Wiggles, the Children's Python

[Bogertophis]

Interesting "pet tent" idea. What works best for you, only you can say. Seems to me that you could be distracted either way- have you thought about setting a timer with a loud bell to go off? Like a kitchen timer- they typically go for an hour- if that's not enough, just re-set. I think we're all doing multiple things these days, & anyone can easily get their attention derailed. (I sure can, lol.)

[Homebody]

Interesting "pet tent" idea. What works best for you, only you can say. Seems to me that you could be distracted either way- have you thought about setting a timer with a loud bell to go off? Like a kitchen timer- they typically go for an hour- if that's not enough, just re-set. I think we're all doing multiple things these days, & anyone can easily get their attention derailed. (I sure can, lol.)

A timer's a good idea. I've got one of those Google Homes. I can set that for any time I like.

[Bogertophis]

A timer's a good idea. I've got one of those Google Homes. I can set that for any time I like.

I use my kitchen timers all the time, like when damp-drying laundry- I'm often multi-tasking. At least you'll be reminded to check back before too much time goes by- as long as you can remember what it was for?

[Homebody]

Wiggles's new activity station:




Can't wait for warmer days when we can go for a picnic in the park.

[Bogertophis]

...Can't wait for warmer days when we can go for a picnic in the park.

Are you planning to roast mousicles too? Or just make s'mouses? (You KNOW we'll need pix!)

[Homebody]

(You KNOW we'll need pix!)

I really can't wait to see him in sunlight. I've seen him a few times on my window sill during the daytime and he looks like a different snake. The reds, that earlier made us think he might be hypo, really come out. He's also really iridescent. If only the camera is able to capture it...

[Bogertophis]

I really can't wait to see him in sunlight. I've seen him a few times on my window sill during the daytime and he looks like a different snake. The reds, that earlier made us think he might be hypo, really come out. He's also really iridescent. If only the camera is able to capture it...

Yes, apparently the iridescence is typical for these snakes- Yiva looks impressive in the sun, once the weather warms up. The very dark colored BCI that I used to have was also stunning in sunlight.

[Homebody]

Wiggles took his Reptilink unscented for the second time last night. I only had to starve him for two weeks this time, so that's progress. Target training while I'm transitioning him has complicated the process.

My goal for last night's target training was to target him out of his enclosure so that I could clean it. The problem was that Wiggles didn't want to come out. He was clearly interested in the target. He stayed focused on it for a really long time, but just wouldn't come all the way out. Eventually, he decided staying in his enclosure was more important than eating and started ignoring the target. If he ignores the target, I can't feed him. It'll undermine his training. That would be fine except I'm also transitioning him to Reptilinks and it's more important that he eats the Reptilink.

So, I rebooted him. I closed up the enclosure, turned off the lights, and waited a couple hours. I also decided to dumb down the training. I'd reward him for any movement toward the target. It worked. The enclosure didn't get cleaned, target training went just o.k., but the Reptilink feeding was an unqualified success. Since that was the most important priority, I'm very happy.

[Homebody]

Today is Wiggles's 1st gotcha date. One year ago, I drove 3 hours down I-95 to Maryland where picked him up from a guy in a Wawa parking lot. My first impression, "He's so small." Having only ever kept an adult ball python, the difference was startling. I'd seen pictures, but they were all close ups that made him look much bigger. Since then, he's grown from about 120 grams to about 240 grams. So, he's doubled in size. I still think he's tiny. I probably always will. He's also successfully completed target training, though you never really complete target training, and I've transitioned him from mouse hoppers to Reptilinks.

This year, I'll continue with his target training. I'd like to teach him to target over greater distances. I'd also like to introduce non-food reinforcers, because I'd like target him more often than I can feed him. I'd also like to add foraging exercises to his enrichment activities. It'll be fun to hide a mouse and a Reptilink and see which he goes for first. I'll likely also start desensitization training. I don't handle him much. It's just not my favorite thing, but other people like handling him, so I don't want him to be stressed.

I'm also updating his enclosure. I've replace his huge climbing branches his bench with bamboo reeds and a net I wove out of twine. I'll post updated pictures once I'm done. I've notices Wiggles likes to squeeze himself into small spaces. so I'm mulling over ideas for hides that are snug but expand as Wiggles grows. If all goes well, Wiggles's 2nd year with me should be as fulfilling as his first.

[Bogertophis]

While that would be "interesting" to see what he'll choose between a mouse & a Reptilink, it might also set back his acceptance of the Reptilinks- are you sure you want to risk that?