Kalatoa 100% Pure SD Retic Progression (Pic heavy...)

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Originally Posted by Sauzo

I personally think it may be Gerald as that is really the only thing left. I dont think the height or perches would make a difference. I mean it could but you see so many people keeping these huge retics in little cages and they do fine. And some people actually say putting them in bigger cages can make them push more or start pushing. I have Caesar in the same size cage with a shelf and all and like i said, he has mellowed out on pushing BIG time. I did catch him pushing a little a few nights ago but that was close to dinner time. Now I'm not sure if you have a shelf, i thought you did. Caesar does spend a decent amount of time on his shelf.

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I’m thinking the same thing. I may move his cage to my bedroom and see if anything changes with Phyllis’s behavior. I’m moving in a few weeks though so I don’t really feel like moving cages around and then having to move it all again in a few weeks.
And yeah, Phyllis has a shelf. She doesn’t really spend much time on it anymore though. Once she passed ~14-15lbs she only kinda peeks around up there or rests half a coil on it lol. Doesn’t really sit up there at all anymore. I’ve been tempted to ditch the shelf and give her a big branch or something, might give her a little bit more stimulation in her environment? Or maybe a perch or two instead of the shelf? She might cruise over those more than using the shelf... just spitballing ideas over here hahah


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Originally Posted by jmcrook

I’m thinking the same thing. I may move his cage to my bedroom and see if anything changes with Phyllis’s behavior. I’m moving in a few weeks though so I don’t really feel like moving cages around and then having to move it all again in a few weeks.
And yeah, Phyllis has a shelf. She doesn’t really spend much time on it anymore though. Once she passed ~14-15lbs she only kinda peeks around up there or rests half a coil on it lol. Doesn’t really sit up there at all anymore. I’ve been tempted to ditch the shelf and give her a big branch or something, might give her a little bit more stimulation in her environment? Or maybe a perch or two instead of the shelf? She might cruise over those more than using the shelf... just spitballing ideas over here hahah


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Guess with a try if you dont mind drilling holes in your cage. Nit like you have much to lose anymore.

And if you are looking for a place that does reptile perches, a guy i talk to a lot on the GTP forums gave me this place. They will even mount hardware to the branches i guess too. It's nice Manzanita wood.

http://manzanita.com/

No matter what her size is she still looks beautiful. It's pretty amazing to go back to page 1 of this thread and see how tiny she once was.

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Originally Posted by Sauzo

Guess with a try if you dont mind drilling holes in your cage. Nit like you have much to lose anymore.

And if you are looking for a place that does reptile perches, a guy i talk to a lot on the GTP forums gave me this place. They will even mount hardware to the branches i guess too. It's nice Manzanita wood.

http://manzanita.com/

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I mean I’m not real wild about putting too many more holes in the cage but it wouldn’t be a real eyesore either. Those perches look awesome but I’d probably just do hardware brackets and a couple fence post lengths like Gio did so I could pop them in and out real easily. Also looks like the biggest perches that manzanita place has are 60”. Probably could do a custom ~72” piece but man I bet that ain’t cheap hahah. And with my luck she’d paint poo all over that beautiful piece of wood too


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Originally Posted by 67temp

No matter what her size is she still looks beautiful. It's pretty amazing to go back to page 1 of this thread and see how tiny she once was.

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Thanks you 67temp! It really is crazy to look back and know that’s the same animal that used to fit in the palm of my hand. Never seen anything grow as tremendously as this snake has in the last two years


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I am truly impressed at how fast they grow for sure. That's why it's so important to build a relationship and remember that relationships are always changing and can change in a second. I guess relationships are wrong word more like tolerance level. By the way Caesars sounds amazing

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Originally Posted by jmcrook

Thanks you 67temp! It really is crazy to look back and know that’s the same animal that used to fit in the palm of my hand. Never seen anything grow as tremendously as this snake has in the last two years


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Originally Posted by jmcrook

I’m thinking the same thing. I may move his cage to my bedroom and see if anything changes with Phyllis’s behavior. I’m moving in a few weeks though so I don’t really feel like moving cages around and then having to move it all again in a few weeks.
And yeah, Phyllis has a shelf. She doesn’t really spend much time on it anymore though. Once she passed ~14-15lbs she only kinda peeks around up there or rests half a coil on it lol. Doesn’t really sit up there at all anymore. I’ve been tempted to ditch the shelf and give her a big branch or something, might give her a little bit more stimulation in her environment? Or maybe a perch or two instead of the shelf? She might cruise over those more than using the shelf... just spitballing ideas over here hahah


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I hear you on spending more $$. I really don't think a shelf is the same as a few perches though. A shelf is pretty much the same as your cage, but cut in half or quartered. Wallace is probably a 7 footer give or take and he's always perched at night and in the mornings. He can hang down between the perches, wrap around them or zig zag between them. The dwarf/SD populations are said to be a bit more arboreal. Mounting perches won't be an issue and a few holes in plastic won't ruin your cage.

Your girl doesn't seem to be overfed so I'd expect her to be active. Many folks have luck keeping them in small cages with no stimulation. I guess that's up to the keeper. I prefer more stimulation over just throwing rabbits into a cage and then seeing my snake curled up in the same position every day. Your girl is at a wonderful size if she tops off. I guess the gamble with any retic is the potential for extremes.

Another option you could try that doesn't require cage modification is to let her climb on a ladder when you have her out.

I don't remember the dimensions of your cage. Is it under 2 feet tall?

Try the ladder trick if you have one and see if she will climb around and get some energy out. I really want to see her do well. Also, out of curiosity, is SHE 100% a she? I would think so based on size, but maybe if she is a he, Gerald might be causing a bother.

Keep us posted, I know you'll get it figured out.

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Originally Posted by Gio

I hear you on spending more $$. I really don't think a shelf is the same as a few perches though. A shelf is pretty much the same as your cage, but cut in half or quartered. Wallace is probably a 7 footer give or take and he's always perched at night and in the mornings. He can hang down between the perches, wrap around them or zig zag between them. The dwarf/SD populations are said to be a bit more arboreal. Mounting perches won't be an issue and a few holes in plastic won't ruin your cage.

Your girl doesn't seem to be overfed so I'd expect her to be active. Many folks have luck keeping them in small cages with no stimulation. I guess that's up to the keeper. I prefer more stimulation over just throwing rabbits into a cage and then seeing my snake curled up in the same position every day. Your girl is at a wonderful size if she tops off. I guess the gamble with any retic is the potential for extremes.

Another option you could try that doesn't require cage modification is to let her climb on a ladder when you have her out.

I don't remember the dimensions of your cage. Is it under 2 feet tall?

Try the ladder trick if you have one and see if she will climb around and get some energy out. I really want to see her do well. Also, out of curiosity, is SHE 100% a she? I would think so based on size, but maybe if she is a he, Gerald might be causing a bother.

Keep us posted, I know you'll get it figured out.

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I don’t have a ladder otherwise I’d let her try it out. She will climb to the top of the cage stacks when she’s out cruising the room though and they’re between 5.5-6’ tall total. Even if I give her run of the snake room for a couple hours she’s back to pushing as soon as she’s in the cage again...
I agree, shelf isn’t the same as perches. I may go pick up some fence posts and brackets and set a couple up and ditch her shelf. And she’s in a T25 72”x30”x18”tall. Two feet tall would be nice but just wasn’t in the cards when I ordered the cage (that took six months to arrive).
I can’t say 100% that she’s indeed a she but I’d be VERY surprised to find out otherwise. If she is a male then she’s borderline mainland male size. I’ve heard that sometimes females will push during breeding season as well but not as much as males.
For the time being I’m gonna keep her stuffed with rats and see how she does. I wonder if the seasonal changes are telling her to go into feast mode during summer in preparation for famine season in the winter. She got really bad like this last year about the same time too and stuffing her like a thanksgiving turkey helped out some. Problem is this time to stuff her the same way would take a 3-4lb rabbit and I can’t find rabbits around me for reasonable prices


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I'm really sorry to hear about the continued pushing issues.

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Originally Posted by jmcrook

I can’t say 100% that she’s indeed a she but I’d be VERY surprised to find out otherwise. If she is a male then she’s borderline mainland male size.

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Mainland males get a lot larger than 10' ;)
I suspect you got a girl on the big side of things. Hopefully, as other have said, she's topping out now. She looks great and you provide a wonderful home for her.

For rabbits, have you tried finding a rabbit breeder? There are pet and meat rabbit breeders. I know some pet/fancy rabbit breeders are willing to sell culls. It's frustrating to find a good source that's for sure.

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Originally Posted by AbsoluteApril

I'm really sorry to hear about the continued pushing issues.



Mainland males get a lot larger than 10' ;)
I suspect you got a girl on the big side of things. Hopefully, as other have said, she's topping out now. She looks great and you provide a wonderful home for her.

For rabbits, have you tried finding a rabbit breeder? There are pet and meat rabbit breeders. I know some pet/fancy rabbit breeders are willing to sell culls. It's frustrating to find a good source that's for sure.

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Hahah I know mainland males can get much bigger, but at 2yrs she’s probably about as big as a 2yr old mainland male give or take.
I haven’t contacted anyone about rabbits but can’t find many breeders near me, which I find odd. But I am in the middle of nowhere Mississippi. Once I hear back about a job interview and know whether or not I’ll be here through the summer I want to get in contact with Matthew Martin at monster feeders because he does rabbits and piglets for $2/lb and a 65lb box of frozen feeders for like $160 or something like that


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Originally Posted by jmcrook

I don’t have a ladder otherwise I’d let her try it out. She will climb to the top of the cage stacks when she’s out cruising the room though and they’re between 5.5-6’ tall total. Even if I give her run of the snake room for a couple hours she’s back to pushing as soon as she’s in the cage again...
I agree, shelf isn’t the same as perches. I may go pick up some fence posts and brackets and set a couple up and ditch her shelf. And she’s in a T25 72”x30”x18”tall. Two feet tall would be nice but just wasn’t in the cards when I ordered the cage (that took six months to arrive).
I can’t say 100% that she’s indeed a she but I’d be VERY surprised to find out otherwise. If she is a male then she’s borderline mainland male size. I’ve heard that sometimes females will push during breeding season as well but not as much as males.
For the time being I’m gonna keep her stuffed with rats and see how she does. I wonder if the seasonal changes are telling her to go into feast mode during summer in preparation for famine season in the winter. She got really bad like this last year about the same time too and stuffing her like a thanksgiving turkey helped out some. Problem is this time to stuff her the same way would take a 3-4lb rabbit and I can’t find rabbits around me for reasonable prices


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Good guess on the seasonal changes. It happens to all of mine here every year, especially when things really heat up the activity level goes up and the feeding intervals become more frequent.

I do remember your wait for the cage too LOL, it was a long one! I was VERY close to buying the exact cage but felt I needed a 2 foot tall cage at the least. I wish I had a 3 footer, but we all have limits we have to set.

I'm sure I'll run into some pushing with Wallace at some point. It's the nature of the hobby and I went for the retic, because of the activity level.

I know a lot of these are only 50% SD and some are Jamps and so on but I'm not so sure your girl is way too large for her age or mixed. I wonder if she's a first generation gal?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhxMtNIOWqE

Check out the 50% SD male tiger here.

It also looks like your girl fits the ranges here.
http://www.vitalexotics.com/reticula...on-care-sheet/
Maybe she's just on the larger end is all.

Try a rabbit and wait a while. Then try a rat, and double back in a short time with a quail. Let her ride for a bit after that. See if some larger infrequent meals followed by some smaller frequent meals, and bit of a famine period changes anything.

Size wise I don't think you will have a problem with her. I think she'll hit a slowdown soon.
I'm more concerned about her pushing. Retics seem quite aware of where the cage doors are and they may push for different reasons. My carpet was pushing, but not for food, she'd just do it, then she'd change her habit and decided climbing was more fun.

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Originally Posted by Gio

Good guess on the seasonal changes. It happens to all of mine here every year, especially when things really heat up the activity level goes up and the feeding intervals become more frequent.

I do remember your wait for the cage too LOL, it was a long one! I was VERY close to buying the exact cage but felt I needed a 2 foot tall cage at the least. I wish I had a 3 footer, but we all have limits we have to set.

I'm sure I'll run into some pushing with Wallace at some point. It's the nature of the hobby and I went for the retic, because of the activity level.

I know a lot of these are only 50% SD and some are Jamps and so on but I'm not so sure your girl is way too large for her age or mixed. I wonder if she's a first generation gal?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhxMtNIOWqE

Check out the 50% SD male tiger here.

It also looks like your girl fits the ranges here.
http://www.vitalexotics.com/reticula...on-care-sheet/
Maybe she's just on the larger end is all.

Try a rabbit and wait a while. Then try a rat, and double back in a short time with a quail. Let her ride for a bit after that. See if some larger infrequent meals followed by some smaller frequent meals, and bit of a famine period changes anything.

Size wise I don't think you will have a problem with her. I think she'll hit a slowdown soon.
I'm more concerned about her pushing. Retics seem quite aware of where the cage doors are and they may push for different reasons. My carpet was pushing, but not for food, she'd just do it, then she'd change her habit and decided climbing was more fun.

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I’d love to offer her a more varied diet but only have access to way overpriced rats locally. Pretty much have to order online or pay $9/jumbo at the shop in town.
And yes, she is first generation captive bred. Parents were wild caught imports from kalatoa I was told, though dad was exceptionally dark for kalatoa.
As for her size she’s luckily not bad to work with at all. Except when she doesn’t want to go back in her cage. When the 10’ 20lb snake says “I’m going this way” there’s not much you can do about it haha.
She’s at day two after feeding the other night and hasn’t moved from her warm hide. I’ll leave her be and see how long before she pees and goes back to the races


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Originally Posted by jmcrook

I’d love to offer her a more varied diet but only have access to way overpriced rats locally. Pretty much have to order online or pay $9/jumbo at the shop in town.
And yes, she is first generation captive bred. Parents were wild caught imports from kalatoa I was told, though dad was exceptionally dark for kalatoa.
As for her size she’s luckily not bad to work with at all. Except when she doesn’t want to go back in her cage. When the 10’ 20lb snake says “I’m going this way” there’s not much you can do about it haha.
She’s at day two after feeding the other night and hasn’t moved from her warm hide. I’ll leave her be and see how long before she pees and goes back to the races


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I haven't checked in a while, but Matthew Martin (Monster Crew) (Monster Feeders) has everything if I recall. Pigs, rats, rabbits, however I'm not sure on quail.

I think his prices are decent as well.

Just a thought.

I'm likely keeping the group here on a mix of rats, quail and rabbit.
The boa and carpet will take rabbit, though I keep my guys fairly lean. A healthy lean that is :gj:

I love all the pictures!!!

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Originally Posted by jmcrook

Hahah I know mainland males can get much bigger, but at 2yrs she’s probably about as big as a 2yr old mainland male give or take.

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Oh! lol okay gotcha! :D

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Originally Posted by jmcrook

I haven’t contacted anyone about rabbits but can’t find many breeders near me, which I find odd. But I am in the middle of nowhere Mississippi.

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I understand it's not a rush or anything but just some info you might find useful in the future. I cannot vouch for how up to date these listings are. I mentioned the pet rabbit breeders because a while back I was approached by a fancy breeder offering to sell me culls of either retired breeders or baby/youngs that weren't show/seller quality. I guess it would depend on the breeder if they would be offended or not by the inquiry. The lady I spoke with already froze the culls so it was no big deal to her to sell them as feeders.

This website lists rabbit meat breeders by state, if you go that route make sure they know you want whole animals and not cleaned:
http://www.rudolphsrabbitranch.com/rrrbrdusa.htm
this website is for pet/fancy breeders
http://rabbitbreeders.us/mississippi-rabbit-breeders

Welp, two days after her last feeding (two feedings in the last six days) and she’s pushing her face off again... I’m running out of hair to tear out of my head. Might move Gerald’s cage to another room tonight or tomorrow and see if that changes anything. Pretty much the only thing I haven’t tried


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Originally Posted by jmcrook

Welp, two days after her last feeding (two feedings in the last six days) and she’s pushing her face off again... I’m running out of hair to tear out of my head. Might move Gerald’s cage to another room tonight or tomorrow and see if that changes anything. Pretty much the only thing I haven’t tried


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Hey bud,

Thinking no way is it food related pushing. I’m also wondering about a really small enclosure for a bit. Almost tub sized.

Just a thought.

read my mind dude. I was just thinking to switch her and Gerald, put him in the T25 and her back in her old T8. I might just do that

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Originally Posted by jmcrook

read my mind dude. I was just thinking to switch her and Gerald, put him in the T25 and her back in her old T8. I might just do that

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Cool give it a try.
And maybe smaller yet if that doesn’t work.

We will solve this!

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Originally Posted by jmcrook

Welp, two days after her last feeding (two feedings in the last six days) and she’s pushing her face off again... I’m running out of hair to tear out of my head. Might move Gerald’s cage to another room tonight or tomorrow and see if that changes anything. Pretty much the only thing I haven’t tried


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I think it has to do with Gerald. Even as foody as Caesar was as a baby and even now. He doesnt actually push until a day or 2 before food day and like i said, he has slowed down on pushing a LOT since it seems breeding season is over.

I'm just glad Caesar didnt turn into a demon during breeding season and get mean like i have read quite a few males can and will do.

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Originally Posted by jmcrook

read my mind dude. I was just thinking to switch her and Gerald, put him in the T25 and her back in her old T8. I might just do that

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I would personally move Gerald or whatever snake is in the smaller cage. I dont think stuffing Phyllis in a T8 is going to do anything but make her push more. When i put Caesar in my 'cleaning T8' that i use for the active snakes when i dont have time to watch them and clean the cage, Caesar really isnt happy about it and after about 10 mins of looking around, he starts pushing on the doors to get out for pretty much the full 30 mins it takes to clean his cage.

Imo, not the best idea.

Just finished shuffling cages around... of course I had Gerald in the middle cage in the stack so had to move two cages to move his.
Gerald is now in my bedroom, the next room over from the snake room. Good lord I hope this gets Phyllis to chill out. Only other thing I could think besides Gerald is that there’s something irritating in her nose causing her to keep pushing.
Cross your fingers for me everyone. I need a beer... or several


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Originally Posted by jmcrook

Just finished shuffling cages around... of course I had Gerald in the middle cage in the stack so had to move two cages to move his.
Gerald is now in my bedroom, the next room over from the snake room. Good lord I hope this gets Phyllis to chill out. Only other thing I could think besides Gerald is that there’s something irritating in her nose causing her to keep pushing.
Cross your fingers for me everyone. I need a beer... or several


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Haha good luck brutha. I know the feeling. I actually had thoughts of rehoming Caesar when he was at the peak of pushing too. I wouldnt have but the thought did cross my mind. All the hamburger face nights is just stressful. I honestly do think its the male/female thing. I mean you have tried everything for Phyllis from more food, bigger food, lower temps, higher temps, everything.

This is the the biggest reason i havent gone with another retic yet as i do have an extra cage. I dont want to get a female and have issues with pushing and i dont want to get a male in case they smell each other and become combative during breeding time and take it out on me lol. Although i have seen a lot of videos with people with multiple males in the same room and even same cage stacks and they are fine.

Anyways, good luck man and hopefully this works.

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Originally Posted by Sauzo

Haha good luck brutha. I know the feeling. I actually had thoughts of rehoming Caesar when he was at the peak of pushing too. I wouldnt have but the thought did cross my mind. All the hamburger face nights is just stressful. I honestly do think its the male/female thing. I mean you have tried everything for Phyllis from more food, bigger food, lower temps, higher temps, everything.

This is the the biggest reason i havent gone with another retic yet as i do have an extra cage. I dont want to get a female and have issues with pushing and i dont want to get a male in case they smell each other and become combative during breeding time and take it out on me lol. Although i have seen a lot of videos with people with multiple males in the same room and even same cage stacks and they are fine.

Anyways, good luck man and hopefully this works.

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Thanks man! Glad to know I wasn’t the only one that was getting super frustrated at some point or another. I love this snake to death. Only critter that I’ve had that I’ve raised from a brand new, three week old hatchling to adult size. But seeing her with a rhino nose and swollen lips all the time makes me stressed out. She’s totally fine aside from that. I’ll just keep eliminating variables until something works and hopefully this can get sorted out. Honestly she feels a bit pudgy to me but maybe she just needs a freaking behemoth meal to make her sit still for a good week. Couldn’t tell tonight that she had eaten two days ago aside from a slight sausage butt. I really need to get rabbits or 5xl guinea pigs to at least offer occasionally


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Originally Posted by jmcrook

Thanks man! Glad to know I wasn’t the only one that was getting super frustrated at some point or another. I love this snake to death. Only critter that I’ve had that I’ve raised from a brand new, three week old hatchling to adult size. But seeing her with a rhino nose and swollen lips all the time makes me stressed out. She’s totally fine aside from that. I’ll just keep eliminating variables until something works and hopefully this can get sorted out. Honestly she feels a bit pudgy to me but maybe she just needs a freaking behemoth meal to make her sit still for a good week. Couldn’t tell tonight that she had eaten two days ago aside from a slight sausage butt. I really need to get rabbits or 5xl guinea pigs to at least offer occasionally


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Haha me too. I've been feeding Caesar jumbo rats every 10 days but they barely leave a lump and within a day, its gone. I tried the 2XL guinea pig and it left a noticeable lump but tonight, he is out already. Been 2 days. I might need to try a 3XL but dang, they are almost $20 at the pet shop.

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Originally Posted by Sauzo

I would personally move Gerald or whatever snake is in the smaller cage. I dont think stuffing Phyllis in a T8 is going to do anything but make her push more. When i put Caesar in my 'cleaning T8' that i use for the active snakes when i dont have time to watch them and clean the cage, Caesar really isnt happy about it and after about 10 mins of looking around, he starts pushing on the doors to get out for pretty much the full 30 mins it takes to clean his cage.

Imo, not the best idea.

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Actually if you have exhausted all other options it is a good idea. Some, but not all do better in a smaller cage. Females may react to another male, but it’s usually the males that react to pheromones given off by the female. Maybe your girl is a boy and doesn’t like Gerald.

Hard to say at this point but if you don’t have anything else to try, try a smaller cage and see if it helps. Maybe it will maybe it won’t. And as far as food, there is no wild retic that eats constantly they just don’t. I think you are good on the feeding end.

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Originally Posted by Sauzo

Haha me too. I've been feeding Caesar jumbo rats every 10 days but they barely leave a lump and within a day, its gone. I tried the 2XL guinea pig and it left a noticeable lump but tonight, he is out already. Been 2 days. I might need to try a 3XL but dang, they are almost $20 at the pet shop.

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Last feeding I gave Rainbow two XL rats and that was after she went 7 days between feedings (the longest time I have made her go between feedings). Hope she can make it to 10 or more this time before she turns her cage upside down looking for food. She is a pooping and peeing machine. I am just happy she is calm and happy.

Does your retic poop or pee almost every time you handle them? Rainbow started doing this. 10 to 15 min into being handled she poops or pees. Monty does as well about 5 or so minuets into being handles. I think moving gets their body working to empty out so they can be more active. Just a theory though.

Well, she continued her reign of terror last night. She pooped also so that could be a contributing factor as she generally destroys her cage after a #2. If she pushes like crazy again tonight I’m putting her in Gerald’s T8 and seeing what happens.


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Originally Posted by jmcrook

Well, she continued her reign of terror last night. She pooped also so that could be a contributing factor as she generally destroys her cage after a #2. If she pushes like crazy again tonight I’m putting her in Gerald’s T8 and seeing what happens.


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Good luck and keep us posted.

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Originally Posted by Skyrivers

Does your retic poop or pee almost every time you handle them? Rainbow started doing this. 10 to 15 min into being handled she poops or pees. Monty does as well about 5 or so minuets into being handles. I think moving gets their body working to empty out so they can be more active. Just a theory though.

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lol welcome to retics. Very fast metabolism and handling seems to jumpstart their “movements” hahah


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Originally Posted by Gio

Actually if you have exhausted all other options it is a good idea. Some, but not all do better in a smaller cage. Females may react to another male, but it’s usually the males that react to pheromones given off by the female. Maybe your girl is a boy and doesn’t like Gerald.

Hard to say at this point but if you don’t have anything else to try, try a smaller cage and see if it helps. Maybe it will maybe it won’t. And as far as food, there is no wild retic that eats constantly they just don’t. I think you are good on the feeding end.

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I agree that retics dont eat that much in the wild but I am pretty sure they are constantly on the hunt for food or at least active. I mean Jacob can try the T8, cant hurt but i really dont think it will change things. Phyllis sounds like a girl version of a Caesar and i can tell you, when i put Caesar in a T8 with a shelf, he was NOT happy with that and sat at the front trying to shove his face down between the litter dam and sliding doors and even on the sides and top. Not to mention, Caesar is only 8 feet and he couldnt even stretch out or basically turn around. I pictured it like me being shoved in a closet. Would suck lol. Phyllis is pushing 10 feet i think. She would be over 2 times as long as a T8, not to mention, she wouldnt even really be able to even raise her head lol. T8s are pretty freakin small. Even my 4.5 foot BP looked huge in one haha. To give you an idea, their inside height is only like 10.5 inches or so.

Count your blessings that Wallace isnt that foody or pushy. I know what Jacob is going through as Caesar was like that for about a year lol. He still pushes some when it comes close to food day but like i said, in his case, i think it was wanting to breed as he pushes probably a 1/4 or even less than what he did a couple months ago.

I also think i might have been underfeeding him as i just checked him last night by wrapping my hand around his mid section and he is easily as thick as a coke can. The jumbo rats i've been feeding him or at least jumbo by pet shop standards(weighs around 350 grams) barely even make a dent in him. I think i am going to have to switch him to rabbits as his staple. I dont want to do guinea pigs as the staple as they tend to be fatty.

But hey, might as well try everything. I just figured it was easier and quicker to just take Gerald's T8 and move it into a different room first.

I'm kind of surprised Gerald hasnt been pushing too.

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Originally Posted by Skyrivers

Last feeding I gave Rainbow two XL rats and that was after she went 7 days between feedings (the longest time I have made her go between feedings). Hope she can make it to 10 or more this time before she turns her cage upside down looking for food. She is a pooping and peeing machine. I am just happy she is calm and happy.

Does your retic poop or pee almost every time you handle them? Rainbow started doing this. 10 to 15 min into being handled she poops or pees. Monty does as well about 5 or so minuets into being handles. I think moving gets their body working to empty out so they can be more active. Just a theory though.

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Caesar has only even pooped outside the cage once and that was on the floor when i let him wander. He has only pissed outside the cage once too and that was directly on my bare foot which i think he planned despite snakes not thinking like that. Inside his cage he pisses a lot though. Mostly just little 'markings' here and there but every once in awhile, i find a huge urate. This past 2 days, he dropped 2 huge urates in 2 days but he also ate a 2XL guinea pig.

And like Jacob said, welcome to the world of retics. They poop and piss all the time....and eat all the time.......and sometimes push and destroy stuff.

Sauzo,
Gerald most definitely pushes. Frequently but just not as forcefully as Phyllis and as such doesn’t incur much if any face damage. He’s pushing right now actually and making quite a commotion lol
As of right now, Phyllis is totally chill. Hasn’t moved from her warm hide all day. Maybe she was being crazy last night because she pooped and wanted out (I had a few drinks and respect both of our well being enough to leave her be if I feel I’m impaired). Who knows but I’m not counting my chickens before they hatch. Just gonna cross my fingers and hope that moving Gerald will have solved the issue.
Unrelated, a guy I follow on Instagram posted a 3.5yr old kayuadi/Madu cross whose parents were 8’ and the snake in the image was 3.6meters according to him, just under 12’. Makes me wonder even more if Phyllis has some other Island influences in her background. Or if F1 SD retics just tend to get considerably larger than their parents.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...93d5baec0c.jpg


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by jmcrook

Sauzo,
Gerald most definitely pushes. Frequently but just not as forcefully as Phyllis and as such doesn’t incur much if any face damage. He’s pushing right now actually and making quite a commotion lol
As of right now, Phyllis is totally chill. Hasn’t moved from her warm hide all day. Maybe she was being crazy last night because she pooped and wanted out (I had a few drinks and respect both of our well being enough to leave her be if I feel I’m impaired). Who knows but I’m not counting my chickens before they hatch. Just gonna cross my fingers and hope that moving Gerald will have solved the issue.
Unrelated, a guy I follow on Instagram posted a 3.5yr old kayuadi/Madu cross whose parents were 8’ and the snake in the image was 3.6meters according to him, just under 12’. Makes me wonder even more if Phyllis has some other Island influences in her background. Or if F1 SD retics just tend to get considerably larger than their parents.
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...93d5baec0c.jpg


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Could be the poop. I know Rosey and Vicky both will pace the front of their cages when they poop and sometimes when they piss. It's like they dont want to be near their poop. Caesar will do it too but usually only for poops. He has done it for pisses too but very rarely and only for BIG pisses.

Not sure what is up with him tonight though. Last night, he loved the petting session. Today he was kind of cranky when i removed his hide to check for pisses. He just looked at me and when i pet him, he shoved my hand away a few times lol. Then later on at night, I opened the cage to pet him and he wandered off. Not sure why he is being moody but i just left him alone haha.

And sorry but i cant help laugh that Gerald is pushing too. My god, Caesar alone pushing made me sweat bullets all the time. I couldnt imagine having 2 snakes pushing all the time lol.

As for Phyllis having some dwarf in her maybe, its possible i guess. I mean she also might just be well fed and just a big girl like Gio said. I mean Caesar's dad was only like 6 feet and his mom was 8-9 feet. Caesar is pushing 8 feet and easily as thick as a coke can. Dont know his weight but he is pretty heavy. He is definitely a big boy. Honestly a bit bigger than i planned for but luckily he is really laid back unless i touch his tail without him knowing its me touching his tail. Boy that almost ended badly when i shoved his tail over with the temp gauge and he didnt know it was me.... But who knows, maybe Phyllis does have something else in her.

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Originally Posted by Sauzo

Could be the poop. I know Rosey and Vicky both will pace the front of their cages when they poop and sometimes when they piss. It's like they dont want to be near their poop. Caesar will do it too but usually only for poops. He has done it for pisses too but very rarely and only for BIG pisses.

Not sure what is up with him tonight though. Last night, he loved the petting session. Today he was kind of cranky when i removed his hide to check for pisses. He just looked at me and when i pet him, he shoved my hand away a few times lol. Then later on at night, I opened the cage to pet him and he wandered off. Not sure why he is being moody but i just left him alone haha.

And sorry but i cant help laugh that Gerald is pushing too. My god, Caesar alone pushing made me sweat bullets all the time. I couldnt imagine having 2 snakes pushing all the time lol.

As for Phyllis having some dwarf in her maybe, its possible i guess. I mean she also might just be well fed and just a big girl like Gio said. I mean Caesar's dad was only like 6 feet and his mom was 8-9 feet. Caesar is pushing 8 feet and easily as thick as a coke can. Dont know his weight but he is pretty heavy. He is definitely a big boy. Honestly a bit bigger than i planned for but luckily he is really laid back unless i touch his tail without him knowing its me touching his tail. Boy that almost ended badly when i shoved his tail over with the temp gauge and he didnt know it was me.... But who knows, maybe Phyllis does have something else in her.

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Yeah without paperwork from the importers it’s hard to be 100% certain. I was told kalatoa parents however, that were ~5 maybe 6’ dad and ~7’ mom = 10’ Phyllis. Gerald was ~6’ ultra anery dad and ~11’ platinum/fire het anery mom = ~7’ Gerald. He’s so much leaner than Phyllis. Probably only 2-3’ shorter at most but is maybe 1/3 Phyllis’s girth. I really wish y’all could see her in person. She’s quite the sight when she’s out and about.
And hahaha yeah Gerald’s always pushed a little. Just doesn’t completely fold his face in half like Phyllis does. Never gets swollen lips or anything so I don’t worry about it. He eats, poops, sheds, and does everything else just fine so if pushing doesn’t hurt his face then I say go for it Gerald lol
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...fee8c2f850.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...89d2bd356a.jpg
Crazy critter kids...
that’s Phyllis with a small rat that Geoffrey turned down hahah! Her head is as big as the rat

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That's weird as usually if the mom is big, the kid ends up big. Guess Gerald bucked that trend lol.

And yeah, Caesar is definitely a full figured male retic. He might be a smidge overweight but it doesnt really show as his head is still bigger than his body and his tail is streamline to the rest of him. This is my first retic so not sure what to really look for but everything seems to be in proportion.

Haha, I'm not sure what Caesar would do if i gave him a small rat. i dont think he could even wrap it. I gave Vicky a small rat once and she is 6 foot and she couldnt even hold it lol. She spun around all over trying to get a grip on it and then gave up and just swallowed it.

I was setting up another enclosure last night and while doing the lighting I had a random thought. I'm sure it probably wont stop the pushing, but have you messed with adjusting the amount of light she gets? Similar to how you can put a blanket over a bird and put them into sleep mode.

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Originally Posted by Sauzo

Could be the poop. I know Rosey and Vicky both will pace the front of their cages when they poop and sometimes when they piss. It's like they dont want to be near their poop. Caesar will do it too but usually only for poops. He has done it for pisses too but very rarely and only for BIG pisses.

Not sure what is up with him tonight though. Last night, he loved the petting session. Today he was kind of cranky when i removed his hide to check for pisses. He just looked at me and when i pet him, he shoved my hand away a few times lol. Then later on at night, I opened the cage to pet him and he wandered off. Not sure why he is being moody but i just left him alone haha.

And sorry but i cant help laugh that Gerald is pushing too. My god, Caesar alone pushing made me sweat bullets all the time. I couldnt imagine having 2 snakes pushing all the time lol.

As for Phyllis having some dwarf in her maybe, its possible i guess. I mean she also might just be well fed and just a big girl like Gio said. I mean Caesar's dad was only like 6 feet and his mom was 8-9 feet. Caesar is pushing 8 feet and easily as thick as a coke can. Dont know his weight but he is pretty heavy. He is definitely a big boy. Honestly a bit bigger than i planned for but luckily he is really laid back unless i touch his tail without him knowing its me touching his tail. Boy that almost ended badly when i shoved his tail over with the temp gauge and he didnt know it was me.... But who knows, maybe Phyllis does have something else in her.

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I keep reading about everyone's retics pushing right now. I don't think I have seen Rainbow do it from the time I have had her. I have seen her move things around and do what looks like scratching an itch on the side of her hide a few times. She mostly sleeps and moves around when I get home. That is when I usually take her out so she expects a play secession so to speak. Then she crawls into her enclosure and then looks back to see if food is coming. I don't think she would ever turn down food. She then spends about 30 min or so roaming around looking and hoping for food before going back into her hide.

My ASF colony is getting a little larger than I want so I grabbed 2 of the boys to feed off and tossed them to her. She grabbed one quickly but was like "How do I eat something so small?" Took her a minuet but she figured it out. Eating and pooping machine for sure.

She has never attempted to strike at me. The worst I get is a tail whip when putting her back and when she wants to be left alone she will flop her body when being touched. I hope she stays that calm but am always prepared if she doesn't.

Good luck with all the pushing and moodiness of everyone's retics.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 67temp

I was setting up another enclosure last night and while doing the lighting I had a random thought. I'm sure it probably wont stop the pushing, but have you messed with adjusting the amount of light she gets? Similar to how you can put a blanket over a bird and put them into sleep mode.

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Yeah, I tried covering the cage doors with dark paper and it didn’t do much if anything. Other people have said that works like a charm but not here. It doesn’t look like she budged last night though, I’m really hoping that moving Gerald was the key


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If a smaller cage doesn't work (and yes, sometimes that works) have you considered trying a tub? Some will push in cages with front opening doors but won't in a semi-opaque tub. Not ideal of course but either is hamburger face. Hopefully the move of Gerald will fix it.
I wish there was a magic formula to get them to knock it off. "Like, come on! you are doing this to yourself, stop it!" (that's me, admonishing a pusher lol)

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Originally Posted by AbsoluteApril

If a smaller cage doesn't work (and yes, sometimes that works) have you considered trying a tub? Some will push in cages with front opening doors but won't in a semi-opaque tub. Not ideal of course but either is hamburger face. Hopefully the move of Gerald will fix it.
I wish there was a magic formula to get them to knock it off. "Like, come on! you are doing this to yourself, stop it!" (that's me, admonishing a pusher lol)

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I had kinda considered it off and on. Need to get an xmas tree tub though, she completely fills a 100qt hefty tub now and would be cramped even in an xmas tree tub too as they’re about the same size as a T8 just a little longer and taller but not as wide. I’ll keep y’all posted on her behavior.
I’ve definitely been screaming into the void about her pushing as well lol “Phyllis! Just stooooooooooooop!”
Now that I’m looking at my records she might have just started her shed cycle. She goes about every 5 weeks and we’re right at a month now. Will probably be quiet for a week, shed, and then we’ll see more accurately if Gerald is/was the pushing catalyst


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It is a hard one to figure out. It seems you've covered all the bases. Her body looks great as does her pattern and shine. I guess you could try to drop temps a bit more, but I'm not sure how you have it set now.

I use a 5 degree night drop in all of my cages. This drop along with low or no light always causes our snakes to become very active at night. Once the morning hits and the temps ramp up they all settle.

Phylis is at the very least some type of SD/D locale maybe not exactly what you thought but even still she's part of the SD equation. They (SD locales) typically have very seasonal eating habits. Mostly based on migratory birds, and other animals that become active when the birds flock to the smaller islands.

Breeding behavior in a lot of male retics sends them off feed, I could certainly see it stimulate the feeding urge in a female, at least for a short time prior to courting as they want to have their tanks full so to speak.

That said they (retics) are ALL ambush predators that don't constantly eat, and don't constantly forage. They may do some active hunting at times, but that requires and expends a lot of energy which reptiles are experts at conserving. Retics, may be one of the more, if not the most active of the boas and pythons but they are not designed for constant movement.

Pinpointing the cause of pushing is difficult. I don't deal with it, but that doesn't make me an expert or prove my setup or husbandry is spot on. I may or may not deal with it later on.

I don't think simply throwing food at the problem is the answer at all. If it stops the pushing, it only seems to for a short time in many cases. A day or two of digesting with the pushing resuming shortly after indicates SOMETHING else, but I'm not sure what.

I think JM is trying everything he can which is all he can do.

If somebody had an easy solution, it would certainly shorten this discussion.

Definitely sucks for him. Like i said, with Caesar, i just threw food at him the last couple months he pushed heavily but like said, i think he was wanting a girlfriend. He did eat though like a madman during that time but honestly i dont find that surprising. He ate within 2 hours of me unpacking him from the delivery box and never quit or turned down a meal, even in shed.

He has been really quiet though the past week. During the day, he sleeps in one of his hides and at night, he comes out and completely stretches out on the cage floor or stretches out on the shelf.

I still stick by my thoughts of Gerald being the cause.

Something i have noticed with having 3 pythons and 5 boas is my pythons are much more active than the boas. The GTP, BP and retic are usually active nightly unless they have eaten. The boas are more or less out at night but mostly find a spot they like and just sit there. And the dumerils, she just burrows around and usually will pop her head up at the front of the cage and just sit there at night.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Sauzo

Definitely sucks for him. Like i said, with Caesar, i just threw food at him the last couple months he pushed heavily but like said, i think he was wanting a girlfriend. He did eat though like a madman during that time but honestly i dont find that surprising. He ate within 2 hours of me unpacking him from the delivery box and never quit or turned down a meal, even in shed.

He has been really quiet though the past week. During the day, he sleeps in one of his hides and at night, he comes out and completely stretches out on the cage floor or stretches out on the shelf.

I still stick by my thoughts of Gerald being the cause.

Something i have noticed with having 3 pythons and 5 boas is my pythons are much more active than the boas. The GTP, BP and retic are usually active nightly unless they have eaten. The boas are more or less out at night but mostly find a spot they like and just sit there. And the dumerils, she just burrows around and usually will pop her head up at the front of the cage and just sit there at night.

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If she's a she, I doubt it is Gerald.

Male retics are known for going crazy and arching and being combative during breeding time. Females typically don't react the same. In most species, and this includes all animals, it's the male that has to put on the show to attract the female and battle the other contenders for the rights to breed. Females will signal their readiness with pheromones but don't go nuts looking for a mate.

If it ends up being Gerald, I'd guess it is a male VS male issue, not a female all jacked up for a male.

Again, everything we say here is speculation as to why the constant pushing is taking place. Maybe she's just wired to explore.

Time will hopefully set things in the right direction.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Gio

If she's a she, I doubt it is Gerald.

Male retics are known for going crazy and arching and being combative during breeding time. Females typically don't react the same. In most species, and this includes all animals, it's the male that has to put on the show to attract the female and battle the other contenders for the rights to breed. Females will signal their readiness with pheromones but don't go nuts looking for a mate.

If it ends up being Gerald, I'd guess it is a male VS male issue, not a female all jacked up for a male.

Again, everything we say here is speculation as to why the constant pushing is taking place. Maybe she's just wired to explore.

Time will hopefully set things in the right direction.

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True but Jacob has tried everything from raising temps, lowering temps, more food, less food, covering the cage, hides, no hides, more outside time to try and wear her out, higher humidity, lower humidity. Heck i think he even changed substrates. While i agree, males are usually the ones who are difficult, doesnt mean a female couldnt be difficult too and reacting different. My female BP has been very active the past month or so and i know she is a female as i had my vet probe her.

Phyllis could be a guy i guess but in that case, Daniel Solis would be completely wrong on 100% Phyllis because she was sold as a female pure Kalatoa. Now it might be a male Kalatoa mix? Thats a pretty big 'oops' lol.

And yeah, all we are doing is guessing on reasons as the snake cant talk which would make life easier maybe or maybe not. Imagine your retic asking you for feed 24/7 lol.

Like i said, count your blessings Wallace isnt pushy or foody. I know what Jacob is dealing with as i went through it with Caesar for a couple months. The weird thing is Caesar never arched or got combative thank god. He just got really pushy.

And funny thing is my BP actually arches her back when i pet her which she never did before during her yearly not eating sessions. She also wasnt out any more than usual when in her non feeding time.

But anyways, we'll see what happens. Hopefully this fixes the pushing issue.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Sauzo

True but Jacob has tried everything from raising temps, lowering temps, more food, less food, covering the cage, hides, no hides, more outside time to try and wear her out, higher humidity, lower humidity. Heck i think he even changed substrates. While i agree, males are usually the ones who are difficult, doesnt mean a female couldnt be difficult too and reacting different. My female BP has been very active the past month or so and i know she is a female as i had my vet probe her.

Phyllis could be a guy i guess but in that case, Daniel Solis would be completely wrong on 100% Phyllis because she was sold as a female pure Kalatoa. Now it might be a male Kalatoa mix? Thats a pretty big 'oops' lol.

And yeah, all we are doing is guessing on reasons as the snake cant talk which would make life easier maybe or maybe not. Imagine your retic asking you for feed 24/7 lol.

Like i said, count your blessings Wallace isnt pushy or foody. I know what Jacob is dealing with as i went through it with Caesar for a couple months. The weird thing is Caesar never arched or got combative thank god. He just got really pushy.

And funny thing is my BP actually arches her back when i pet her which she never did before during her yearly not eating sessions. She also wasnt out any more than usual when in her non feeding time.

But anyways, we'll see what happens. Hopefully this fixes the pushing issue.

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The thing is,
He hasn't tried the smaller cage yet or real perches which is something that may help. Even a taller cage, which is a financial burden at this point, could be another possible solution.

My BP will arch if I pet her back but that is a much different behavior from a male retic arching and putting on a display. Male VS male combat is real in retics and a lot of the carpets. Females don't battle. When there is any type of brooding ball with snakes, its multiple males surrounding a female, and not the other way around.

I'm not really counting my blessing as I don't think ALL retics push. I have never had a problem snake of any species here. I have 2 female pythons, and 1 male. Though hybridization is a possibility, I highly doubt Wallace will react to either female python in the house. If I had a female retic, I'd expect some different behaviors from Wallace. My male boa is a non factor in all of it.

My females (other species) certainly will not care and don't if Wallace is in the same room. From the captive collections I've seen videos of, I've not once seen a female mentioned as a problem with males in the room. No pushing or odd displays. However I have seen mention of males experiencing the typical male testosterone, machismo causing issues with handling, combat and pushing.

If Phyllis is a gal, I just doubt she's in a big tizzy to get to Gerald. Maybe some increased appetite, but JM is feeding plenty, or some food refusal, but trying desperately to find a mate??? I just don't think so.

Although I agree it is one of the few stones unturned in this situation so maybe its worth a try.

I guess we'll see what JM finds out with the next changes.

Well the smaller cage might work but i dont buy perches or a taller cage making a difference. If anything, a lower cage will match more with the smaller cage idea. There are plenty of 14+ foot retics in 18 inch cages that dont push. Also those same retics are kept in bare cages with no hides and no perch or shelf and do fine.

And while i agree, the Gerald thing is grasping at straws, it is the easiest and cheapest thing to do atm.

Also, i know that females shouldnt care. Remember, i got 3 female boas, 1 is 5+ years old, other is 4 years old and one is 1.5 years old. I also got 2 male boas, both about 2 years old and i never seen any kind of behavior difference in them.

And i dont think its food either. Not 2 days after eating all the time. I could buy it if it was maybe after 7 days or so. Although maybe Phyllis needs bigger food. A jumbo rat is pretty much leaving nothing. But who knows.

I agree, not all retics push but enough do that most breeders will mention it and on the retic FB pages you see lots about pushing too.

Next thing if this doesnt work is probably putting her in the 4x2 cage but at 10 feet, that is going to be a tight fit. Here is Caesar in a T8 and he is only 8 feet like i mentioned. It's also a cleaning cage so i have nothing in it except aspen and the flexwatt going to just keep it warmer.
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...d3d519b3_h.jpg


Anyways, I guess we'll find out one way or another hopefully all our combined heads can cure the Phyllis fiasco!!! :D

It may just be an individual thing.

I have grandson dog of the best, most titled male Presa Canario dog I’ve ever owned and his grandson is nothing like he was. Way high maintenance and busy.

Every animal has its own personality.

I just hope JM can get a handle on the self destructive behaviors.

It’s no fun watching something you adore ruin itself.

She’s definitely going into shed right now which of course would be the one variable I didn’t anticipate when moving Gerald’s cage. I think honestly some of it is food related. Some of it could be an irritation issue with something related to her face. Unfortunately the worthless vet in town is “uncomfortable seeing a snake over 4-5feet” so I’ll have to make an appointment with a vet close to two hours away to rule out that variable.
It could be she needs more stimulation in her environment and I may try perches to solve that. But given that I’m moving in a few weeks and have a job interview across the country around the same time I have to budget my time and efforts differently for the moment. Currently have her cage on room ambient temps with flexwatt hot spot keeping her at 78-79* and 85-88*. Humidity it pegged at 80% because thank you Mississippi balminess hah.
My friend that has bred these snakes in the past has kept telling me that sometimes they just push and that’s how it is. That they’ll heal themselves just fine with food and heat. I can never help but fear for the worst because that’s who I am. I think she might have an issue with something in her face but until I can get her to a *qualified* reptile vet with retic experience I can’t say for sure.
I appreciate all the thought put into this issue with all of our collective research and experience though guys! This will get figured out in time or I will go bald trying!


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Originally Posted by Gio

It may just be an individual thing.

I have grandson dog of the best, most titled male Presa Canario dog I’ve ever owned and his grandson is nothing like he was. Way high maintenance and busy.

Every animal has its own personality.

I just hope JM can get a handle on the self destructive behaviors.

It’s no fun watching something you adore ruin itself.

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This 1000%! She’s totally fine health wise to the best of mine or anyone else’s knowledge. Just kills me to see her with a fat face folded and crumpled into the corner of the doors every night.


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by jmcrook

She’s definitely going into shed right now which of course would be the one variable I didn’t anticipate when moving Gerald’s cage. I think honestly some of it is food related. Some of it could be an irritation issue with something related to her face. Unfortunately the worthless vet in town is “uncomfortable seeing a snake over 4-5feet” so I’ll have to make an appointment with a vet close to two hours away to rule out that variable.
It could be she needs more stimulation in her environment and I may try perches to solve that. But given that I’m moving in a few weeks and have a job interview across the country around the same time I have to budget my time and efforts differently for the moment. Currently have her cage on room ambient temps with flexwatt hot spot keeping her at 78-79* and 85-88*. Humidity it pegged at 80% because thank you Mississippi balminess hah.
My friend that has bred these snakes in the past has kept telling me that sometimes they just push and that’s how it is. That they’ll heal themselves just fine with food and heat. I can never help but fear for the worst because that’s who I am. I think she might have an issue with something in her face but until I can get her to a *qualified* reptile vet with retic experience I can’t say for sure.
I appreciate all the thought put into this issue with all of our collective research and experience though guys! This will get figured out in time or I will go bald trying!


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Well that could be an idea for sure. She might have something bothering her face. I have no sympathy though for a 2 hour drive to the vet lol. The vet i use is about an hour drive into Seattle. There are a lot of closer exotic vets to me but Dr Bennett has come recommended by a few people and she has been taking care Harley, Rosey, Dottie and Allie when i had Allie.

Also like i mentioned, it might be you are doing the same thing i am doing with Caesar. Being so used to a certain size food item working until it doesnt work lol. I have been just blissfully feeding Caesar his jumbo rat until one day i noticed, it really left next to nothing for a lump. Thats why this past Saturday i gave him the 2XL guinea pig which left a lump but he still was cruising around afterwards.

And hopefully your buddy isnt right about 'Some retics just push, plain and simple'. If he's right, may god help you with Phyllis :D