White Lipped Python progression

I finally got around starting this thread. Not at all like I expected. I've had this snake for two weeks now and let him settle in the first week before I even tried to handle him. I attempted to feed him last week but he completely refused, opting instead to make a beeline for his hide. He's very shy and will go to his hide anytime he even sees me walk by the doorway (8ft away from his enclosure).

I left him alone again for another week and tried to handle him two days ago, he hisses but in a very non-threatening way. He looks to move away immediately. I went to grab him and he feinted a strike towards my hand (which I admit spooked me lol... he's easily the largest snake in my care at the moment) nonetheless he gave me the impression he's just bluffing and is obviously very nervous (I do believe he's wild caught).

I again tried feeding him today, this time I removed his hide since he went towards it immediately. This made him very nervous but he was clearly very interested in the rat I offered. He kept shifting his attention between me and the rat. I figured immediately he was willing to eat as long as I walked away, so I did. I was told he was eating live but did successfully feed F/T before he was shipped to me. I don't have appropriately sized rats for him yet so I thawed two small rats for him.

I'm trying to figure how to go about having a good handling session without causing too much stress to him. He seems very intelligent and aware. Any advice?
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...c6457bc343.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...3ad89597bd.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...bf6738b6a1.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...36b782888f.jpg


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And away he went into his hide. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...ae3f54922d.jpg


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Very cool!

You scored there!

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Originally Posted by Gio

Very cool!

You scored there!

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Yeah, he's a beautiful snake. So much more impressive in person. I hope to handle him soon without causing him too much stress. I'm just glad he finally took a meal.

Thanks for starting this thread. I will be watching it and eagerly awaiting updates. I absolutely love white lips and would love to be ready and able to add one within a few years.

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

Thanks for starting this thread. I will be watching it and eagerly awaiting updates. I absolutely love white lips and would love to be ready and able to add one within a few years.

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I hope the thread helps you in the future. I will try and update as much as possible.

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Originally Posted by RamMac

I hope the thread helps you in the future. I will try and update as much as possible.

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Thanks!! Between the white lip and the jungle carpet you have two snakes on my wish list!

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

Thanks!! Between the white lip and the jungle carpet you have two snakes on my wish list!

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The jungle has been great. Definitely the most defensive one but it's so worth it. I haven't had the white lipped for long but I can tell already he seems to be the most intelligent (then again he's the older of them all). I'm hoping he can get over being so shy. I expect to see some pictures when you get either a white lipped or a carpet.

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Originally Posted by RamMac

The jungle has been great. Definitely the most defensive one but it's so worth it. I haven't had the white lipped for long but I can tell already he seems to be the most intelligent (then again he's the older of them all). I'm hoping he can get over being so shy. I expect to see some pictures when you get either a white lipped or a carpet.

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Either is still at least a year out, but I promise I'll be sharing pics when the time comes :D

lovely baby. can't wait to watch him grow! [emoji4]