JCP Rubbing Nose in Enclosure

Just wondering if anyone can tell me more about our JCP's tendency to rub his nose and face on things in his enclosure once we put him back after handling. He does not want to go back and tries to escape our attempts at returning him to his enclosure. Once the top is on and secure and he knows it, he starts rubbing his nose and the side of his face on the branches. I am concerned this is a symptom of stress AND of the enclosure being too small.

I found this:

"When it comes to cage size a couple of things must be taken into consideration. The vast majority of Carpet Pythons will not rub their noses in a cage that is large enough for them, but if kept in cramped quarters all Carpets will push so hard that they are likely to rub their fleshy “eyelids” off and cause permanent damage to their snouts and heads…especially if they have screen lids. If you are going to keep your snake in a small cage you will need to use a Sterilite box in a rack system with smooth shelf tops to prevent permanent bodily damage."
(full article at: http://www.kyherpsoc.org/carpetpythons.html)

We are going to move him up from his 27 quart tub to one about 3 times that size this weekend. I hope this makes a difference. But I was hoping for some ideas/feedback from you guys in the meantime.

Thanks!

Well the first thing that came to my mind is stress, like your post said. Hopefully the change in home will help.

I would assume it's from the small cage, but what kind of temps are you running in the cage?

Try moving him to a bigger enclosure, I am almost positive that will do the trick.


Mike

i keep my larger females in a 5'x2' cage and they're always rubbing their noses on any seams to try to find a way out... especially after i'm just putting them back in the cage. they're just curious and active. as long as there isnt anything sharp or coarse i dont think its a problem anyway... i've never had any injuries to mine.
hope that helps some!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 8b8ll

I would assume it's from the small cage, but what kind of temps are you running in the cage?

Try moving him to a bigger enclosure, I am almost positive that will do the trick.

Mike

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It does seem to have worked.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kzooherpetoculturist

i keep my larger females in a 5'x2' cage and they're always rubbing their noses on any seams to try to find a way out... especially after i'm just putting them back in the cage. they're just curious and active. as long as there isnt anything sharp or coarse i dont think its a problem anyway... i've never had any injuries to mine.
hope that helps some!

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Thanks, that helps me feel better. It is just when I put him back and he wants out!

Things have improved though. And I sanded down all the drilled holes in the new tub to make sure nothing is sharp. Here is a link to the before and after pictures.
http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...ad.php?t=59515

I've never had issues with mine rubbing noses.. but my vet told me (when my female hog island was rubbing her nose right off) that they're much more likely to continue rubbing if the lid of the enclosure 'gives' at all. I moved the boa from a tub to a boaphile which has no give, and she hasn't rubbed since.