Help for a newbie - Python On Cold Side!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SandmansDreams

Great success!!
BP actually used one of her hides on her own for the first time since I got her! :D
She's been in it all day actually. Pokes her head out every once in a while if I'm in the room doing stuff but is generally totally unseen.

Tomorrow my temp gun should be delivered and I'll finally be able to get pinpoint readings on everything!
I also plan to get a thermostat for the UTH (moving the dimmer it is currently plugged into over to the CHE).
If the dimmer on the CHE fails, and it fails wide open as you said, the hottest the tank has gotten on the CHE with no dimmer at all has been 84 so it should be fine (short term) even if that happens.

Even though everything isn't 100% yet, I'm now 95% there and I think I should be able to get it all squared away from here before this coming weekend is out.

Also, I know I've very likely stressed her out these past several days by screwing with the enclosure so much, but she hasn't eaten in 12 days so I'm going to try to feed her tonight (1st attempt at feeding). Here goes! :D

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Bro thats great. Im glad she used a hide niw, thats says something right there.. She fealt safe enough.. Let us know how all works out with feeding... Ive got a cool trick I learned on here for Fresh Kill once you get her eating good.. Then you wont have to worry about her getting bit and scratched. Congrats :gj:

She refused the food as I suspected she was going to, but I at least wanted to try. Tomorrow will be day 13 since her last meal.

Let me go through what I did really quick to make sure I'm not screwing something up;

- Thaw the frozen mouse package in warm water
- Open the enclosure
- Gently tapped her hide
- Gently removed the hide
- Moved vines and plants out of the way
- Approached BP from behind and gently stroked her flank
- At this point she jerked suddenly, like a nervous flinch, and recoiled
- Being my first time doing this her quick action caught me off guard, which must have spooked her because she immediately started running for the thick leaves of the hot side
- I tried to stop her by grabbing her lower half & tail, but I thought it wise not to pull her out by force when she was already scared enough to run.
- After a minute I decided to try again, so I removed the silk plant from the back corner of the hot hide and as I did so noticed that she was wrapped around the "stem" of the leaves.
- I lifted the entire plant, snake and all, out of the enclosure and placed her into my feeding tub (I might get a deeper tub for this going forward).
- She immediately let go of the plant and started exploring. I had to gently pull her back into the tub a couple of times, but overall she stayed put and looked around. She seemed really curious! (that or running for her life in abject terror...I'm still learning to speak reptile and may have mistranslated this).
- Removed plant from feeding tub.
- Cut open the mouse package
- Using feeding tongs, dunked the mouse in the warm water again for several seconds
- Pat-dried the mouse on paper towels
- Simulated mouse movement approximately 6" from face of python
- BP seemed interested for a moment but ultimately turned away
- After a few more unsuccessful attempts I reintroduced her to the enclosure and she immediately fled to the cold side and curled up behind that hide against the back glass and out of sight.
- I misted down the tank and returned everything to position.

So there it is start to finish.
My first time ever attempting to feed a snake.
Would be very interested to hear your analysis. I'm sure I bungled a thing or two.
I've got 2 more frozen mice on hand to attempt a feeding with.
I figure if she blows through 4 separate feedings without a single strike I'll likely switch her to the 6qt tub enclosure to FINALLY get her calm enough to eat.
Perhaps this snake is extra skittish?

Thanks!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SandmansDreams

She refused the food as I suspected she was going to, but I at least wanted to try. Tomorrow will be day 13 since her last meal.

Let me go through what I did really quick to make sure I'm not screwing something up;

- Thaw the frozen mouse package in warm water
- Open the enclosure
- Gently tapped her hide
- Gently removed the hide
- Moved vines and plants out of the way
- Approached BP from behind and gently stroked her flank
- At this point she jerked suddenly, like a nervous flinch, and recoiled
- Being my first time doing this her quick action caught me off guard, which must have spooked her because she immediately started running for the thick leaves of the hot side
- I tried to stop her by grabbing her lower half & tail, but I thought it wise not to pull her out by force when she was already scared enough to run.
- After a minute I decided to try again, so I removed the silk plant from the back corner of the hot hide and as I did so noticed that she was wrapped around the "stem" of the leaves.
- I lifted the entire plant, snake and all, out of the enclosure and placed her into my feeding tub (I might get a deeper tub for this going forward).
- She immediately let go of the plant and started exploring. I had to gently pull her back into the tub a couple of times, but overall she stayed put and looked around. She seemed really curious! (that or running for her life in abject terror...I'm still learning to speak reptile and may have mistranslated this).
- Removed plant from feeding tub.
- Cut open the mouse package
- Using feeding tongs, dunked the mouse in the warm water again for several seconds
- Pat-dried the mouse on paper towels
- Simulated mouse movement approximately 6" from face of python
- BP seemed interested for a moment but ultimately turned away
- After a few more unsuccessful attempts I reintroduced her to the enclosure and she immediately fled to the cold side and curled up behind that hide against the back glass and out of sight.
- I misted down the tank and returned everything to position.

So there it is start to finish.
My first time ever attempting to feed a snake.
Would be very interested to hear your analysis. I'm sure I bungled a thing or two.
I've got 2 more frozen mice on hand to attempt a feeding with.
I figure if she blows through 4 separate feedings without a single strike I'll likely switch her to the 6qt tub enclosure to FINALLY get her calm enough to eat.
Perhaps this snake is extra skittish?

Thanks!

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I have one thing to say about all that.. Why the heck are you going through all that stress and then trying to feed her? Hahahahaha
Heck if you kicked in my door, grabbed me, threw me into another house and served me a meal I wouldnt feel hungry either hahahahahah ...
Ok all joking aside Anthony leave that poor thing in its enclosure to eat... Just as she is getting use to it a giant busted it all the heck..
Some people, (i think very few that are uninformed) feed in a seperate tank.. 95% feed in the snakes habitat.
Wait untill she is calm down again in a few days and try to feed in the enclosure and dont disrupt it. If she is in a hide put it half in the door, wait till night and keep it quiet and dusk when you do it.. And leave it over night.

i think you did well! separate enclosure feeding often brings stress, but i see why you did it. maybe wait for her to be sticking her nose out of her hide at night to try and feed: this usually means they're hungry. i usually thaw the rat in the fridge, then place it in the room they're in which scents the room and gets them in feeding mode, ready to strike. did you leave the mouse in the enclosure? if not that's okay, maybe try it next time.
hey, you tried to feed a snake! 😀

Thanks for the responses gents!

Yeah, I knew full well the entire time that I was likely freaking her out.
After all the hard work I've done this week to get her settled I felt really really bad about it, but I'm also concerned that she's gone so long without eating. 12 days is a while for a hatchling from what I understand (tomorrow is day 13).
My thought was "well, she's using a hide, I've got the temps and humidity near perfect, lets give it a shot".
I don't blame her at all for rejecting the food!

But anyway, 2 questions;

1) A lot of the literature I've read warns against feeding in the enclosure as (so it says) it will cause the snake to expect food when the tank is opened and therefore bite more frequently. Is this not true?
2) I'm definitely going to let her chill for a while before I try again. At least a few days. But I'm also worried about how long its been for her. Can she starve?

Thanks again!

Also...

"...wait for her to be sticking her nose out of her hide at night to try and feed: this usually means they're hungry"

...she started doing this a little while after she started using the hide

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SandmansDreams

Also...

"...wait for her to be sticking her nose out of her hide at night to try and feed: this usually means they're hungry"

...she started doing this a little while after she started using the hide

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that might mean she's finally getting comfy and maybe checking things out, i wouldn't think that's hunger just yet but scenting the room will help you know: when i scent the room and they're not hungry they're way back in the hides unseen. that's just from my experience.

to your previous post:

1. cage aggression is a myth. i've never had an issue reaching into my oldest's enclosure at any time. sometimes he comes out to investigate when i reach in for maintenance, but i give the ol' snoot a boop and it's no worries.

2. just wait about 5 days and try again, she'll be okay until then. after that we can cross whatever bridge you've come to. 😊 have you weighed her? or did you know her weight when you got her?

^^^ Yep what she said :)
also don't worry about 13 days.. As long as that snake has eaten since it was born and its weight is ok they can go 6 mos no problem... When you try the next time, put the mouses head sticking into the hide door and leave it.. Make sure there is no traffic going back and forth infront of the enclosure.. These simple things can make and break it.. And leave it there over night.
You git everything else spot on. Good job bro:gj:

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1. cage aggression is a myth. i've never had an issue reaching into my oldest's enclosure at any time. sometimes he comes out to investigate when i reach in for maintenance, but i give the ol' snoot a boop and it's no worries.

2. just wait about 5 days and try again, she'll be okay until then. after that we can cross whatever bridge you've come to. 😊 have you weighed her? or did you know her weight when you got her

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>> 1. Really? Wow, there does seem to be quite a lot of myths regarding keeping these critters :P I'm a big fan of following those with demonstrated knowledge. For instance, I wouldn't go to a doctor and say "But I googled it! That can't be true!". Both of you are the experts here and I really appreciate the advice. I will follow it and feed her in-enclosure next time.

>> 2. Ok. That will slate her for a second attempt early next week. Got it. I have not weighed her yet but her breeder card says she weighed in at 85g on December 30, 2016. She has absolutely grown quite a bit since then, however. I would feel comfortable saying shes over 100g at the moment, though I don't know exactly.

Yeah she might be a little light but thats ok, so was my last hatchling (57G at 2.5 months) and she doubled her weight in the 4 weeks when she started eating.. And yeah bro that feeding in the enclosure aggression is nonsense. Try reaching into another enclosure to put them back into theirs after they just ate and are still in feed mode!!! Now thats how you get tagged and also how the snake can regurgitate. You cant move a snake for 48hrs after they eat. That concept some people peddle makes no sense.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SandmansDreams

>> 1. Really? Wow, there does seem to be quite a lot of myths regarding keeping these critters [emoji14] I'm a big fan of following those with demonstrated knowledge. For instance, I wouldn't go to a doctor and say "But I googled it! That can't be true!". Both of you are the experts here and I really appreciate the advice. I will follow it and feed her in-enclosure next time.

>> 2. Ok. That will slate her for a second attempt early next week. Got it. I have not weighed her yet but her breeder card says she weighed in at 85g on December 30, 2016. She has absolutely grown quite a bit since then, however. I would feel comfortable saying shes over 100g at the moment, though I don't know exactly.

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you've done awesome so far! just take it one day at a time. she'll be just fine, and she's lucky to have you. 😊 keep us updated, i can't wait for your first successful feeding!

And next time she comes out of her hide grab some pics to post. All I've seen is the enclosure which you did a great job on. You also have a Galary on your profile you can add pics to and that way next year we can all look back at her growth ect...

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Originally Posted by Mr Sully

And next time she comes out of her hide grab some pics to post. All I've seen is the enclosure which you did a great job on. You also have a Galary on your profile you can add pics to and that way next year we can all look back at her growth ect...

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yes! pics please!!! 😀

She was out cruising around the enclosure just a few minutes ago, let me see if I can snap a quick pic or two...

Nah. She's right back in that same hide again with her nose sticking out :P I'm glad she likes it so much! :)
If she comes out again I'll grab a pic but otherwise I'll have to post some tomorrow.

Her Father was Enchi
Her Mother was Sulfur-Spider

I wanted a Cinnamon Banana but I'm a noobie to reptile keeping and didn't want to invest that kind of cash into something with no prior experience. Perhaps in the future.
Right now I'm really feeling a connection to my "Suriyothai" and in spite of the set backs I'm very glad to have her.

no worries, let her be. and hey! no setbacks here, just learning and growing from you both. 😀

Sounds like she is happy.. A stressed BP wouldnt be hanging out in their hide, a hiding ball is a Happy ball.
Good job.

Temp gun delivered just now.
I gunned the hides.

Hot side - 91
Cold side - 80

:D :D :D
Looks like everything is spot on!

Thanks again to both of you for all your help through this mess.
I have finally arrived at the mountaintop. Next summit is getting her feeding down, but for now I'm just going to leave her be the rest of today and through the weekend.
Thanks!

you've done it!!! congrats! now you can relax and enjoy your new baby. :)

Quick question;

I have not seen the snake since Thursday when she went back inside her hide.
Is it normal for the BP to hide for days on end?
I've been up late the past few days and haven't even seen her cruising around at night like she used to.

Just wanted to double check that something isn't wrong.
The humidity is just a tad low, nothing a misting won't help, and the temps look fine.
I have not opened the tank at all since the failed feeding.

"a hiding ball is a happy ball."
nothing to worry about, they're affectionately called "pet rocks" for a reason. 😜

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SandmansDreams

Quick question;

I have not seen the snake since Thursday when she went back inside her hide.
Is it normal for the BP to hide for days on end?
I've been up late the past few days and haven't even seen her cruising around at night like she used to.

Just wanted to double check that something isn't wrong.
The humidity is just a tad low, nothing a misting won't help, and the temps look fine.
I have not opened the tank at all since the failed feeding.

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I don't see mine for 2-3 days at a time after feeding... Also mine hide for 7-10 days during sheding time... Lastly when I get a new snake/Hatchling sometimes they Hide 2 weeks strait getting use to their hides and all..
at some point you'll see them come out or poke heads out in the evenings.. Mine come out 9pm and climb but thats after having them awhile.
When its feed time leave it in there Hide door..

Great!

Just wanted to double check if I should be concerned.

Next feeding attempt will be Monday evening.
Will try to feed in-tank and leave the mouse head-first in the hide overnight, as you both have advised.

Thanks again!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SandmansDreams

Great!

Just wanted to double check if I should be concerned.

Next feeding attempt will be Monday evening.
Will try to feed in-tank and leave the mouse head-first in the hide overnight, as you both have advised.

Thanks again!

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Just leave it in the hide doorway..they like to strike it then pull it into their hides to eat in peace hahha

Will do! Thanks :)
I'll update with how it turns out.

I haven't read all through the thread sooo . .. if it's not dragged in to the hide try the proven method of heating with a hairdryer then immediately dangling in front of the snake using a pair of tongs , just repeat the heating /dangling process until it's grabbed ... If they're hungry this method usually works in my experience

Wow, I just read this entire thread start to finish. I just have a few thoughts:

1) Mr Sully, you are amazing!! In my opinion, this is a perfect example of why this forum is here. It allows new keepers a great chance to ask questions and talk directly with people who have the experience needed to help out the newbies. Obviously, it's a great forum for experienced keepers, breeders, newbies and everyone in between, but without people like Mr Sully taking the time to help out the newbies there would be a lot of people struggling with their new snakes, people giving up, snakes in unhealthy environments and unfortunately, snakes dying. So, KUDOS to you Mr Sully!!!

2) tttaylorrr, your input and positive reinforcement are another example of why this forum is here. Without people like you to support some of the new keepers we would probably see people giving up or losing animals. You are there to help people learn and develop a passion that obviously began somewhere, where perhaps some people would give up too early and never get the chance to really appreciate these magnificent animals. So, thank you!!

3) SandmansDreams, WOW!! Your dedication and open mind are second to none and quite inspiring!! You certainly have been intent on giving your new girl a happy, healthy home. After asking questions, taking tons of advice and putting in some serious effort, you seem to be in a good place now with your husbandry. Great job!!! I promise, it gets easier from here. As far as feeding goes, don't sweat it, she will eat soon, when she's ready. And just to throw my two cents into the feeding situation: I always feed my snakes in their enclosures and have yet to have any problems at all. The tank aggression seems, if at all, to only come into play for people who almost never or very rarely handle the particular snake. If the only time a hand enters the cage is to feed or clean, than yeah, maybe an open enclosure or a hand inside the enclosure might trigger certain thoughts in the snakes mind, but even then I think it's a stretch as the animal is not acclimated to human interaction and may strike, whether for food or out of fear/aggression....
If you're concerned about substrate ingestion being a problem while feeding inside the enclosure maybe lay down a paper towel or paper plate inside the enclosure and try to get the snake to eat there. I feed my corns inside their enclosure and lay a paper towel down and it's worked just fine so far. My King and my BP have an area of the enclosure that has doesn't have loose substrate and I feed them there. Also keep this in mind. They are wild animals that have survived thousands of years eating in the woods, forests, etc... Nobody is cleaning off the food the eat in the wild and yet they survive. They digest bone, fur, etc...so a little substrate will very unlikely be a problem...
Keep up the good, no, GREAT work!!! Your snake is lucky to have you and the rewards of keeping a snake will be yours to enjoy for many years to come!!
P.S., just think, now you know what to expect when you bring your next snake home and you won't have all these learning curve headaches to deal with...and yes, I said WHEN you bring your next snake home, not IF, because snakes are like tattoos, one gets you hooked and almost nobody I know has just one snake or one tattoo, hahaha!!

I know there are plenty of other people who chimed in to help out our new friend on this thread that (and all the others) I didn't include, it wasn't intentional. Mr Sully and tttalyorrr just stuck out to me in this particular thread. They put in the time and effort to help a new keeper with a new snake, which helps both the person AND the animal, which is the reason we are all here in the first place right?? Let's all keep in mind, we were ALL beginners once and NONE of us know everything...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by chakup

Since you're gonna be shopping look at what that stuff will cost then compare the extra now to upgrade to something like a t8. I spent alot making a glass enclosure work, it's now in the garage and a 2nd t8 is on its way.

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When you say t8 you are talking about your snakes cage right? Because when I search t8 all I get is stuff for lighting

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Originally Posted by Chappy4o

When you say t8 you are talking about your snakes cage right? Because when I search t8 all I get is stuff for lighting

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by Ap Cages, here's the link :)
http://www.apcages.com/home/terrestrial/T8/T8.htm

Quote:

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

2) tttaylorrr, your input and positive reinforcement are another example of why this forum is here. Without people like you to support some of the new keepers we would probably see people giving up or losing animals. You are there to help people learn and develop a passion that obviously began somewhere, where perhaps some people would give up too early and never get the chance to really appreciate these magnificent animals. So, thank you!!

I know there are plenty of other people who chimed in to help out our new friend on this thread that (and all the others) I didn't include, it wasn't intentional. Mr Sully and tttalyorrr just stuck out to me in this particular thread. They put in the time and effort to help a new keeper with a new snake, which helps both the person AND the animal, which is the reason we are all here in the first place right?? Let's all keep in mind, we were ALL beginners once and NONE of us know everything...

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i really appreciate your feedback! i remember when i first joined here: i was an anxious new keeper with a few issues and just addressed SandmansDreams how i'd want to be treated. i always try to be positive! :D like you said, we were all new to this at some point. even as i was offering advice, i was relying on MrSully's input and learning from him as the thread went on. MrSully has way more experience than me and he was helpful in answering questions i was not confident in.

this is what's this forum is all about. :gj:

[QUOTE=craigafrechette;2504552]Wow, I just read this entire thread start to finish. I just have a few thoughts:

1) Mr Sully, you are amazing!! In my opinion, this is a perfect example of why this forum is here. It allows new keepers a great chance to ask questions and talk directly with people who have the experience needed to help out the newbies. Obviously, it's a great forum for experienced keepers, breeders, newbies and everyone in between, but without people like Mr Sully taking the time to help out the newbies there would be a lot of people struggling with their new snakes, people giving up, snakes in unhealthy environments and unfortunately, snakes dying. So, KUDOS to you Mr Sully!!!

2) tttaylorrr, your input and positive reinforcement are another example of why this forum is here. Without people like you to support some of the new keepers we would probably see people giving up or losing animals. You are there to help people learn and develop a passion that obviously began somewhere, where perhaps some people would give up too early and never get the chance to really appreciate these magnificent animals. So, thank you!!

...[/QUOTE
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craigafrechette,
Thank you very much for saying all those nice things.
I love to help people when they want to learn. Anthony (Sandman) was dead set on doing what was best for the snake without shortcuts and thats awesome...
He already had a lot of info as he researched things on his own and just looked for a helping hand to fine tune everything. This is a great site. The people that have been here for the long hall enjoy this hobby but more so enjoy helping the animals who are at our mercy in captivity. There are so many people that have helped me just as i tried to help Anthony on this thread... We will all keep passing it on......
ZINA10, TTTAYLORRR, PITONTHEPROWL, DEBORAH, SAUZO ,REINZ, SKIPLOADER, ERIC ALLAN, JMCROOK, BR8080, BPGATOR and several others have directed me on simple enclosure ideas, to answering Husbandry questions & some silliness in the OffTopic Cafe' :gj:

[QUOTE=

craigafrechette,
Thank you very much for saying all those nice things.
I love to help people when they want to learn. Anthony (Sandman) was dead set on doing what was best for the snake without shortcuts and thats awesome...
He already had a lot of info as he researched things on his own and just looked for a helping hand to fine tune everything. This is a great site. The people that have been here for the long hall enjoy this hobby but more so enjoy helping the animals who are at our mercy in captivity. There are so many people that have helped me just as i tried to help Anthony on this thread... We will all keep passing it on......
ZINA10, TTTAYLORRR, PITONTHEPROWL, DEBORAH, SAUZO ,REINZ, SKIPLOADER, ERIC ALLAN, JMCROOK, BR8080, BPGATOR and several others have directed me on simple enclosure ideas, to answering Husbandry questions & some silliness in the OffTopic Cafe' :gj:[/QUOTE]

Absolutely. This site is fantastic, and it's nice to see people like Anthony (sandman) who genuinely want to learn and take the advice and act upon it. The people you have listed are definitely some of the biggest reasons why this site is so awesome. I haven't been a member long, but was using the forums as a tool for a while. The names you listed are no doubt some of the reasons this site is so great. I've learned a lot from each and every one of them, both prior to joining and since. The knowledge shared by each of you probably doesn't get the thanks it deserves, but like you said it's about helping the animals, so it's up to us, the keepers, to say THANK YOU to you all. Please keep doing what you're doing.

SUCCESS!!!!!!!

I am immensely proud to report that I followed the advice of feeding in-enclosure tonight.

As instructed, I first thawed the mouse and scented the room.
This almost instantly got her head to pop out of the hide.
Slowly over the next 20 minutes she brought more and more of her upper half out.
I gave the mouse a bit of extra heat by waving the still hot CHE over it, which was switched off at that point.
Grabbed the mouse by the scruff using the tongs and made an attempt.
She was frozen totally solid without moving a muscle.
I made the mouse wiggle a bit and gently approach.
Instantly she ducked back inside her hide.

Here I thought to myself, "Well jeepers".
But I stuck to the advice and gently placed the mouse head-first halfway inside the entrance to the hide.
No sooner had I pulled the tongs back then she struck.
Holy cow it was fast!!
I read that I should use the tongs to wiggle it a bit so she thinks she has killed it.
I moved slowly to try to do that but it seemed to make her cautious so I backed off and just let her eat in peace.

THAT WAS SO AWESOME!
I feel like I'm 12 years old again, but seriously it was amazing.
Too bad I only get to do this once a week :P

I am so happy and proud that my girl ate her first meal in my care.
HUGE THANKS to all of you!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SandmansDreams

SUCCESS!!!!!!!

I am immensely proud to report that I followed the advice of feeding in-enclosure tonight.

As instructed, I first thawed the mouse and scented the room.
This almost instantly got her head to pop out of the hide.
Slowly over the next 20 minutes she brought more and more of her upper half out.
I gave the mouse a bit of extra heat by waving the still hot CHE over it, which was switched off at that point.
Grabbed the mouse by the scruff using the tongs and made an attempt.
She was frozen totally solid without moving a muscle.
I made the mouse wiggle a bit and gently approach.
Instantly she ducked back inside her hide.

Here I thought to myself, "Well jeepers".
But I stuck to the advice and gently placed the mouse head-first halfway inside the entrance to the hide.
No sooner had I pulled the tongs back then she struck.
Holy cow it was fast!!
I read somewhere that I should use the tongs to wiggle it a bit so she thinks she has killed it, so I moved slowly to try to do that and it seems to make her cautious so I backed off and just let her eat in peace.

THAT WAS SO AWESOME!
I feel like I'm 12 years old again, but seriously it was amazing.
Too bad I only get to do this once a week [emoji14]

I am so happy and proud that my girl ate her first meal in my care.
HUGE THANKS to all of you!

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YOU FED A SNAKE!!! YOUR snake! wha-whaaaaat! ������ way to go!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SandmansDreams

SUCCESS!!!!!!!

THAT WAS SO AWESOME!
I feel like I'm 12 years old again, but seriously it was amazing.
Too bad I only get to do this once a week :P


HUGE THANKS to all of you!

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This reminds me of the movie Road Trip...

I'll never get over feeding my snakes!! I love it :D Assuming they don't refuse, of course :|

Awsome Bro:gj:
(Sent you a PM)

tonight i share your enthusiasm: my new addition just ate for me tonight! her first feeding with me!!! 😀 i used yours/MrSully's method of sticking the head in the hide and wiggling it, and she came up and struck right away! even if you've done this before, there's always learning to do. 😊

So I fed my snake her first meal on Monday.
It is now Wednesday.
I plan to allow her to continue digesting till tomorrow, but my next step in learning how to keep a BP is to learn how to handle it.
I'd like to start tomorrow (Thursday) so long as I don't see she's in shed or something.
It will be her first time being handled (other than a single failed feeding attempt in a tub) since she was introduced to the tank.

Any advice on method? Length of time being held? Things I should or should not do while holding her?
I'm a bit nervous to be honest. Not scared, but concerned for her well-being. I'd like her to adjust well you know?

Thanks much!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SandmansDreams

Any advice on method? Length of time being held? Things I should or should not do while holding her?
I'm a bit nervous to be honest. Not scared, but concerned for her well-being. I'd like her to adjust well you know?

Thanks much!

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step 1. don't be nervous; step 2. start with limited handling; keep the length of time short for a while, like 5-10 minutes; step 3. just let her do what she wants; start just by watching her move and learning her body language.
take it slow, and take it all in! over time you can increase the length of handling. you'll be fine, she'll be fine, enjoy your baby! 😀

Dont approach from above or in front of the face.. Dont touch the head... Go for mid-body with one hand (from behind) and once you lift her place the other hand under her behind the neck (a couple inches infront of the 1st hand) supporting her. Let her climb and go from hand to hand and dont dangle here. Maybe sit indian style on the floor (i stay off beds for pee reasons) and keep your hands close to/on your lap so she is secure... Also dont just put her in the middle of the room on the floor.. Thats like dropping us in the middle of the desert...once your learn her temperment and behavoir you'll know what shes comfortable doing. I have one Ball that does about anything as long as im a part of it and in contact with me and one that is always jumpy and ready to strike into the air if you dont keep him loose and calm and still hahahaha

http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/...psmnpp3y2g.jpg

This is my BP Suriyothai that you have all so kindly helped me set up.
She is super-duper-duper shy. So shy, in fact, that I have not yet been able to handle her at all because every time I try she begins a sort of spasmodic retching as if she is going to regurgitate, so I back off.
I can pet her just fine. Not sure what to do about this.

In any case, a picture was long overdue :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SandmansDreams

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...psmnpp3y2g.jpg

This is my BP Suriyothai that you have all so kindly helped me set up.
She is super-duper-duper shy. So shy, in fact, that I have not yet been able to handle her at all because every time I try she begins a sort of spasmodic retching as if she is going to regurgitate, so I back off.
I can pet her just fine. Not sure what to do about this.

In any case, a picture was long overdue :)

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Not sure what that description means except "regurg" (Im not real big on vocabulary) but I think your more worried than she is hahahaha.
Sometimes hesitating is accually worse thing for them, your anticipation will actually give them time to get nervous. If I pull the hide and then think about picking them up for 1 min they get into a corner and stress, if I pull the hide, reach in and touch their side softly letting them know im there and scoop them up right away they are ok.
You have had her for a bit now, try and relax and do (2/3) 15min sessions a week holding her 48hrs after feeding. Even if she sits in your palms and doesnt do much, end it when things are still calm and on a good note....

Great advice!
Will put that into practice.
Thanks!