I feel so very lucky to be the keeper of a highly intelligent, moody, and often stubborn animal. I hope I never grow tire of watching him evolve.
Although perfectly polite outside his enclosure, he had demonstrated the classic cage-defensive behavior that is expected of a scrub python. I had already accepted the fact that he would likely always require the help of a hook to coax him out of his enclosure. He never took kindly to a hand inside his cage...
But, since he has SUCH revulsion for his hook, I thought I’d practice being brave. As our relationship strengthened, I practiced leaving a hand on his branch for awhile, then progressed to leaving a calm hand touching him while he perched, etc.
Eventually, I discovered that HE IS A BIG FAT BLUFFER!!! He talks a big game, but he does not want to bite his mama. Now that he realizes that I realize he’s full of crap...he employs much more hilarious methods of avoiding me when he doesn’t feel like being messed with.
The first is the dragon stare. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...be27a8dc5b.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...94941cbfcc.jpg
Then there’s the “if I flatten myself like a pancake, you can’t pick me up” maneuver. You know, like when a dog on a leash just lies down on the ground. It’s like that.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...421841c698.jpg
Sleeping in a far corner and corkscrewing around the branch.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...d0cab963e2.jpg
Standing up like a possessed demon.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...e1516eacdb.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...5fbf372224.jpg
Trying to blend in with the wall, as if my vision is based on movement...
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...36c290d66a.jpg
Pretending to bite. This one is the most precious to me[emoji23]
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...51fe12344b.jpg
The “long sigh,” as if getting hugs from your mother is super exhausting.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...757c661b4e.jpg
Anyone else’s slithering friend have a quirky habit when they don’t feel like being held? Tell me about it!
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