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

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Originally Posted by Sauzo

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

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I feel like you might be hitting the nail on the head with the comment about prey size. She was eating close to this same size rat last fall and has gained probably 8-10lbs since then. She might just be hungry?
At least you have options within the same state and within an hour drive for vets. The only registered reptile vet near me is in Alabama somewhere around 2 hours away if I remember correctly. Teaching 4 college classes a semester leaves very little time to make 4hr round trips to vets that possibly could cancel your appointment 15 minutes before you’re supposed to show up because the doctor is apparently scared of the size of your snake. Which I know isn’t an excuse for not visiting a vet, hence the off hand comment a while back about almost thinking to rehome her


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Originally Posted by jmcrook

I feel like you might be hitting the nail on the head with the comment about prey size. She was eating close to this same size rat last fall and has gained probably 8-10lbs since then. She might just be hungry?
At least you have options within the same state and within an hour drive for vets. The only registered reptile vet near me is in Alabama somewhere around 2 hours away if I remember correctly. Teaching 4 college classes a semester leaves very little time to make 4hr round trips to vets that possibly could cancel your appointment 15 minutes before you’re supposed to show up because the doctor is apparently scared of the size of your snake. Which I know isn’t an excuse for not visiting a vet, hence the off hand comment a while back about almost thinking to rehome her


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You need a new vet. Knd of funny how an exotic vet is scared to see a large constrictor. When i was about to pull the trigger on a gila monster, i called my vet and she said she would be fine seeing gilas or beaded lizards. She said she doesnt seem that often as she doesnt have many of them as patients. She also likes big constrictors. Her and the staff loved to see Rosey. Guess they dont see many large constrictors as patients. Mostly stuff like geckos, ball pythons, bearded dragons, iguanas, small boas and the like. I told her i got a retic i will be bringing in one day for a check up and they were excited lol.

And maybe Phyllis just needs bigger food. Heck at this point, I'd probably just drink myself into a stupor and call it a day. You definitely are getting a workout with Phyllis. Caesar has been a church mouse the past few days. During the day, sleeping like an angel in his hide and during the night, just stretching out and maybe looking outside here and there.

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Originally Posted by Sauzo

You need a new vet. Knd of funny how an exotic vet is scared to see a large constrictor. When i was about to pull the trigger on a gila monster, i called my vet and she said she would be fine seeing gilas or beaded lizards. She said she doesnt seem that often as she doesnt have many of them as patients. She also likes big constrictors. Her and the staff loved to see Rosey. Guess they dont see many large constrictors as patients. Mostly stuff like geckos, ball pythons, bearded dragons, iguanas, small boas and the like. I told her i got a retic i will be bringing in one day for a check up and they were excited lol.

And maybe Phyllis just needs bigger food. Heck at this point, I'd probably just drink myself into a stupor and call it a day. You definitely are getting a workout with Phyllis. Caesar has been a church mouse the past few days. During the day, sleeping like an angel in his hide and during the night, just stretching out and maybe looking outside here and there.

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My exotic vet I use also enjoys seeing Rainbow and Lucy (my RTB). He is also a herp owner himself. He thought was awesome to see a retic with her color and pattern. I don't think he gets to see many of them but he did talk to me about making sure she gets plenty of exercise and handled regularly. He said most die from clogged arteries and fatty body if they don't have an active enclosure to take advantage of. He was so impressed with her personality also.


Rainbow is going on day 6 from last feeding. She was active yesterday and I was surprised her enclosure was not moved around this morning. Who knows what I will see when I get home. I might feed today or tomorrow if she will wait. She doesn't really push as much as moves things around.

My vet enjoys the larger snakes Last time I was in he was telling about how it took 4 people to control a Burm. I could tell that he was really in to it.

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Originally Posted by Sauzo

And maybe Phyllis just needs bigger food. Heck at this point, I'd probably just drink myself into a stupor and call it a day. You definitely are getting a workout with Phyllis. Caesar has been a church mouse the past few days. During the day, sleeping like an angel in his hide and during the night, just stretching out and maybe looking outside here and there.

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Just weighed one of her colossal rats. 419grams. Definitely the lowest end of the quoted weight range. She took her first 450gram rats a full year ago and she only weighed like 6lbs. She could probably take three of these no problem. I really gotta get my hands on some rabbits. Monster Feeders will definitely be my next feeder order


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Originally Posted by jmcrook

Just weighed one of her colossal rats. 419grams. Definitely the lowest end of the quoted weight range. She took her first 450gram rats a full year ago and she only weighed like 6lbs. She could probably take three of these no problem. I really gotta get my hands on some rabbits. Monster Feeders will definitely be my next feeder order


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Monster Feeders looks to still be in business. I went to visit Matt a few years back when I began searching for SDs. I was also considering a cage from him. I believe he was in the middle of a divorce during that time and we lost communication.

I think his food prices are good and he has variety so I hope things go your way.

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Originally Posted by jmcrook

Just weighed one of her colossal rats. 419grams. Definitely the lowest end of the quoted weight range. She took her first 450gram rats a full year ago and she only weighed like 6lbs. She could probably take three of these no problem. I really gotta get my hands on some rabbits. Monster Feeders will definitely be my next feeder order


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If you order from them, let me know how you like the quality and packing. If i ever break down and get my mini chest freezer, I'll need to stock up on rabbits for Caesar as i think jumbo rats are getting on the small side and i dont feel like feeding him 2 jumbo rats. Last time i weighed Caesar's jumbo rats, they were about 350ish grams. Those are the biggest the pet shop gets other than guinea pigs and the reptile shop about an hour from me has rabbits now again, so hopefully they have ones small enough for Caesar.

And on a side note, Caesar was extra 'loving' last night. He really wanted the petting and sat there on my arm while i pet him. After about 15 mins, i got tired and went to go sit down and he started coming out of the cage to follow me lol. i got up and went back over and started petting him again and he went back to laying down in the cage next to my arm. I swear, i have never seen a snake like Caesar. You think reptiles are these cold blooded things that dont care but i swear Caesar acts like a dog sometimes haha. Couple days ago though, he was cranky about something and wanted nothing to do with me. Gave me stank eye when i lifted his hide to look for a piss and wandered away when i went to give him pettings. He wants stuff his way, not yours lol.

I think your Caesar is great. Is great he enjoys attention.

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Originally Posted by Sauzo

If you order from them, let me know how you like the quality and packing. If i ever break down and get my mini chest freezer, I'll need to stock up on rabbits for Caesar as i think jumbo rats are getting on the small side and i dont feel like feeding him 2 jumbo rats. Last time i weighed Caesar's jumbo rats, they were about 350ish grams. Those are the biggest the pet shop gets other than guinea pigs and the reptile shop about an hour from me has rabbits now again, so hopefully they have ones small enough for Caesar.

And on a side note, Caesar was extra 'loving' last night. He really wanted the petting and sat there on my arm while i pet him. After about 15 mins, i got tired and went to go sit down and he started coming out of the cage to follow me lol. i got up and went back over and started petting him again and he went back to laying down in the cage next to my arm. I swear, i have never seen a snake like Caesar. You think reptiles are these cold blooded things that dont care but i swear Caesar acts like a dog sometimes haha. Couple days ago though, he was cranky about something and wanted nothing to do with me. Gave me stank eye when i lifted his hide to look for a piss and wandered away when i went to give him pettings. He wants stuff his way, not yours lol.

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Originally Posted by Skyrivers

I think your Caesar is great. Is great he enjoys attention.

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Usually in the evening. During the day, if you remove the hide he is in, he will push your hand away and give you stank eye. And if that doesnt work, he wanders off to the other side of the cage.

Last night though before his petting session, i noticed he was pushing bad. I slid open a door and i immediately found out why. He had taken a huge poop in the back corner behind his cool hide. Once i got that cleaned up, i left a door open to air out and gave him his petting session. After the 2 petting sessions, i was able to sit down and watch tv as he was content to just sit with his head on the litter dam for about 2-3 hours until i went to bed and closed up his doors.

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Originally Posted by Sauzo

Usually in the evening. During the day, if you remove the hide he is in, he will push your hand away and give you stank eye. And if that doesnt work, he wanders off to the other side of the cage.

Last night though before his petting session, i noticed he was pushing bad. I slid open a door and i immediately found out why. He had taken a huge poop in the back corner behind his cool hide. Once i got that cleaned up, i left a door open to air out and gave him his petting session. After the 2 petting sessions, i was able to sit down and watch tv as he was content to just sit with his head on the litter dam for about 2-3 hours until i went to bed and closed up his doors.

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I can't seem to not fall asleep noe when I watch tv at night and I'm only 34. I can't trust myself leaving a cage open.

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Originally Posted by Sauzo

If you order from them, let me know how you like the quality and packing. If i ever break down and get my mini chest freezer, I'll need to stock up on rabbits for Caesar as i think jumbo rats are getting on the small side and i dont feel like feeding him 2 jumbo rats. Last time i weighed Caesar's jumbo rats, they were about 350ish grams. Those are the biggest the pet shop gets other than guinea pigs and the reptile shop about an hour from me has rabbits now again, so hopefully they have ones small enough for Caesar.

And on a side note, Caesar was extra 'loving' last night. He really wanted the petting and sat there on my arm while i pet him. After about 15 mins, i got tired and went to go sit down and he started coming out of the cage to follow me lol. i got up and went back over and started petting him again and he went back to laying down in the cage next to my arm. I swear, i have never seen a snake like Caesar. You think reptiles are these cold blooded things that dont care but i swear Caesar acts like a dog sometimes haha. Couple days ago though, he was cranky about something and wanted nothing to do with me. Gave me stank eye when i lifted his hide to look for a piss and wandered away when i went to give him pettings. He wants stuff his way, not yours lol.

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I’ve been getting this from Wallace finally. I’ve been waiting for some owner recognition and I’m very happy. Retics seen to be quite tuned in🐍🐍👍🏻😎

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Originally Posted by Gio

I’ve been getting this from Wallace finally. I’ve been waiting for some owner recognition and I’m very happy. Retics seen to be quite tuned in🐍🐍👍🏻😎

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Lol yup. Caesar is usually a petting/attention monster. Sometimes though, he gets in a mood and wants to be left alone lol.

All my snakes got their 'patterns'. Vicky will push at the front of the cage when she poops to let me know. Pat moves to the front perch and will sit there caudal luring to let me know when he wants dinner. Caesar pushes when he drops a deuce and wants it removed. Rosey will pace the front of the cage when she poops. The little boas, i just have to check them as they dont let me know when they do the business lol.

Caught homegirl changing clothes just now.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...e3edd6f299.jpg
Of course she would shed 4days before I’m going to leave town for 6days... feed her tomorrow and leave her be and hope for the best? Or make her wait until Wednesday and then hope she’s chill while I’m gone? Either way she’ll end up sitting in a dirty cage for at least a couple days. I think she’ll destroy her face again if I make her wait til Wednesday to eat... ugh


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Originally Posted by jmcrook

Caught homegirl changing clothes just now.
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...e3edd6f299.jpg
Of course she would shed 4days before I’m going to leave town for 6days... feed her tomorrow and leave her be and hope for the best? Or make her wait until Wednesday and then hope she’s chill while I’m gone? Either way she’ll end up sitting in a dirty cage for at least a couple days. I think she’ll destroy her face again if I make her wait til Wednesday to eat... ugh


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I'd feed her. I would rather deal with a dirty cage than hamburger face any day.

Also, Phyllis is huge! When Caesar fully stretches out, he the full length of the cage and then a little hangs off each end of the shelf.

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Originally Posted by Sauzo

I'd feed her. I would rather deal with a dirty cage than hamburger face any day.

Also, Phyllis is huge! When Caesar fully stretches out, he the full length of the cage and then a little hangs off each end of the shelf.

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My dilemma with feeding her tomorrow is that she probably won’t poop and piss until after I leave, then sit in a filthy cage for 6 days destroying her face. Or I could wait a little bit, feed her in the next few days and maybe have her be calm for maybe half of the time I’m gone? Between a rock and a hard place with that decision... she’s being quiet right now but still has a poop waiting in her from her last feed. Probably let’s that rip tomorrow or maybe Monday if I’m lucky
And yeah, I wasn’t kidding when I told y’all she got massive lol! Gotta be a solid 9.5-10’ and big around as my forearm.


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Lol, i thought Caesar was big for a SD cross. Phyllis is like the Godzilla of super dwarves lol. It's almost looking like 8 foot cage time is getting inevitable lol.

And yeah thats a tough call. I would feed the last minute before you leave and pray lol.

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Originally Posted by Sauzo

Lol, i thought Caesar was big for a SD cross. Phyllis is like the Godzilla of super dwarves lol. It's almost looking like 8 foot cage time is getting inevitable lol.

And yeah thats a tough call. I would feed the last minute before you leave and pray lol.

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I’ll see how she acts over the next day or so and make the call from there. I might give her two colossal rats when I do feed as well. Honestly she’d be fine in her 6’ cage for life but I want to give her as much space as I can when I can. Between the cage, heat panel, and freight shipping it’ll be close to $1k on a T65 and I’d like to go 2’ tall if possible which would make it even more. Also a modular cage would be a HUGE plus. Just gotta wait until I know if I’m staying in MS for the next year or moving to OR this summer. Cross your fingers that my interview/teaching demo goes well next Friday!


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Good luck man and yeah if you can get another T25 and have Ali make some custom sides like i talked about earlier to bolt the 2 cages together and then Lexel the seam, it would be awesome. I am going to ask Ali about it when i call her next month after i talk to Bob about drop shipping a RHP to them for Pat's cage. If they can do a custom 12 foot stand or maybe just put 2 6 foot stands together and lay down a sheet of 1 inch plywood on top, that would probably work great. Plus imagine a double sliding door 12 foot cage. Would be crazy.

I personally am fine with 18 inch height. If i was keeping something like a 16 or 18 foot mainland, i would want 2 foot height but for something like Caesar who i'm hoping tops out under 10 feet, the height is fine.

My thoughts are more along these lines:
Two T13s (48x30x18) bolted together with a hole through the middle. Basically like Gio’s cage. I don’t want the deal with the center post on two cage fronts together though, four openings to the same cage... this is why I’m being picky about this one. Because when/if I get a bigger cage, it’s gotta be her last cage. I can’t go over 8’ and that’s gotta be modular because 8’ is pretty unwieldy when you’re a 5’4” dude. I just really like the clean appearance of everything being perfectly CNC cut and rounded and such. I’m sure they could make whatever I wanted really, it would just cost $2k and take a year and a half to get to me with my luck lol


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Originally Posted by jmcrook

My thoughts are more along these lines:
Two T13s (48x30x18) bolted together with a hole through the middle. Basically like Gio’s cage. I don’t want the deal with the center post on two cage fronts together though, four openings to the same cage... this is why I’m being picky about this one. Because when/if I get a bigger cage, it’s gotta be her last cage. I can’t go over 8’ and that’s gotta be modular because 8’ is pretty unwieldy when you’re a 5’4” dude. I just really like the clean appearance of everything being perfectly CNC cut and rounded and such. I’m sure they could make whatever I wanted really, it would just cost $2k and take a year and a half to get to me with my luck lol


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Lol true. It took forever and a day to get your T25.

And yeah, 2 pillars on one cage would be a lot but also, it would give it good support, if we are talking a 12 foot cage lol. The T65 just has one pillar though. When i talked to Ali, she said the 8 footers are probably a 2 person job. The 6 footers she said can probably be one personed. I stacked 3 of my T25s by myself. Wasnt bad except lifting the 3rd one up high enough to clear the second cage haha. It was so awkward having an arm in each side holding the roof of the cage and then try and basically dead lift it almost 4 feet up and then not let it slide across the second cage so i didnt break the connections on the flexwatt.

But me personally, if Caesar outgrows his T25 which i know he wouldnt but like you said, i like to give my snakes room to stretch out if they desire, then I'll just got for a T65 as i too want the nice clean rounded corners and nice finish that AP does. That was the first thing i noticed about AP when i first got my cages. Then i noticed how strong they were. There is no flex or give in them. After that i was sold.

Man you guys have me thinking, go with an 8' cage or just two t10s side by side? I like the idea of ease of moving it. The 4 doors might look weird but would help alot when it comes to feeding as Gene goes crazy.

Hmm [emoji848][emoji848][emoji848]

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Originally Posted by Stearns84

Man you guys have me thinking, go with an 8' cage or just two t10s side by side? I like the idea of ease of moving it. The 4 doors might look weird but would help alot when it comes to feeding as Gene goes crazy.

Hmm [emoji848][emoji848][emoji848]

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Same thoughts here. Four doors=more shields during feeding. But also means less open space for cleaning and removing critters. Either way, I need an 8’ cage that can be broken in half for ease of moving. I just can’t manage a full 8’ cage solo. I wonder if AP could do two 4’ cages without a center post, but maybe a brace in the ceiling? That might make RHP placement tough though... does anyone know if the 8’ cages are only reinforced in the center of the cage or in both sides too? Alternatively I bet they could do two swinging doors, one each on two T13s that bolt together. I just wish they had a swing down option instead of swinging out


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Originally Posted by jmcrook

Same thoughts here. Four doors=more shields during feeding. But also means less open space for cleaning and removing critters. Either way, I need an 8’ cage that can be broken in half for ease of moving. I just can’t manage a full 8’ cage solo. I wonder if AP could do two 4’ cages without a center post, but maybe a brace in the ceiling? That might make RHP placement tough though... does anyone know if the 8’ cages are only reinforced in the center of the cage or in both sides too? Alternatively I bet they could do two swinging doors, one each on two T13s that bolt together. I just wish they had a swing down option instead of swinging out


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You could probably have them set the doors up to drop down if you want. Not that hard. They would just have to hinge it at the bottom instead of the side. Of course you would be talking acrylic doors as you cant make a swing open glass door.

Gave Phyllis free roam in the snake room for the better part of the day and gave her a 30min cruise outside before sunset and she’s currently sawing logs in her cool side hide. Hoping I can get her to be calm most of the night and tomorrow so I can feed right before I leave and hope for another 6 days free from terror. She was looking pretty good today in the yard
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...fab006359e.jpg


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She does look good.

Both of your retics are nice looking. She looks so happy.

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Originally Posted by jmcrook

Gave Phyllis free roam in the snake room for the better part of the day and gave her a 30min cruise outside before sunset and she’s currently sawing logs in her cool side hide. Hoping I can get her to be calm most of the night and tomorrow so I can feed right before I leave and hope for another 6 days free from terror. She was looking pretty good today in the yard
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...fab006359e.jpg


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OMG Dude!!!

That's phenomenal !!!

Perfect size and pattern.

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Originally Posted by Gio

OMG Dude!!!

That's phenomenal !!!

Perfect size and pattern.

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Thanks brother! She’s quite the looker.
And of course she had to bust up her face last night... right before I leave for 6days starting tomorrow. She just ate two colossal rats and will hopefully be quiet for the better part of the time I’m gone. She’s back on paper so she doesn’t get anything in her busted lip. Put a layer of puppy training pads over the paper so she’s not wallowing in piss soaked paper when she opens the floodgates in 3-4-5 days. Hopefully that helps with absorbing some waste. Cross your fingers with me that she keeps it together til Monday!


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Originally Posted by jmcrook

Thanks brother! She’s quite the looker.
And of course she had to bust up her face last night... right before I leave for 6days starting tomorrow. She just ate two colossal rats and will hopefully be quiet for the better part of the time I’m gone. She’s back on paper so she doesn’t get anything in her busted lip. Put a layer of puppy training pads over the paper so she’s not wallowing in piss soaked paper when she opens the floodgates in 3-4-5 days. Hopefully that helps with absorbing some waste. Cross your fingers with me that she keeps it together til Monday!


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Any update on how she did?

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She looks great! I love some retics for sure.

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Originally Posted by Stearns84

Any update on how she did?

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He came home and the cage was demolished...the house was a wreck, and there was a giant turd on the pillow...Phyllis was not happy!! :P

That would be amazing. Locks were changed, Phyllis runs the place. Officially a squatter for 6 - 9 months.

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Originally Posted by Sauzo

He came home and the cage was demolished...the house was a wreck, and there was a giant turd on the pillow...Phyllis was not happy!! :P

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Originally Posted by Stearns84

That would be amazing. Locks were changed, Phyllis runs the place. Officially a squatter for 6 - 9 months.

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Lol would be epic. Phyllis the squatter lol.

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Originally Posted by Sauzo

Lol would be epic. Phyllis the squatter lol.

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Jacob just smashes his face against the windows trying to see what Phyllis is doing while standing outside in the sun. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...28e94b99eb.gif

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Originally Posted by Stearns84

That would be amazing. Locks were changed, Phyllis runs the place. Officially a squatter for 6 - 9 months.

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She got his CC#. Had a freezer chest delivered and placed an order of rabbits online to fill the freezer.

Drank his beer.

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Originally Posted by 67temp

She got his CC#. Had a freezer chest delivered and placed an order of rabbits online to fill the freezer.

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Lmao! She did alright but I came home to the stinkiest poop and piss filled cage ever. Stunk up the whole room. And FYI, two colossal rats last her just as long as one colossal rat. She’s a freak. Seems she’s gotta be on a 6 days schedule. Gerald had a bit of push face though and was only on day ten after feeding. Deep cleaned them both and they’re on paper for the moment because I’m moving today and that just makes things easier. Might actually move them to the new apt right now before it gets real hot outside and keep them in their holding tubs until I can get the cages over there in the moving truck. the joys of owning solar powered critters...


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Man, cant say i miss the pushing. Caesar has been fairly good. Kind of shoves his face into the center brace to test it once in a while at night but thats it. He just windshield wipes both doors all over and climbs all over the shelf and hides until i open a door and give him some petting. That usually gets him to quiet down.

Not sure why Phyllis is so psycho but i think for Caesar, it was him wanting to breed. And the rabbit didnt last as long as i thought either. By about day 4, he was out from behind his warm side hide and looking for attention at night like usual lol.

Retics seem to be such intelligent snakes (for a snake). And very hungry as well.

I wonder if anyone has ever built a custom enclosure that would give those snakes a sort of a "play ground" ?

I'm envisioning 6 feet wide cages and 4 of those stacked on top of one another. Each (but the very top one) has a round hole cut into the ceiling, big enough for the snake to fit through comfortably . For example, bottom cage would have the hole in the ceiling on the left side. Next cage would have the hole in the ceiling on the right side. Then left again. The snake could move up and down throughout all of those cages.

The Radiant heat panel could be mounted behind the hole, to give the snake a warm side of each cage on the side with the solid floor. Water could be in the bottom cage.

Of course that leaves the matter of the substrate. If substrate was desired, each hole could have sort of a "lip/dam" around it. The snake can easily crawl over that, but the substrate, liquid, poop or whatever else the snake pushes around should be kept from falling through the hole. One could also add more stuff, like shelves or other obstacles.

While that wouldn't keep the snake from getting hungry or wanting out, it might keep them busy looking for food on the different levels and across many obstacles, possibly tiring out their bodies and minds to a degree.

I know, that would be a labor of love and take up a huge amount of space for one snake, but I wonder if something like that would make/keep a retic happy ! ;)

I have put some thought into this "pushing" issue with Retics off and on throughout the years, even though I don't own a Retic nor plan to. (just don't have the space for one..)

From what I've researched, this species of snake is more intelligent and "aware". Which leads me to believe, their mind is more active as well. I have also read that in the wild, they tend to travel quite long distances.

Like a Ball Python has the innate need to HIDE, prehaps a Retic has the innate need to move/travel ? Perhaps being full of food makes them sluggish and rest, but once digestion is mostly done, they feel the need to get moving again? Could it be that its not just hunger or the need for food that makes them push, but rather that digestion and a full belly stops them from pushing, but the built in instinct to get moving again causes them to push as soon as most of the digestion is done?

The behavior reminds me of some animals I have observed in a zoo. They were the kind of animals that normally travel long distances throughout the day and maintain quite a large area as their habitat. Those animals would pace back and forth, sometimes almost in place, causing themselves damage in the process. Its almost as if they couldn't help doing it. I've also observed that behavior in horses where it is called "weaving". Usually in horses that are closed up in small spaces. They cause themselves a lot of harm in their legs and joints and sometimes rub their heads in the process. Its almost neurological and once they start this behavior it is next to impossible to get them to stop.

I wonder if Retics being more of a intelligent species do actually need more stimulus then snakes usually do ?

I could be way off, of course, since I do not even own one, nor am I an expert in large snakes. I've just often wondered about them and I admire them..

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Originally Posted by jmcrook

Lmao! She did alright but I came home to the stinkiest poop and piss filled cage ever. Stunk up the whole room. And FYI, two colossal rats last her just as long as one colossal rat. She’s a freak. Seems she’s gotta be on a 6 days schedule. Gerald had a bit of push face though and was only on day ten after feeding. Deep cleaned them both and they’re on paper for the moment because I’m moving today and that just makes things easier. Might actually move them to the new apt right now before it gets real hot outside and keep them in their holding tubs until I can get the cages over there in the moving truck. the joys of owning solar powered critters...


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How did the move go?

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Originally Posted by Stearns84

How did the move go?

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Finishing up the bulk of it right now. It torrentially downpoured about 30 minutes into loading the truck. Thankfully this move did not involve my art studio, which is like moving an entire apartment on its own.
Got everyone moved this morning and the temps were perfect, but I was only making an 8-10 min drive. Gotta go set up the cages, everyone’s in tubs or crammed in a t8(Phyllis) and Gerald peed all over the whole tub including his water bowl and pillow case he rode in. He’s kind of annoying sometimes/a lot of the time hahah. Keeping everyone on paper for a bit just because it’s easier when shifting everything around the apartment. I’ll post pics of the new “snake room” soon.


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Nice hat, Phyllis...
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...1b5d22a11b.jpg


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Haha, its so much fun to try and remove the hide when they do that and get it wedged under one of the supports for the shelf. I end up having to slide Caesar and the hide forward which ends with a serious case of stink eye.

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Originally Posted by Sauzo

Haha, its so much fun to try and remove the hide when they do that and get it wedged under one of the supports for the shelf. I end up having to slide Caesar and the hide forward which ends with a serious case of stink eye.

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I think Rainbow plays with her hide more than she uses it to hide. The rotates it, flips it, and moves it around like a turtle. The only time she uses it to hide is right after a big meal. She eat 2 XL rats last night and was in a nice food coma this morning. Love the huge personalities these guys have.

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Originally Posted by zina10

Of course that leaves the matter of the substrate. If substrate was desired, each hole could have sort of a "lip/dam" around it. The snake can easily crawl over that, but the substrate, liquid, poop or whatever else the snake pushes around should be kept from falling through the hole. One could also add more stuff, like shelves or other obstacles.

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I’ve thought about something like this (just as a thought experiment), but for smaller snakes, and saw a suggestion in a corn snake book - PVC pipe couplers, which are are a male-male setup, smooth exterior, and have either a smooth interior or a ridge in the middle. If you want to block off access, you just need a capped short piece of pipe and stick it in the coupler. IIRC you can get couplers up to 4” diameter at home improvement stores. If that isn’t big enough for a retic, I’d probably engage my Google-Fu for something similar.


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Originally Posted by Prognathodon

I’ve thought about something like this (just as a thought experiment), but for smaller snakes, and saw a suggestion in a corn snake book - PVC pipe couplers, which are are a male-male setup, smooth exterior, and have either a smooth interior or a ridge in the middle. If you want to block off access, you just need a capped short piece of pipe and stick it in the coupler. IIRC you can get couplers up to 4” diameter at home improvement stores. If that isn’t big enough for a retic, I’d probably engage my Google-Fu for something similar.


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Exactly! That is what I thought. Gluing the pipe in there would keep the cages aligned perfectly and it would give you the lip that is needed.

Plus they can easily be smoothed out. I didn't even think about the end piece to lock the snake into a level. That would be great for cleaning and maintenance [emoji4]

Sure would take up a huge space but may keep a busy Retic....busy. Lol


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Moments before I narrowly avoided a tsunami of piss and deuce on the couch. Just redirected her tail to the floor. Thankfully it was in the living room, the snake room is carpeted.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...32e2e7c2a6.jpg


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Originally Posted by jmcrook

Moments before I narrowly avoided a tsunami of piss and deuce on the couch. Just redirected her tail to the floor. Thankfully it was in the living room, the snake room is carpeted.
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...32e2e7c2a6.jpg


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No christening retic tsunami pics?? lol.

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Originally Posted by jmcrook

Moments before I narrowly avoided a tsunami of piss and deuce on the couch. Just redirected her tail to the floor. Thankfully it was in the living room, the snake room is carpeted.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...32e2e7c2a6.jpg


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Damn,
What a nice looking snake!