Python Reticulatus Wallace Progression!

Looking good!

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Any updates on your enclosure setup?

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Originally Posted by Stearns84

Any updates on your enclosure setup?

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I'm searching around for my final enclosure options. I'm currently back in discussions with Constrictors NW (Proline Cages).

Matt at Monster Cages never got back to me, and I think he may be a bit busy now with a new baby on the way. I like the enclosures he builds, but they are completely welded and can't be taken apart. I have changed, moved and replaced items within my current cages and I like being able to break them down if needed.

Animal Plastics was high on my list, but the size isn't right, and if I go custom, the price goes way up and shipping puts the price point way over budget. They make beautiful cages, but I want and need a certain size here and AP comes in too high.

Because I've worked with Ed at Pro-Line, I can get a custom cage with the exact dimensions I need, DELIVERED for the price of the smaller AP cage after they charge for shipping.

After inspecting and cleaning out a couple of my Pro-Line units yesterday, I called Ed and am seriously looking at a 72" x 30" x 24" double cage.


Wallace is currently in this unit.
http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...tput_3116.jpeg

He fits comfortably in this. He has a few hides, perches and a huge water bowel.
He is feeding conservatively, and that is pretty much on his own. He has at least a 10 day spread between meals and goes longer on occasion if he decides not to eat.

This is a previously posted picture, however it shows how he fits in this 48" x 24" x 14" cage.
http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...tput_3111.jpeg

I've got some time and this really works for him.
http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...ut_3143_1.jpeg

For a snake that is somewhat difficult to remove from the cage like Wallace, I will certainly need a 24 inch tall unit.


That's my caging at this point, and I have the wheels in motion for the next one.

Looks good. You know, sometimes i'm envious of how your snakes aren't garbage cans lol. I tried doing 10 days with Caesar and that went over like a turd in a punchbowl. He started pushing at day 8. Once he got a meal in him, he went back to being an angel.

And yeah if Pro-Line cages are what you like, go for it. I personally didn't care for them as maybe mine was made on a Friday or something but it wasn't very sturdy, the door didn't line up for squat unless I shimmed the back right corner with 3 pieces of cardboard and the ceiling sagged bigtime after about 2 years. And I guess I wasn't the only one. Figment's ceiling sagged so bad that he had to lift it to close the door, mine wasn't that bad.

Sucks the guy at Monster Cages didn't get back to you. Maybe he's out of town? Or if he did have a new baby, he probably is trying to sneak in as much sleep as he can when he can lol. If I didn't love AP cages, he would probably be who I would check out as Boaphiles are god awful expensive.

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Originally Posted by Sauzo

Looks good. You know, sometimes i'm envious of how your snakes aren't garbage cans lol. I tried doing 10 days with Caesar and that went over like a turd in a punchbowl. He started pushing at day 8. Once he got a meal in him, he went back to being an angel.

And yeah if Pro-Line cages are what you like, go for it. I personally didn't care for them as maybe mine was made on a Friday or something but it wasn't very sturdy, the door didn't line up for squat unless I shimmed the back right corner with 3 pieces of cardboard and the ceiling sagged bigtime after about 2 years. And I guess I wasn't the only one. Figment's ceiling sagged so bad that he had to lift it to close the door, mine wasn't that bad.

Sucks the guy at Monster Cages didn't get back to you. Maybe he's out of town? Or if he did have a new baby, he probably is trying to sneak in as much sleep as he can when he can lol. If I didn't love AP cages, he would probably be who I would check out as Boaphiles are god awful expensive.

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Yeah,

Don't know what to tell you, but I've never had a problem. And would put my cages against anybody's, as they do everything needed to keep my animals. Since I set them up the way I want, I really haven't found too many cages that I feel compare when I get the final touches in place. No issues and it's a plastic box when it comes down to it.

I'm not into sterile setups and honestly don't like the PVC plastic AP uses. I prefer HDPE and always have. PVC is toxic when you get right down to it, but I'd own one if the price was decent for the size I want I guess.

Boaphile cages are fine, but again, I want/need ceiling space and nobody offers a comparable price WITH SHIPPING on a unit that is the size I want.

I'm not really up for debating caging here, I was just asked how the search for the next cage was progressing.

I've got four snakes and they live like kings and queens in the cages they have. I'll always pick perches over shelves, and I like the snakes being able to stay busy in their enclosures.

Because Ed is still making cages and offered me a great deal, I see no reason to look elsewhere at this point. There isn't much to it as long as the cages work and I get a good deal.

The snakes here will all become more active with the increased natural daylight and warmth.

I expect a good summer here with Wallace, and I'll feed him like a SD x dwarf since his mainland percentage is very low.

I'm looking forward to outdoor photos this year.

Well, he did the SD retic thing.

Wallace was out for a TV session which usually entails a lot of through the hands and hand over hand work as he is always moving but last night he did what Reptile Experts (Cody) mentions in some of his videos.

Wallace "took off".

He was totally cool and then just started blitzing out of my hands. I barely kept hold of him and was able to catch a bit of his lower body. Of course I thought he was going to spray me but he didn't.

He was fine, just SUPER busy, I guess he had an important appointment I was unaware of LOL. I kept with him for a minute or two and then was a bit irritated as I was in relax mode and he was not.

I ended up sending him back to the cage.

He's a good boy, but wow can they move and it isn't just for a short burst. He was continuous.

I'm actually hoping for a little size because at the very least he won't be as squirmy. It will be more of a workout, but I was a tad worried about losing him under a reclining leather sofa last night.

He's leveled out a tad at the 5 foot mark and isn't all over the food, which is great. He'll hit the one year mark June 1st.

He's at the 2 week mark for food so tonight he will feast.

Double post.

Lol don't count on the being less squirmy. Caesar is about 6' now and he IS the boss lol. He doesn't take off like Wallace did unless I'm taking him out of the cage and he doesn't want to come out. Then he figures he can get back in faster than I can take him out lol. But once out, he is calm but always moving if that makes sense.

Caesar will be 1 year old May 18th. And he still freakin loves food. He isn't as bad as when he was a baby but he still pops his head out and sits at the front of the cage whenever there is movement. I just boop his snoot with the paper towel and he lays down lol. Kinda funny, reminds me of a dog haha.

Has Wallace pee'd on you yet? Caesar did his first piss on me...right on my foot while watching tv. Little sob planted his keester right above my foot and then let out a little stream. He seems proud though and sat there looking afterwards haha.

As for size, heck, I'd give you some of Caesar's size lol. I think he's going to end up being a rather big boy. I alternate his food. He eats once a week and gets a medium rat one week and then a large the next week. If I stretch him out much past 1 week, he starts to pace and push.

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Originally Posted by Sauzo

Lol don't count on the being less squirmy. Caesar is about 6' now and he IS the boss lol. He doesn't take off like Wallace did unless I'm taking him out of the cage and he doesn't want to come out. Then he figures he can get back in faster than I can take him out lol. But once out, he is calm but always moving if that makes sense.

Caesar will be 1 year old May 18th. And he still freakin loves food. He isn't as bad as when he was a baby but he still pops his head out and sits at the front of the cage whenever there is movement. I just boop his snoot with the paper towel and he lays down lol. Kinda funny, reminds me of a dog haha.

Has Wallace pee'd on you yet? Caesar did his first piss on me...right on my foot while watching tv. Little sob planted his keester right above my foot and then let out a little stream. He seems proud though and sat there looking afterwards haha.

As for size, heck, I'd give you some of Caesar's size lol. I think he's going to end up being a rather big boy. I alternate his food. He eats once a week and gets a medium rat one week and then a large the next week. If I stretch him out much past 1 week, he starts to pace and push.

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Yep, I think I told early on Wallace has sprayed, and Pee'd on me a few times. He's about 5 feet now and skinny and squirmy. I'd like a bit more girth and 7-8 feet. I would have more to grab at that size. Now he's like a colubrid that can get away and into trouble fast. Small enough to get into areas I can't get into and that stresses me a bit.

He's got the Tiger gene so he could get large but his % of SD must have some major influence on his eating, growth and flighty behavior. I like it, just not the track meet we had last night.

Caesar looks great and seems well behaved.

I'd be fine with a 9 foot 35 pound animal. Actually I welcome it but will,not over feed to get there.

Make sure you post 1 year old Caesar pictures and get a measurement.

Well,

I think I may pay a visit to Monster Cages this week.

I heard back from Matt and if the price holds true, it is unbeatable if I go pick up the cage.

His cages are so strong you can stand on top of them, and they are made of non-toxic HDPE plastic.

There are a few specific's I'll need to make sure of but if it all comes together, I'll give the cage a shot.

Wallace chowed down the other night. 1 small rat after 13 days!

Perfect SD growth as far as I'm concerned. I'm hanging with him without issue as I type!

Lucky sob lol. Caesar wouldn't even go with that schedule when I got him lol. Kris told me he LOVED to eat anything anytime and he was right. I think I will end with a large rat every week by the time he hits 1 year old. JM hooked me up with an auction Bob Clark had for a female pied retic that was up to $705. If I hadn't bought Gina, I probably would have jumped on it but I'm not sure I want a mainland female haha. 18' snake is not something that I'm sure I really want lol.

Definitely post some pics if you get that Monster Cage.

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Originally Posted by Sauzo

Lucky sob lol. Caesar wouldn't even go with that schedule when I got him lol. Kris told me he LOVED to eat anything anytime and he was right. I think I will end with a large rat every week by the time he hits 1 year old. JM hooked me up with an auction Bob Clark had for a female pied retic that was up to $705. If I hadn't bought Gina, I probably would have jumped on it but I'm not sure I want a mainland female haha. 18' snake is not something that I'm sure I really want lol.

Definitely post some pics if you get that Monster Cage.

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OK,

I think I'm heading down to look at them (Monster Cages) in the next day or two.

I'm working on keeping Wallace small and manageable for the first year. According to some, once that first year or possibly two goes by they are easier to control growth wise. Wallace only has 18.25% mainland in his makeup, but that's still 18.25% for size potential.

Honestly though, I'm not holding back food, he's quite happy with the rotation we are on and I keep waiting for the roaming/bolting to the front of the cage for food and it is not happening.

He's been great to handle since the first bite I took getting him out a while back.

It snowed her last night so spring photos are a while out still.

Ah, Caesar has 31% mainland. Maybe that's why he's a bigger boy with a HUGE appetite lol. And Caesar is always at the front or poking his head out to see whats going on anytime something comes around. He is a very inquisitive snake. The boas don't really care whats going on around them lol. Maybe the more mainland blood in Caesar is what makes him more mellow/social? I mean I've heard that the more mainland blood in a SD, the mellower they tend to be as pure SDs are kind of flighty and mainlands are pretty laid back.

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Originally Posted by Sauzo

Ah, Caesar has 31% mainland. Maybe that's why he's a bigger boy with a HUGE appetite lol. And Caesar is always at the front or poking his head out to see whats going on anytime something comes around. He is a very inquisitive snake. The boas don't really care whats going on around them lol. Maybe the more mainland blood in Caesar is what makes him more mellow/social? I mean I've heard that the more mainland blood in a SD, the mellower they tend to be as pure SDs are kind of flighty and mainlands are pretty laid back.

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I think I agree with that for the most part although Wallace has really settled and become wonderful.

Caesar is almost double the mainland that Wallace is so that would explain a few things wouldn't it.

Never heard back again from Monster today after 2 texts so I'm about done.

AP and Constrictors NW have wonderful customer service. I will end up with a cage from Ed more than likely and be happy. I have no complaints with what I have now.

Monster has some nice looking cages, but I'm just a bit disinterested when I try to set things up and don't get acknowledged.


Wallace is plenty happy in his current Pro-Line and looks good in it. A larger unit will only be a plus.
http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...tput_3155.jpeg

Yeah kind of lame he doesn't respond. I actually have my Pro-Line and both my Herpstat 2 and 1 up for local sale. Was going to use the Pro-Line for a spare cage but meh, once I order 3 T25s, I'll have like 3 spare T8s. So might as well just sell the Pro-Line. Same with the Herpstats. I'm keeping the Herpstat 2 redline and Herpstat 1 redline for spares but the other 2 I don't need.

And yeah AP does have awesome customer service. Ed answers stuff pretty quick too. Actually waiting to hear back from Ali if the LEDs they install can be used with Herpstats to simulate sunrise and sunset. If so, I found a use for my Herpstat 2 redline lol. I'll use it as a sunrise/sunset timer for all the snake cages lol.

And yeah, that probably does explain a lot about Caesar lol. I had him out today and he is easily 6'. He was able to easily reach the floor from my shoulders and still have spare tail. And i'm about 5'11". So I know he's at least 6' if not slightly longer now.

I will need a new photo prop for outdoor photos this spring/summer.
Wallace is just too quick to be trusted if he is not in my hands or wrapped around something. It is a shame because some of my easiest and pictures are taken off of our deck rail. I honestly don't think I can photograph him there because if he heads for the ground he'll be under the decking, and that will be about it until he decides to come out.

I'm going to have to work with some other options in a more open area limiting/erasing the possibility of escape. He is "colubrid style" fast, and if he runs, and I chase, I have to grab him quickly. When he's excited he always seems to have a "little in the tank" just for me. Usually Pee, not really musk, but I don't like either.

He's over 5 feet long which somewhat bums me out as I really don't want him to be large I was hoping 4 to 4.5 feet at the year mark on June 1. At 6 to 9 feet he will be plenty challenging to handle. At 10 feet, I will likely need a spotter depending on his girth. I don't know how many people think long term when it comes to retics, whether they are mainland, dwarf, super dwarf or a combo. I love the challenge, but they are NO JOKE, and I'm recognizing it very early on.

If you delve into the species without long term thought and preparation, you will probably run into issues if your animal ends up on the larger side. I already have "some" precautionary safety gear in place, and more will come if I start seeing a larger than expected pet. I'm not being a sissy, I'm quite in shape, active and I know how to take care of myself but I'm also not oblivious or arrogantly, over confident to the point of thinking I'm never going to be in a bad situation. That's all I'll say on that because this isn't supposed to be a negative post. I'm just relaying some initial experiences, and thoughts.

Don't get me wrong, Wallace has done nothing since the little bite a couple of months ago to turn me off to him, but he is a snake that I will not take lightly or trust. He doesn't make it easy on me getting him out of his cage. Of course he's in a 48" x 24" x 14". 14" tall isn't as easy to reach into as a taller unit. He'll be in a 2 foot tall cage this summer which will make things easier.

Frequent handling of this species seems to be rather important. Obviously working with any snake tends to make interactions in the future more relaxing and predictable for all involved.

I continue feeding every 10-14 days and surprisingly he is still fine with small rats. I will keep that up until he hits a year, and then I'm planning medium rats every 2 weeks. I've been reading a lot of the UK retic boards and they like to keep their males and females nice and lean and a lot of them feel some of us here in the US tend to push the feeding too much.

Wallace shed out yesterday and looks absolutely beautiful today. I was checking him out and have not been able to find his spurs. I know Kris would not have sold me a female at a male price and I know his reputation is impeccable. I'm just curious if Gerald, Gene or Caesar have spurs.

He was very active today so the pictures were difficult to take. For reference however, he is perched on an olympic barbell. He is about the same thickness maybe a touch thicker at his most girthy spot.

His coloring is good today.
http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...tput_40a5.jpeg



Too bad he was zipping all over. This would have been a decent head photo. The scales match the knurling of the barbell.
http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...tput_40a7.jpeg

The length is coming. Another terrible, one handed picture, but this is his coloring without a flash. I think I'll dump the flash for photos in the gym. It is plenty bright in this room. This is actually pretty close to what his coloring looks like. You don't see the iridescence here, but he has it all over when the light hits him right.
http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...tput_40a4.jpeg

Thanks for checking in.

You are quite the well researched keeper, Gio. Retics are definitely not a species to be taken lightly or acquired impulsively. Better to have precautions in place and not need them than vice versa. I always approach Phyllis with hook first and then confidently but cautiously reach into the cage after I've gotten a good read on her body language.
On the spurs note, Gerald's spurs are quite small and maybe only easier seen because his tail is almost pure white so they stand out a bit more.
I kinda doubt Wallace will break 8-9' with your feeding schedule but better to be prepared for it than not. He's going to love that big cage I'm sure. Phyllis will get her forever cage in probably July providing there are minimal delays with production.


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Originally Posted by jmcrook

You are quite the well researched keeper, Gio. Retics are definitely not a species to be taken lightly or acquired impulsively. Better to have precautions in place and not need them than vice versa. I always approach Phyllis with hook first and then confidently but cautiously reach into the cage after I've gotten a good read on her body language.
On the spurs note, Gerald's spurs are quite small and maybe only easier seen because his tail is almost pure white so they stand out a bit more.
I kinda doubt Wallace will break 8-9' with your feeding schedule but better to be prepared for it than not. He's going to love that big cage I'm sure. Phyllis will get her forever cage in probably July providing there are minimal delays with production.


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Thanks for the words of encouragement brother. I'll have look for the spurs again. He is really bushy now that it's spring

Gio, this is a great thread. Awesome animal you have. SD, Dwarf and Mainland Retics are amazing.

Reading up on them is interesting and makes me want one in many ways but I also realize it's certainly too much for me to take on right now. Better to know my limitations but great to get an in-depth look here. Great job! :salute:

You should be fine even if he hits 10' depending on his temper. I mean Caesar is over 6' and probably 1.5-2" thick and he is mellow as far as temperament. I mean once i boop his snoot with the paper towel and he knows its no dinner, i just reach in and drag him out. If he doesnt want out, he tends to try and get into the cage faster than i can drag him out lol. Once out, he though, he just looks at everything. And he loves to do that thing you see Cody's retics do with standing straight up and touching the ceiling haha. Combine that with climbing down my leg or sitting on my head and he's a handful but nothing i would feel threatened by.

I havent checked for spurs on Caesar but it seems he has taken a break from growing. He hasnt shed in awhile and seems to be thickening up and May 18 he will be 1 year old. So maybe he will top out around 7' like Kris told me. I wouldnt mind if he got 10" though as like i said, he is pretty laid back.

And i agree, interaction with them is important. I pretty much interact with Caesar daily but half the reason is he is front and center or poking his head out the see me every time i go by his cage haha. He loves to initiate the interaction. Then when he see it doesnt lead to food, he tries and backpedals into his hide haha.

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Originally Posted by Sauzo

You should be fine even if he hits 10' depending on his temper. I mean Caesar is over 6' and probably 1.5-2" thick and he is mellow as far as temperament. I mean once i boop his snoot with the paper towel and he knows its no dinner, i just reach in and drag him out. If he doesnt want out, he tends to try and get into the cage faster than i can drag him out lol. Once out, he though, he just looks at everything. And he loves to do that thing you see Cody's retics do with standing straight up and touching the ceiling haha. Combine that with climbing down my leg or sitting on my head and he's a handful but nothing i would feel threatened by.

I havent checked for spurs on Caesar but it seems he has taken a break from growing. He hasnt shed in awhile and seems to be thickening up and May 18 he will be 1 year old. So maybe he will top out around 7' like Kris told me. I wouldnt mind if he got 10" though as like i said, he is pretty laid back.

And i agree, interaction with them is important. I pretty much interact with Caesar daily but half the reason is he is front and center or poking his head out the see me every time i go by his cage haha. He loves to initiate the interaction. Then when he see it doesnt lead to food, he tries and backpedals into his hide haha.

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I certainly don't feel threatened, but what a lot of people don't understand is bite of even a 6 foot retic can be enough to require stitches. The teeth on retics and scrubs and some of the other pythons are much longer than people think.

Gus Rentfro took a bite from one of his larger Peruvian boas and was relatively unscathed. A simple accident with a retic can be more serious.

At 10 feet long Wallace will be a lot to handle with the speed he has. A lot depends on girth, but Cody has stated that an "only 9 foot retic" is nothing to take lightly.

Again, I'm just looking at worst case scenario. All will probably go well, but I feel it is important to be prepared for animals like these.

This guy is great. We are still growing together.
http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...tput_40a3.jpeg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Gio

I certainly don't feel threatened, but what a lot of people don't understand is bite of even a 6 foot retic can be enough to require stitches. The teeth on retics and scrubs and some of the other pythons are much longer than people think.

Gus Rentfro took a bite from one of his larger Peruvian boas and was relatively unscathed. A simple accident with a retic can be more serious.

At 10 feet long Wallace will be a lot to handle with the speed he has. A lot depends on girth, but Cody has stated that an "only 9 foot retic" is nothing to take lightly.

Again, I'm just looking at worst case scenario. All will probably go well, but I feel it is important to be prepared for animals like these.

This guy is great. We are still growing together.
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...tput_40a3.jpeg

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Oh i know a bite from any snake that is 6'+ is not going to be fun and could require stitches. I'm just saying, if your snake is mellow at a young age, they generally mellow out even more with age as babies tend to be flighty and/or bitey. Like for me, I've never been bit by Caesar. Only time he ever got mad was when i introduced a hook to him as a baby. He hissed and opened his mouth, very angry. Since then i use a twisted paper towel to boop his snoot and he immediately either lays down on the cage floor or backs up into his hide a little. Now feeding day is different as Caesar turns into a demon when he smells food lol. I've had to use the sliding glass door on his cage as a shield once.

As for speed, he might calm down with age. I mean Caesar is a spazz when i take him out some days but it's mostly just him trying to sit on my head or stand straight up in the air. He generally doesn't try to run unless he gets close to his cage. Then he will go for his cage as he seems to really love his cage lol.

But each snake is different. Yours is more dwarf than mine where as mine is more mainland so that could also play into the overall attitude.

Also i looked at Caesar and i did find spurs. he wasn't pleased at all. I don't think he felt like coming out. He was more than happy to go back into his cage and then just went to the warm side and looked at me...giving me the stink eye haha.

Oh forgot to mention, i have had Caesar shove my hand away from his body when I've tried to pick him up. I'm guessing thats his way of saying 'leave me alone'. But i usually just pick him up anyways and he just gives me stink eye lol.

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Originally Posted by Sauzo

Oh i know a bite from any snake that is 6'+ is not going to be fun and could require stitches. I'm just saying, if your snake is mellow at a young age, they generally mellow out even more with age as babies tend to be flighty and/or bitey. Like for me, I've never been bit by Caesar. Only time he ever got mad was when i introduced a hook to him as a baby. He hissed and opened his mouth, very angry. Since then i use a twisted paper towel to boop his snoot and he immediately either lays down on the cage floor or backs up into his hide a little. Now feeding day is different as Caesar turns into a demon when he smells food lol. I've had to use the sliding glass door on his cage as a shield once.

As for speed, he might calm down with age. I mean Caesar is a spazz when i take him out some days but it's mostly just him trying to sit on my head or stand straight up in the air. He generally doesn't try to run unless he gets close to his cage. Then he will go for his cage as he seems to really love his cage lol.

But each snake is different. Yours is more dwarf than mine where as mine is more mainland so that could also play into the overall attitude.

Also i looked at Caesar and i did find spurs. he wasn't pleased at all. I don't think he felt like coming out. He was more than happy to go back into his cage and then just went to the warm side and looked at me...giving me the stink eye haha.

Oh forgot to mention, i have had Caesar shove my hand away from his body when I've tried to pick him up. I'm guessing thats his way of saying 'leave me alone'. But i usually just pick him up anyways and he just gives me stink eye lol.

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Damn I'm going to have to check Wallace again. My first investigation seemed to yield nothing in the way of spurs.

I would be floored if he was was a she.

Kris is not somebody who would make that mistake.

I'm guessing I'm missing them and Wallace is too busy to let me find them.

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Originally Posted by Gio

Damn I'm going to have to check Wallace again. My first investigation seemed to yield nothing in the way of spurs.

I would be floored if he was was a she.

Kris is not somebody who would make that mistake.

I'm guessing I'm missing them and Wallace is too busy to let me find them.

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Well Caesar's aren't huge but you can see them for sure. I mean it might be easier to spot on Caesar simply because his belly is bright white so anything stands out on his belly.

And it wasn't very easy either as like i said, Caesar didn't want to come out tonight and then add to that, I'm grabbing his tail and flipping it over, he was less than amused. He let me know when he got back in the cage with the glaring stink eye he gave me when he back to his warm side haha.

But Kris could have made a mistake. I mean it does happen to even the experts. For me though, my situation was a little different. I originally ordered a white albino from him but when he went to pack it the next morning, it had a scrape on the nose from rubbing so he didn't want to sell it to me like that. He said that was his last male of the white albinos but he could send me another different snake. I told him i really wanted a white tiger het snow but didnt have the $750 handy at the moment. He said, don't worry as i already sent him the $400 so he said he'd find me an awesome male white tiger het snow and send him to me. That's when he sent me Caesar and told me he eats anything anytime which he does. I bet he was happy to sell Caesar as that snake will eat you out of house and home lol although he has gotten mellower with food recently.

Oh and worst case, you could just take him into your vet for sexing. I took Dottie into my vet to get sexed as she was sold to me as a she but i had my doubts. Well my vet told me she is indeed a she.

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Originally Posted by Sauzo

Well Caesar's aren't huge but you can see them for sure. I mean it might be easier to spot on Caesar simply because his belly is bright white so anything stands out on his belly.

And it wasn't very easy either as like i said, Caesar didn't want to come out tonight and then add to that, I'm grabbing his tail and flipping it over, he was less than amused. He let me know when he got back in the cage with the glaring stink eye he gave me when he back to his warm side haha.

But Kris could have made a mistake. I mean it does happen to even the experts. For me though, my situation was a little different. I originally ordered a white albino from him but when he went to pack it the next morning, it had a scrape on the nose from rubbing so he didn't want to sell it to me like that. He said that was his last male of the white albinos but he could send me another different snake. I told him i really wanted a white tiger het snow but didnt have the $750 handy at the moment. He said, don't worry as i already sent him the $400 so he said he'd find me an awesome male white tiger het snow and send him to me. That's when he sent me Caesar and told me he eats anything anytime which he does. I bet he was happy to sell Caesar as that snake will eat you out of house and home lol although he has gotten mellower with food recently.

Oh and worst case, you could just take him into your vet for sexing. I took Dottie into my vet to get sexed as she was sold to me as a she but i had my doubts. Well my vet told me she is indeed a she.

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I'll re-examine Wallace. It would really suck if he was a female. I don't think he is based on his feeding habits but as you said it can and does happen.

I love the coloring and pattern on him. His head is starting to yellow up.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Gio

I'll re-examine Wallace. It would really suck if he was a female. I don't think he is based on his feeding habits but as you said it can and does happen.

I love the coloring and pattern on him. His head is starting to yellow up.

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Well, Cloud's female retic eats like Wallace. I think she feeds once every couple weeks and her female has actually refused food a couple times i believe she said. But from the size, i doubt it's a female. I mean you said he's 5' and will be 1 year in June. I think Phyllis was over 6' in her first year and Caesar is 6' or a little more and he will be 1 year old next month on the 18th. You do feed conservatively though. A small rat once every 10-14 days vs Caesar gets a large rat every 7 days. I'm just kind of surprised Wallace is 5' already though from that small of feedings. By contrast, I'm kind of surprised Caesar isn't bigger from his large rat once a week lol.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Sauzo

Well, Cloud's female retic eats like Wallace. I think she feeds once every couple weeks and her female has actually refused food a couple times i believe she said. But from the size, i doubt it's a female. I mean you said he's 5' and will be 1 year in June. I think Phyllis was over 6' in her first year and Caesar is 6' or a little more and he will be 1 year old next month on the 18th. You do feed conservatively though. A small rat once every 10-14 days vs Caesar gets a large rat every 7 days. I'm just kind of surprised Wallace is 5' already though from that small of feedings. By contrast, I'm kind of surprised Caesar isn't bigger from his large rat once a week lol.

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I guess we'll see soon enough. I'm not sure if I'll take him out today or not. It will have to be early because he's getting food later on.

Such a goofball. Look at the face here. Sneaky little fella.

"I'm going to make this photo session as irritating as possible for you!" LOL!

http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...tput_40a8.jpeg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Gio

I guess we'll see soon enough. I'm not sure if I'll take him out today or not. It will have to be early because he's getting food later on.

Such a goofball. Look at the face here. Sneaky little fella.

"I'm going to make this photo session as irritating as possible for you!" LOL!

http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...tput_40a8.jpeg

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Hahaha photo shoots with retics are a pain! Nonstop squirrelly movement at all times


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It was one of those "I wish I had the camera" moments. Wallace ate again tonight. 13 days between his last meal and tonight. I like that, and the fact he isn't a wild man like Caesar, although I dig Caesar's mojo. He's probably a relation to Wallace and Sauzo and I have the Vital Exotics, retics at the same time bond LOL!

Anyhow, Wallace had a really neat feeding. He struck and ate from the perches. Nothing touched the ground.

I can't wait until he gets his big enclosure. I still love the looks of the AP's don't think I'm anti AP, but Ed at Constrictors NW is not only a great guy, he's a phone and internet friend as well.

Wallace's Pro-Line cage will be every bit as awesome as any cage out there and I'm so familiar with setting them up it will make my life easy. And,,,, the price,,, forget about it!

I've have a strange batch of snakes here. My son's royal is a good girl but is going on 3 months without food. My coastal carpet is another crappy eater and is about 2 months between meals. She is getting big though and her mother was a 10 footer.

My eaters are the males. Sniper the boa will almost always eat but I usually feed him monthly. Wallace could easily eat more at a sitting, but I don't want him huge. A 9 footer would be a dream! I like big, but with retics and my situation, too big is an issue.

If my wife was into it, a 10, 11, 12 and maybe even 13 foot snake would be acceptable.


OK back to Wallace. He was fun to watch eat tonight.

Photo not from tonight.
http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...tput_315b.jpeg

Lol i got the opposite problem here. All my snakes love to eat too much haha. They all go absolutely bat poop when it's dinner time. The big boas sit in a coiled spring 'S', Vicky's pupils get HUGE. Caesar is just going back and forth on the litter dam, Luna is popped out of her hide, Rango is perked up out of his aspen and Gina just lifts her head a little. She's about the mellowest one until you get the mouse kind of near her. Then like i said before she shoots up in the general area of the mouse with mouth open and flailing back and forth like Ray Charles until she latches on or about 5 secs go by lol. Then she closes her mouth and looks at me. I then move the mouse by her face and its game over lol. If she feeds like as an adult, I'll be using the glass door as a shield like i do with Caesar sometimes haha.

And i cant wait for my cages either!! I ordered 2 AP T25s and a stand. Still debating on who gets the 2nd cage, Caesar or Vicky. Rosey is a given as she is my biggest girl by about 6" compared to Caesar but I've had her the longest and if i had to pick a favorite, she would probably win. She is such a sweetie and always fine to be dragged out and messed with lol. Although like i said, Gina has the same personality as Rosey. I can even reach in over Gina's head and scoop her up and all she does is flick her tongue on my hand lol. The breeder was right when he told me i would happily surprised with how calm and docile the Rio Bravo Pokigrons are except during feeding time.

And heck, i'd be happy to give you some Caesar mojo lol. He has too much. The guy is pretty much out front in his cage probably 80% of the time just laying on the litter dam or half in a hide half stretched out across the front floor. Then you walk by or up to his cage and he stands up to see whats going on haha.

All is good here. I think if I offered Wallace more he would take more. He just doesn't demand more like Caesar.

My carpet if pissing me off as I type I just thawed a quail in hopes she'd take a whack at it, but its going to be garbage by morning.

I love her because she is so darn entertaining, but I really have a dislike for non feeders.

She usually ends up pissing me off more than the royal. I expect the royal to refuse, but not a coastal carpet python.

Wallace is pretty busy tonight after his meal. I will bump him up in prey size after his first B-day June, 1.

I've been waiting for a nice day and a decent prop to update the progression thread. This is a SD X Dwarf Reticulated Python with the following genetic package, 100% Het snow (Purple Albino & Anery) He is 37.5% SD 43.75% Dwarf and 18.75% Mainland. His name is Wallace and he finally got his day in the sun.

Enjoy these:
http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...tput_4763.jpeg

It isn't exactly warm, but it was warm enough and he was easy to take out today.
http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...tput_4762.jpeg

I think this guy absolutely glows outdoors.
http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...tput_4761.jpeg

He acts like a king! Plenty confident these days IMO and rather easy to deal with.
http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...tput_4760.jpeg

Head scalation and crazy eyes.
http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...tput_475e.jpeg

Thanks for checking out Wallace!

Awesome looking pics!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dboeren

Awesome looking pics!

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Thanks,

Outdoor shots are my favorites as they show the real coloring!

Yes, it's often hard to capture accurate colors on snakes, and even moreso for ones that have an iridescent look to them.

That sun sure does make him shine! Such a beautiful boy!:)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Gio

I've been waiting for a nice day and a decent prop to update the progression thread. This is a SD X Dwarf Reticulated Python with the following genetic package, 100% Het snow (Purple Albino & Anery) He is 37.5% SD 43.75% Dwarf and 18.75% Mainland. His name is Wallace and he finally got his day in the sun.

Enjoy these:
http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...tput_4763.jpeg

It isn't exactly warm, but it was warm enough and he was easy to take out today.
http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...tput_4762.jpeg

I think this guy absolutely glows outdoors.
http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...tput_4761.jpeg

He acts like a king! Plenty confident these days IMO and rather easy to deal with.
http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...tput_4760.jpeg

Head scalation and crazy eyes.
http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...tput_475e.jpeg

Thanks for checking out Wallace!

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Thanks guys, the perch was key. I like using the perch for a prop as he would take off if he was put down flat someplace.

I still like to link this post as I feel retics are far more arboreal (semi arboreal) than given credit for being.
http://www.reptilescanada.com/showth...thon-behaviour

Magnifique mon ami. ;)

That is a damn fine looking tiger my friend! Sunlight really changes his appearance dramatically!


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by jmcrook

That is a damn fine looking tiger my friend! Sunlight really changes his appearance dramatically!


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Thanks brother.
Get your crew out for some outdoor shots. The prop seems to keep the from fleeing.
I have to get the boa, carpet and royal out soon.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Gio

Thanks brother.
Get your crew out for some outdoor shots. The prop seems to keep the from fleeing.
I have to get the boa, carpet and royal out soon.

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Will do after it warms back up again, in the middle of a rainy cool streak here in mid Missouri. I'll definitely need a helping hand to get photos of Phyllis anymore. She's definitely a two hands and over the shoulder snake at this point. Sturdy 7' and approaching just shy of the thickness of my wrist at her widest girth.
Gerald is pretty content to just cling to my hand when he's out so he's much easier to photograph. I may try your perch prop method with him. No way I'm setting him down anywhere, he'd be gone before I could blink lol
Geoffrey the royal would much rather be under his hide than do anything else, let alone picture sessions haha. Last night he did eat for the second week in a row since November, so maybe he'll be back to his normal self for the spring/summer soon.


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by jmcrook

Will do after it warms back up again, in the middle of a rainy cool streak here in mid Missouri. I'll definitely need a helping hand to get photos of Phyllis anymore. She's definitely a two hands and over the shoulder snake at this point. Sturdy 7' and approaching just shy of the thickness of my wrist at her widest girth.
Gerald is pretty content to just cling to my hand when he's out so he's much easier to photograph. I may try your perch prop method with him. No way I'm setting him down anywhere, he'd be gone before I could blink lol
Geoffrey the royal would much rather be under his hide than do anything else, let alone picture sessions haha. Last night he did eat for the second week in a row since November, so maybe he'll be back to his normal self for the spring/summer soon.


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I'll keep my eyes open. We are in a warm streak here although day before yesterday it was snowing.

I'm very pleased with the prop I used. I didn't think I'd get this guy outside without him being a bolter.

He even allowed for some photo variation and let my try a few different views. Too bad this one is a tad blurry.
http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...tput_4759.jpeg


I don't think I'll lay him in the grass any time soon though. I still feel he'd make a break for it. The perch will do for a while yet.

http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...tput_475a.jpeg

Things are going very well.

Wallace seems to be growing at the desired pace I was shooting for and what I was told he'd likely progress at.

He's a 1 year old snake, June, 1st. I am still feeding small rats every 10-14 days with zero behavior problems. Only today has he finally started reacting to movements in front of the cage. I will be bumping him up to medium rats and quail when he hits his 1st B-day.

Warmer weather, increased daylight and age are getting him going.

He has be wonderful to handle since a few spraying incidents early on. The only accidental, defensive bite was not a bad experience. I actually am better having gone through incident, as I know what to expect and how BIG his mouth opens. The species certainly has one of the, if not the, largest mouth gapes in the snake world. The little ones are quite capable of opening wide.

He's 5+ feet. Maybe 5.5, though he's not really measurable so I'm a bit on the give or take there, but not by a lot.

The combination of SD and dwarf blood seem to be working in concert with his male, gender and keeping him very manageable as far as the size. He is a mover when he's being handled, but there are times when he sits still. I find he either starts out a bit crazy and settles, or he starts out mellow and gets antsy after 15-20 minutes.

I will be curious to see what the start of his second year brings. Another 3-4 feet and some thickness is what I'm expecting.

The guy takes a nice picture when he's ready to pose. Here are a couple in the evening light from yesterday.

This one brings out his SD green coloring. These guys do tend to change color a bit throughout the day it seems.
http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...tput_4778.jpeg

This one shows some nice head scales and another look at the peepers, well one of them anyhow.
http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...tput_4772.jpeg

Nice write up Gio. You really seem to have a handle on things with Wallace. Kind of like y'all have an understanding of one another. Beautiful animal!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Reinz

Nice write up Gio. You really seem to have a handle on things with Wallace. Kind of like y'all have an understanding of one another. Beautiful animal!

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Thank you sir!
I'm working with him and learning the species. I certainly want to keep him manageable as I have to look 20, maybe more years down the road. My kids won't be here to help eventually and my wife just isn't into the reptile scene.

I think I have a nice variety of species here and Wallace is the most "advanced" keep I have here.

I missed one other picture I wanted to post. This shows the other side of his head.

http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...tput_4776.jpeg

I will say with the right lighting conditions and shot distance, the I-Phone 7+ takes some nice photos.

The switch has flicked.

I've been trying to keep Wallace on small rats for his first year. Tonight he is on the 7 day mark, and I'm upping him to two smalls. These will be the last small rats he eats. His 1st Birthday is June, 1 and I feel I've done an adequate job keeping him healthy and feeding him smaller sized prey. It is important to me that he does not get too large. He is a snake I have to look at keeping 20 years down the road. So far he seems on target for 8-10" which I feel is handleable if the girth is 40 pounds or so. I'd be secure with a 50 pound boa constrictor, but retics are a different bag of tricks. Those of you who own them know what I'm speaking of.

They are not bad, or mean. Wallace is actually quite social these days however with the speed of these guys a mistake is more serious than a mistake with a boa or carpet.

I don't anticipate Wallace needing more than 1 large rat every 10-14 days or a large quail equivalent.

After a long go on smalls I'm bumping him to two rats tonight and then after June, 1, medium rats. The new large rats I get here are much smaller than the old ones so large is an option as well.

He's doing great, its time to feed him a bit more now.

Sounds like he's right on schedule Gio. Time flies and they grow fast. You're doing a great job with him bud. I'm looking forward to seeing him thrive for many years to come. ;)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by EL-Ziggy

Sounds like he's right on schedule Gio. Time flies and they grow fast. You're doing a great job with him bud. I'm looking forward to seeing him thrive for many years to come. ;)

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Nice comment Zig and encouraging.
Thank you sir!

The boy skipped medium rats and plunged into larges yesterday.

I was planning on feeding the smalls for a little longer, but after the royal refused, yet again, I sent the rat over to the carpet who refused as well. I was not up for feeding the boa another live large rat so I let Wallace have a go at it. It was over quickly and he was fine with the size.

I won't necessarily keep the larges going every time, but the option is there now.

He hits a year old June 1 and after I drain the remaining small rats here, I'll be feeding large rats and the quail equivalent probably every 14 days.

Dang! They grow up so quickly lol! Wallace is such a great looking animal. I'm sure he looks like he tanked a football about now hahah


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