole time in the beginning just watching the snake get more and more worked up. I see it a lot at the vet I work for too, so many owners say the vet makes their dog nervous but the dog is fine and it's feeding off the owners anxiety.

[@AquaMarin-ww3qx]

2:34 - This is how I imagined the snake escape sceene from the first Harry Potter book.

[@PhillyDaKid1976]

Kevin is the GOAT 🐐 🐍🦎

[@nicolebrooks7181]

Oh my gosh, I was laughing so hard 😂😂

[@loiskearney5522]

I wouldn’t be caught near one of those snakes, but like you told him never take your eyes off that snake you don’t never know what he’s gonna do.

[@pumpkinchow]

The thing with big snakes you never want to buy full grown one if you don’t have the experience. You buy a baby and your experience grows as the snake grows but I’d definitely recommend getting experience with smalller species before you get into the big ones.

[@kevinfleming2913]

Beautiful snake, nice yellow head. Just seems like she is not used to being interacted with all too much. When you have the time to dedicate to individual animals and let them come out and interact with you on their terms they become much more relaxed and secure about the situation. Grabbing and pulling out an insecure snake is usually what sets an avalanche in motion, though if you are really good at the snake charming game like Kevin you can manage them regardless.

[@cryptid726]

She just wanted to look around ❤

[@chamilion30]

I resued a red tailed boa and haven't found the right new owner for her, my problem...I need a Kevin in my area!! 😂

[@helenchurch3577]

need a Snarffles Video!

[@MeLoNHeAd00]

She liked the box after kevin just let her do her thing .

[@mac11daddy6]

This is more for Retics. If you’re scared they are scared if you’re confident they’ll be confident

[@SheSniper1]

She's so excited to be out. She gets to stretch & "window shop". You guys want to put her into a dark box. She wants to look around at all the stimuli. Why not make a tall acrylic box on wheels for them to go into?

[@neoconnor4395]

Hey Kevin, Reptile.... or Scorpion? "FINISH HIM!"

[@NewEnglandReptile]

Scorpion, “get over here!”

[@neoconnor4395]

@NewEnglandReptile Dude, are you playing the new MK, MK1? I was #1 demigod in the world online. If you got it hmu

[@matthewsingleton5480]

I love watching your content

[@NewEnglandReptile]

Appreciated comment!