A dream made real, Mira the Vietnamese blue beauty rat snake

[Bogertophis]

That's kind of a "typical" Beauty snake nip- she still has a "shorter fuse" than other snakes, so she gets upset (defensive) easier. That's a "brat snake" for ya, lol.
She's looking good though.

[Snagrio]

More of my baby girl.


Though she's quickly becoming not a baby anymore, look how long she is already.


Each handling session I'm learning more and more how to work with her. This time the lesson was never be distracted with anything else and give her full attention at all times. Kind of had to dig her out to get her since she was in a floor hide for a change and that meant moving decor out of the way. Well I tried to put things back in place while she was in my one hand and she did not like that at all and gave me a tag in protest. I got the message. It's also a balancing act of keeping up with her movements without spooking her, which doesn't take much. But we do eventually reach a point where she slows down and we both can relax which is nice.

Overall, definitely a "look, don't touch" snake for anyone else but me, but that's what my other two snakes are for.

[Homebody]

She's a stunner! Will she keep those yellows as she matures?

[Homebody]

That pattern on her side looks like mosaic tile. Unbelievable!

[Snagrio]

She's a stunner! Will she keep those yellows as she matures?

Both of her parents are the blue and white variety, so I'd say no. I did specifically want that type though as it allows the blues and steely greys to stand out more imo.

Father.


Mother.

[Homebody]

Oh, my! That's a whole lotta beautiful snake. Will your current enclosure be big enough for her when she's full grown?

[Bogertophis]

She's a stunner! Will she keep those yellows as she matures?

If you like the yellows/golden colors, you might prefer the Taiwan Beauty rat snakes, as I do. Much the same snake (size, markings & temperament-wise), just from another area that evolved slightly different coloration. (I used to keep some Taiwan Beauties- -they get big too, but when you get them as hatchlings & work with them, I didn't find them to be very nippy- just restless, more like a "racer" than a rat snake.)

[Bogertophis]

...Overall, definitely a "look, don't touch" snake for anyone else but me, but that's what my other two snakes are for.

I wouldn't say they're a "look, don't touch" snake- but you need to acquire them as hatchlings, & patiently work with them- then enjoy the rewards. When I raised some Taiwan Beauties (quite similar but sporting gold & black), I didn't get nipped once they grew up some. Like all hatchlings, they're defensive, & more like a racer-type snake (as well as some other types of rat snakes) they need close attention but with a light touch- not heavy restraint- so it just helps to have some snake experience. They're not inclined to sit still or move slowly so you can keep up with them easily- They're very alert but not "mean"- at least not the Taiwans I knew. Needless to say, they're also "easy to feed" on f/t rodents too. (or chicks, if you like- I fed rodents)

[Snagrio]

Oh, my! That's a whole lotta beautiful snake. Will your current enclosure be big enough for her when she's full grown?

It's 6x3x3 (72"x30"x36" to be exact) so I believe it is. Will probably need to adjust her arboreal shelves when she's bigger though. An 8x4x4 would be the utmost ideal but the current one already just barely squeezed through the house.

[Snagrio]

I wouldn't say they're a "look, don't touch" snake- but you need to acquire them as hatchlings, & patiently work with them- then enjoy the rewards. When I raised some Taiwan Beauties (quite similar but sporting gold & black), I didn't get nipped once they grew up some. Like all hatchlings, they're defensive, & more like a racer-type snake (as well as some other types of rat snakes) they need close attention but with a light touch- not heavy restraint- so it just helps to have some snake experience. They're not inclined to sit still or move slowly so you can keep up with them easily- They're very alert but not "mean"- at least not the Taiwans I knew. Needless to say, they're also "easy to feed" on f/t rodents too. (or chicks, if you like- I fed rodents)

I meant in the context of like, family members and younger relatives, i.e. mostly kids. With her speed and agility I wouldn't trust her to not whip around and give a niece or nephew a nip if they tried to pet her at this stage. Maybe if she calms down enough with age I'd consider it with caution, but not now. Last thing I want to do is give one of them a traumatic experience when my aim is to endear young minds to these creatures. Part of why I first started with a BP.