My bull snake slowly approaches and bites down deliberately (not a strike), then briefly releases and repositions as if trying to swallow. No hissing, no tail rattle. No food scent on my hands. Had him for 1 week. Is this a feeding response and how do I address it?
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Has he eaten for you yet? Because if he’s been with you a week already, it’s time to offer a meal.
@eorr53 may be able to offer some help on bulls specifically.
I’ve never personally owned a bull snake, but having owned kingsnakes, he’s checking to see if he can take a nibble. And the appetite can seem bottomless sometimes when these little guys are growing.
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Sounds like a feeding response. Defensive strikes are usually accompanied by the full show (hissing, posturing, tail rattling). As @armiyana said, if it’s been with you a week, it’s time to offer a meal. These guys have big time appetites, even bigger when they are young and growing.
I’ve noticed mine seem to go through phases where they are more food driven. I assume it’s because they are going through a growth spurt. I have an almost 2-yr old male that has been absolutely ravenous the past two-months. To the point where I have to be cautious opening the tub or he will get my hand. Prior to this he was one of my more calm and easy going bulls in my collection. This change in behavior has coincided with him adding a good bit of length and mass.
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1000% a feeding response. A good bit Colubrids are like this, reguardless if you look or smell like food. I can attest to this from owning Kingsnakes since 2014…
You’ll likely be seeing this behavior a lot in your Bullsnake, always seeming after more food even after a meal and trying to eat everything.
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@jc1021 My sweet girl is a juvenile as well. She’s never exhibited this behavior. However she has a fairly significant wobble due to an incubation issue. For this reason she was heavily discounted. She still eats very well but I don’t have to worry about her sampling my hands!
I will love to see a pic of your boy! 
