Hissing [emoji52]

Long story short... My friend found a Normal being sold on FB. It was kind of horrifying actually. I could tell he didn't shed properly and didn't have heat for a while. I don't know how long. Anyways when I went to pick him up he was around the guys neck in 45 degree weather in the rain. He was very docile though. Anyway, it's been a week and I tried feeding him. He was fed live but I tried f/t. He didn't take it. I was told he hasn't eaten in almost two months. He was in his hide on the hot side and I couldn't get it back to where it was because he moved and was to big. I went to pick him up to move him so I could put the hide back and he hissed at me. I've never encountered that and, admittedly, it was scary lol. He's a big boy. I thought to myself don't let it scare you so I tried again and he hissed. I just let him move himself after that then put his hide back.

I've learned a lot from this forum but I only had my little one before this guy. So what exactly does that mean right now and in the long run?

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Oh, and he puts his head in the water and I can literally see the water draining from the bowl. I thought he was trying to drown himself at first. When I first put him in the Viv upon arriving home he went right to the water and drank half of it. And it's a big bowl. I guess I still have alot to learn and I'm guessing each BP has their own habits. I'm just curious and worried he isn't happy. His humidity and Temps are on point. Anything you can tell me would be helpful.

TIA.

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Also, he doesn't really do much but stay coiled in the hot hide. If he does come out at night he goes to the water drinks and goes back in the hot hide. I don't know if that makes any difference but I feel like he thinks he might not get heat again and that's why he stays there.

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Poor snake...he's lucky to have survived. I wonder if he was without a water bowl previously....that would explain both his excessive thirst and his poor shed when
you got him. It's not normal for them to drink that much at one time...since his previous owner seemed clueless about his need for heat, he may also have thought
that snakes don't drink water. (Honestly, I've met people who think that! And they are so wrong!) This BP needs lots of rest & "TLC" to get healthy- make sure his
"hot hide" is the right temperature (not over 91*) as snakes don't always know when they are being harmed by excessive heat, & this one is trying to survive. Snakes
literally cannot digest or even move when it's too cold...their metabolism is dependent upon finding the right warmth in their surroundings. A hiss is just what it
sounds like: "leave me alone!" He was stressed & just defending himself...always nice when a snake warns you instead of just biting. Doesn't mean he'll stay cranky-
he's been thru an awful lot, that's what it sounds like to me. It may take another week or more before he feels like eating again...be patient. How is his breathing?
Any whistling sounds? crackling sounds? It's a miracle if he isn't sick...you might do well to have an experienced herp vet check him out since you are fairly new to
keeping snakes. There's only so much we can tell you (medically) online & without seeing the actual snake; we cannot substitute for a veterinarian.

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Poor snake...he's lucky to have survived. I wonder if he was without a water bowl previously....that would explain both his excessive thirst and his poor shed when
you got him. It's not normal for them to drink that much at one time...since his previous owner seemed clueless about his need for heat, he may also have thought
that snakes don't drink water. (Honestly, I've met people who think that! And they are so wrong!) This BP needs lots of rest & "TLC" to get healthy- make sure his
"hot hide" is the right temperature (not over 91*) as snakes don't always know when they are being harmed by excessive heat, & this one is trying to survive. Snakes
literally cannot digest or even move when it's too cold...their metabolism is dependent upon finding the right warmth in their surroundings. A hiss is just what it
sounds like: "leave me alone!" He was stressed & just defending himself...always nice when a snake warns you instead of just biting. Doesn't mean he'll stay cranky-
he's been thru an awful lot, that's what it sounds like to me. It may take another week or more before he feels like eating again...be patient. How is his breathing?
Any whistling sounds? crackling sounds? It's a miracle if he isn't sick...you might do well to have an experienced herp vet check him out since you are fairly new to
keeping snakes. There's only so much we can tell you (medically) online & without seeing the actual snake; we cannot substitute for a veterinarian.

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I did a thorough check when I got him home before I put him in his Viv. No drainage, wheezing, unusual marks. I checked for signs of mouth rot that I've read about on here and online just to be sure I had a well rounded idea. I was worried about that because he hasn't eaten. He looks like a great snake. Everything besides what I said looks normal. And no blisters anywhere. He's a stud [emoji6]

Like I said he just had a terrible shed. And, when I checked him out before putting him in he was cold. Like, colder than normal. And looked really sad. Lol To me anyway.

I could tell he was out last night because his digital hygro/thermo is knocked over on the cool side and the hide is shifted a bit so he was checking things out. His Viv was like that the last few days. I just haven't seen him out.

Think it's safe to say he just needs more time to adjust? Or should I take him in to the vet now?

The photo is after putting him in and drinking down all the water. (I ordered black hide boxes for him but the larges weren't big enough so I'm waiting for the extra larges that why you see the wood hide and dome box.) https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...ec203df048.jpg

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Glad to hear this guy has a new start. :)

Good on you for taking on this challenge. As long as you're prepared for a challenge and a potentially long road I think you'll be fine.

As for the hissing, don't let it discourage you. Snakes can only communicate in a few ways, hissing being one. There's a lot of change going on in a short time frame, so the snake is understandably stressed.

Make sure husbandry is on point and let him chill for a few weeks. Keep handling to a minimum and let him acclimate. He'll mellow out in time.

Good luck!! Feel free to ask any questions you may have. :gj:

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

Good on you for taking on this challenge. As long as you're prepared for a challenge and a potentially long road I think you'll be fine.

As for the hissing, don't let it discourage you. Snakes can only communicate in a few ways, hissing being one. There's a lot of change going on in a short time frame, so the snake is understandably stressed.

Make sure husbandry is on point and let him chill for a few weeks. Keep handling to a minimum and let him acclimate. He'll mellow out in time.

Good luck!! Feel free to ask any questions you may have. :gj:

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I appreciate it. Do you think I should wait on switching out his hides then? They're being delivered today.

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Originally Posted by HeathBish

I appreciate it. Do you think I should wait on switching out his hides then? They're being delivered today.

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I would go ahead and switch them. No worries there.

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

I would go ahead and switch them. No worries there.

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Cool. They were just delivered. I'll rinse them and let them warm up for a bit then switch them out. Thanks [emoji16]

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Originally Posted by HeathBish

Cool. They were just delivered. I'll rinse them and let them warm up for a bit then switch them out. Thanks [emoji16]

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Sounds good! After that he'll be good to go!!

Are you following proper quarantine practices to protect your other snake?

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

Sounds good! After that he'll be good to go!!

Are you following proper quarantine practices to protect your other snake?

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I'm not sure what those are and I'm no Dr bt I work in the medical field. My daughter and I are the only ones who handle them. I gave her the "leave Slitherz alone for a week, then we will feed him, and still leave alone for at least another week so I could see where he is", speech. We both got our fill for 10 mins when we brought him home. I told her until we know he's healthy not to go near Luna until she's changed her clothes and washed her hands well. They're in separate rooms. I figure if he has mites they could transfer on clothes. That's all I really have though. I probably should have asked y'all. Did I mess up?

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Originally Posted by HeathBish

I'm not sure what those are and I'm no Dr bt I work in the medical field. My daughter and I are the only ones who handle them. I gave her the "leave Slitherz alone for a week, then we will feed him, and still leave alone for at least another week so I could see where he is", speech. We both got our fill for 10 mins when we brought him home. I told her until we know he's healthy not to go near Luna until she's changed her clothes and washed her hands well. They're in separate rooms. I figure if he has mites they could transfer on clothes. That's all I really have though. I probably should have asked y'all. Did I mess up?

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Sounds to me like you're doing really well. You're using common sense and safe practices without even knowing about quarantine for new animals!! :gj::gj:

You are basically already doing everything you should be.

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...antine-process

This link should help answer any questions you may have, but you're off to a great start!! Keep up the good work!!

As far as his food refusal, keep in mind that snakes need water FAR MORE than food...I'm so glad that you got him to safety JUST IN TIME. I mean that...
I think he was so dehydrated that had he taken food when you offered, he's have regurgitated it anyway, or died trying to digest it. So go slow, when you
do offer him food in another week or so, make it smaller than what you'd normally feed...and if he refuses, you won't be wasting so much either. But it truly
may take some time for his digestion & his body to get up to speed, since he was without heat for who-knows-how-long? I think he'll do well with you if you
are patient. :gj: I wouldn't worry about the hiss...if I were in his scales, I'd likewise assume all humans are jerks. ;) He was miserable, that's all...but soon
he'll realize he is safe with you. :snake:

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

As far as his food refusal, keep in mind that snakes need water FAR MORE than food...I'm so glad that you got him to safety JUST IN TIME. I mean that...
I think he was so dehydrated that had he taken food when you offered, he's have regurgitated it anyway, or died trying to digest it. So go slow, when you
do offer him food in another week or so, make it smaller than what you'd normally feed...and if he refuses, you won't be wasting so much either. But it truly
may take some time for his digestion & his body to get up to speed, since he was without heat for who-knows-how-long? I think he'll do well with you if you
are patient. :gj: I wouldn't worry about the hiss...if I were in his scales, I'd likewise assume all humans are jerks. ;) He was miserable, that's all...but soon
he'll realize he is safe with you. :snake:

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Very good points made here

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

As far as his food refusal, keep in mind that snakes need water FAR MORE than food...I'm so glad that you got him to safety JUST IN TIME. I mean that...
I think he was so dehydrated that had he taken food when you offered, he's have regurgitated it anyway, or died trying to digest it. So go slow, when you
do offer him food in another week or so, make it smaller than what you'd normally feed...and if he refuses, you won't be wasting so much either. But it truly
may take some time for his digestion & his body to get up to speed, since he was without heat for who-knows-how-long? I think he'll do well with you if you
are patient. :gj: I wouldn't worry about the hiss...if I were in his scales, I'd likewise assume all humans are jerks. ;) He was miserable, that's all...but soon
he'll realize he is safe with you. :snake:

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Thanks so much! I'm so happy to have you guys! Very much appreciated!

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

Very good points made here

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Thanks so much! I'm so happy to have you guys! Very much appreciated!

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Originally Posted by HeathBish

Thanks so much! I'm so happy to have you guys! Very much appreciated!

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We're here because it's a pleasure to help, knowing that each time means one more snake is rescued & taken care of properly. We can't actually BE everywhere...
but as a "community" we can do a lot.

I wanted to post yesterday but got busy and forgot. When I changed out his hides I saw signs that he's in shed. That explains the hissing, right?

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Originally Posted by HeathBish

I wanted to post yesterday but got busy and forgot. When I changed out his hides I saw signs that he's in shed. That explains the hissing, right?

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Maybe, maybe not. They certainly get a bit more defensive in shed.

Honestly, just don't even pay it any kind of attention. Snakes hiss at times. I find that with BP's its usually quite the comical attempt at seeming scary. Sometimes its more of a loud exhale then a real hiss with meaning.

I would only pay any attention to it if the snake raises up his head and neck slightly, starting straight at you, with a tight S-curve to the neck. Clearly meaning business. I've seen that with many snakes but only a handful BP's. And usually it was defensive yet bold hatchlings that did this, and they gave that up in no time.

This move and new home is all stressful to your boy. Sure, he has it FAR BETTER now. But its still a change, its still stress. Even though he went to a better home. The older they are, the more time they need to get used to new situations. As is, he wasn't taken care of well. He really needs a TON of downtime. Give him 100% correct husbandry, a LOT of privacy, and then ...time.
You could tape black construction paper on the back and sides of the tank, it is to exposed, to light. Keep most of the top covered too, and you can keep covering a bit of the front like you do now.

You WILL have to move him sometimes, or perform maintenance. Do it matter of fact. He may protest a bit, don't let it intimidate you. Ignore it, pick him up. Use gentle but deliberate movements. Not darting, hesitant, stabbing towards him movements. Swoop him up, set him back down. Gentle but deliberate.

Every so often one of mine will let out a little hiss. Its more like a "hey now, I was napping" It means nothing. They can have a voice, an opinion. I will respect that and be gentle, but do what I need to do, without hurting them, without scaring them.

You and him will get to know one another. They can live up to 50 years old, you have SO MUCH TIME with him. Some patience now will go a long way :)

Thank you for saving him!!

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Originally Posted by zina10

Maybe, maybe not. They certainly get a bit more defensive in shed.

Honestly, just don't even pay it any kind of attention. Snakes hiss at times. I find that with BP's its usually quite the comical attempt at seeming scary. Sometimes its more of a loud exhale then a real hiss with meaning.

I would only pay any attention to it if the snake raises up his head and neck slightly, starting straight at you, with a tight S-curve to the neck. Clearly meaning business. I've seen that with many snakes but only a handful BP's. And usually it was defensive yet bold hatchlings that did this, and they gave that up in no time.

This move and new home is all stressful to your boy. Sure, he has it FAR BETTER now. But its still a change, its still stress. Even though he went to a better home. The older they are, the more time they need to get used to new situations. As is, he wasn't taken care of well. He really needs a TON of downtime. Give him 100% correct husbandry, a LOT of privacy, and then ...time.
You could tape black construction paper on the back and sides of the tank, it is to exposed, to light. Keep most of the top covered too, and you can keep covering a bit of the front like you do now.

You WILL have to move him sometimes, or perform maintenance. Do it matter of fact. He may protest a bit, don't let it intimidate you. Ignore it, pick him up. Use gentle but deliberate movements. Not darting, hesitant, stabbing towards him movements. Swoop him up, set him back down. Gentle but deliberate.

Every so often one of mine will let out a little hiss. Its more like a "hey now, I was napping" It means nothing. They can have a voice, an opinion. I will respect that and be gentle, but do what I need to do, without hurting them, without scaring them.

You and him will get to know one another. They can live up to 50 years old, you have SO MUCH TIME with him. Some patience now will go a long way :)

Thank you for saving him!!

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I bought some background for the sides and back but I have it laying under some heavy books to help flatten it a bit before putting it on as it's made of this soft-hard plastic (if that makes sense) and it just wants to keep rolling back up. Just hoping it hangs better after that. Tomorrow will be three days that it's been under there and I was planning to get it up in the morning after the kids go to school.

All of what you said makes sense. Thanks so much! And, I'm happy to have him even if he never grows fond of me. Just knowing he is safe and being cared for is enough for me. I have a feeling he's going to love me though [emoji23] I will definitely be patient.

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Originally Posted by HeathBish

I bought some background for the sides and back but I have it laying under some heavy books to help flatten it a bit before putting it on as it's made of this soft-hard plastic (if that makes sense) and it just wants to keep rolling back up. Just hoping it hangs better after that. Tomorrow will be three days that it's been under there and I was planning to get it up in the morning after the kids go to school.

All of what you said makes sense. Thanks so much! And, I'm happy to have him even if he never grows fond of me. Just knowing he is safe and being cared for is enough for me. I have a feeling he's going to love me though [emoji23] I will definitely be patient.

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You know, even if they do not have the capabilities of feeling emotions such as gratitude and love, just knowing that if they DID, he certainly would be thankful to you, and he would love you for giving him a chance at life and that is awesome!

Its also not that he won't grow fond of you. They just do not feel things such as that.

What they do learn is trust, or a form of that feeling. They learn that you do not present a threat. That you will not eat them. That you will not kill them. They will get comfortable with you. And isn't that really so very cool, from such a primitive animal such as that? For me, this is amazing, and it is enough. And its worth waiting for.

Besides, even knowing that they don't tick like we do, its still fun to pretend they love us, look forward to us. And hey, they humor us when they put up with our handling. I used to have a BP that was so "un" head shy, that I got into the habit of putting a quick kiss on her head whenever I carried her around. She never seemed to mind.

As long as we take good care of them and meet their needs, why not talk to them, hug them, pretend they love us ;) It doesn't hurt anyone, does it :D

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Originally Posted by zina10

You know, even if they do not have the capabilities of feeling emotions such as gratitude and love, just knowing that if they DID, he certainly would be thankful to you, and he would love you for giving him a chance at life and that is awesome!

Its also not that he won't grow fond of you. They just do not feel things such as that.

What they do learn is trust, or a form of that feeling. They learn that you do not present a threat. That you will not eat them. That you will not kill them. They will get comfortable with you. And isn't that really so very cool, from such a primitive animal such as that? For me, this is amazing, and it is enough. And its worth waiting for.

Besides, even knowing that they don't tick like we do, its still fun to pretend they love us, look forward to us. And hey, they humor us when they put up with our handling. I used to have a BP that was so "un" head shy, that I got into the habit of putting a quick kiss on her head whenever I carried her around. She never seemed to mind.

As long as we take good care of them and meet their needs, why not talk to them, hug them, pretend they love us ;) It doesn't hurt anyone, does it :D

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Great way to put it. Its just to bad you're not around when I'm talking to them because I'm sure you wouldn't be giving me the "omg she's lost it" look like my daughter and hubby. [emoji16]

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Originally Posted by HeathBish

Great way to put it. Its just to bad you're not around when I'm talking to them because I'm sure you wouldn't be giving me the "omg she's lost it" look like my daughter and hubby. [emoji16]

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I LOVE talking to mine and I like to pretend they agree with me with their expressions and body language, LOL !!! I will tell them how terrible it is that their mess soaked underneath their hide and they had to sit in it. I could swear they look up at me and woefully nod their little heads with sad eyes, :rofl:

Again, nothing wrong with enjoying your animals and hobby, and a little pretending doesn't hurt anyone. It only hurts if one starts to anthropomorphize and begins to not provide what the animal needs, but what one thinks it should want or need.

So, do all that needs to be done, and then hug, kiss and babytalk away ;)

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Originally Posted by HeathBish

I wanted to post yesterday but got busy and forgot. When I changed out his hides I saw signs that he's in shed. That explains the hissing, right?

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It definitely could be the reason, or at leaat be contributing to his stress.

In my experience it really depends on the animal when it comes to shed turning them defensive. For example, my Cal King, Django and my hognose, Cosmo are complete jerks in shed (every King I've kept has been though), but sweethearts otherwise. My BP, Tyson, however remains chill as can be even in shed. Yet my old BP was a nightmare in shed.

Just move forward as planned, keeping an eye on humidity and all should be good.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by zina10

Maybe, maybe not. They certainly get a bit more defensive in shed.

Honestly, just don't even pay it any kind of attention. Snakes hiss at times. I find that with BP's its usually quite the comical attempt at seeming scary. Sometimes its more of a loud exhale then a real hiss with meaning.

I would only pay any attention to it if the snake raises up his head and neck slightly, starting straight at you, with a tight S-curve to the neck. Clearly meaning business. I've seen that with many snakes but only a handful BP's. And usually it was defensive yet bold hatchlings that did this, and they gave that up in no time.

This move and new home is all stressful to your boy. Sure, he has it FAR BETTER now. But its still a change, its still stress. Even though he went to a better home. The older they are, the more time they need to get used to new situations. As is, he wasn't taken care of well. He really needs a TON of downtime. Give him 100% correct husbandry, a LOT of privacy, and then ...time.
You could tape black construction paper on the back and sides of the tank, it is to exposed, to light. Keep most of the top covered too, and you can keep covering a bit of the front like you do now.

You WILL have to move him sometimes, or perform maintenance. Do it matter of fact. He may protest a bit, don't let it intimidate you. Ignore it, pick him up. Use gentle but deliberate movements. Not darting, hesitant, stabbing towards him movements. Swoop him up, set him back down. Gentle but deliberate.

Every so often one of mine will let out a little hiss. Its more like a "hey now, I was napping" It means nothing. They can have a voice, an opinion. I will respect that and be gentle, but do what I need to do, without hurting them, without scaring them.

You and him will get to know one another. They can live up to 50 years old, you have SO MUCH TIME with him. Some patience now will go a long way :)

Thank you for saving him!!

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Fantastic reply.

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Originally Posted by HeathBish

Great way to put it. Its just to bad you're not around when I'm talking to them because I'm sure you wouldn't be giving me the "omg she's lost it" look like my daughter and hubby. [emoji16]

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I talk to mine too. And although I know they can't hear me, I do believe it has a calming effect that translates to them as comfort. I talk to them as if they're human adults, and I believe that calm in my voice resonates with them. That calm helps to develop the "trust" that @zina10 was talking about.
Calm, deliberate movements and demeanor go a long way in earning that mutual trust. I am completely calm and comfortable handling my snakes, and I can see the calm in them as well. However, if somebody else is handling them and they don't have that same calm demeanor I do, I can see the difference in the snake too.

Take your time, and develop a mutual trust. It'll come, but when the time is right. As discussed previously, he needs proper husbandry and time right now. And you've already showed that you understand this and are on board. After he sheds give it a few more weeks and start shirt and sweet handling sessions. It'll come....

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

I talk to mine too. And although I know they can't hear me, I do believe it has a calming effect that translates to them as comfort. I talk to them as if they're human adults, and I believe that calm in my voice resonates with them. That calm helps to develop the "trust" that @zina10 was talking about.
Calm, deliberate movements and demeanor go a long way in earning that mutual trust. I am completely calm and comfortable handling my snakes, and I can see the calm in them as well. However, if somebody else is handling them and they don't have that same calm demeanor I do, I can see the difference in the snake too.

Take your time, and develop a mutual trust. It'll come, but when the time is right. As discussed previously, he needs proper husbandry and time right now. And you've already showed that you understand this and are on board. After he sheds give it a few more weeks and start shirt and sweet handling sessions. It'll come....

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Will do. Thanks again! Do you think I should offer food next week and keep doing so weekly? Or should I skip this week coming up? I don't remember if I said he chose not to eat this past Tuesday.

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Originally Posted by HeathBish

Will do. Thanks again! Do you think I should offer food next week and keep doing so weekly? Or should I skip this week coming up? I don't remember if I said he chose not to eat this past Tuesday.

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That's completely up to you. It can't hurt. He may eat, he may not. Some eat in shed, some do not. Worst case scenario if you offer, it's a waste of a prey item.

I personally offer ONCE to each new snake whenever the first shed cycle overlaps a feed day. IF the snake eats, I continue to offer when that snake is in shed. IF the snake refuses, I don't offer again while that snake is in shed. It certainly won't hurt them to go an additional week without eating.

Of my current 4 snakes only my King eats while in shed.

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

That's completely up to you. It can't hurt. He may eat, he may not. Some eat in shed, some do not. Worst case scenario if you offer, it's a waste of a prey item.

I personally offer ONCE to each new snake whenever the first shed cycle overlaps a feed day. IF the snake eats, I continue to offer when that snake is in shed. IF the snake refuses, I don't offer again while that snake is in shed. It certainly won't hurt them to go an additional week without eating.

Of my current 4 snakes only my King eats while in shed.

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That sounds sensible. I like it. He seemed interested and laid on it and smelled its entire body but then left. So I left it for a half hour and then took it out. He used to live so it may take some coaxing. I guess we will see what he's up to on Tuesday. If he's out and about and shed then I'll try. If not I'll skip it for week.

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Originally Posted by HeathBish

That sounds sensible. I like it. He seemed interested and laid on it and smelled its entire body but then left. So I left it for a half hour and then took it out. He used to live so it may take some coaxing. I guess we will see what he's up to on Tuesday. If he's out and about and shed then I'll try. If not I'll skip it for week.

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If he is still in shed by then, I'd wait.

With a healthy snake, it can't hurt to try. They will either eat or not. Personally, I never offer while in shed. I feel their body uses resources during shedding, bodily fluids, etc. During digestion the body is also hard at work, needs the fluids, energy, etc.

Since your boy was heavily dehydrated, I'd give his body more time to recover before asking it to perform the double duty of shedding and digesting at the same time.

After that, you can offer once the week. If he still refuses, offer 2 weeks later. After that you may have to go to a smaller then usual "live" rat (with supervision !!!) Once you jump start their metabolism, they usually get so hungry that they will then accept F/T without to much fuss, given its presented at the right time (late, dark) and really warmed well, through and through. :)

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Originally Posted by zina10

If he is still in shed by then, I'd wait.

With a healthy snake, it can't hurt to try. They will either eat or not. Personally, I never offer while in shed. I feel their body uses resources during shedding, bodily fluids, etc. During digestion the body is also hard at work, needs the fluids, energy, etc.

Since your boy was heavily dehydrated, I'd give his body more time to recover before asking it to perform the double duty of shedding and digesting at the same time.

After that, you can offer once the week. If he still refuses, offer 2 weeks later. After that you may have to go to a smaller then usual "live" rat (with supervision !!!) Once you jump start their metabolism, they usually get so hungry that they will then accept F/T without to much fuss, given its presented at the right time (late, dark) and really warmed well, through and through. :)

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Sounds good. The waiting if still in shed part, I mean lol. The live feeding is something I'm going to struggle with. I don't know that I can watch [emoji21] I understand the cycle and appreciate it but actually watching... I'm a huge animal lover. That's going to be tough.

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Originally Posted by HeathBish

Sounds good. The waiting if still in shed part, I mean lol. The live feeding is something I'm going to struggle with. I don't know that I can watch [emoji21] I understand the cycle and appreciate it but actually watching... I'm a huge animal lover. That's going to be tough.

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Unfortunately, it comes with the territory when keeping snakes. Gotta take the good with the bad.
I HATE having to feed live, but my Borneo Short Tail boy needs a live jumpstart occasionally. It sucks, but if you're gonna keep snakes you have to be prepared for live feeding being a possibility.
Getting an adult snake that had been on live it's whole life may prove challenging as far as switching him over.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by HeathBish

Sounds good. The waiting if still in shed part, I mean lol. The live feeding is something I'm going to struggle with. I don't know that I can watch [emoji21] I understand the cycle and appreciate it but actually watching... I'm a huge animal lover. That's going to be tough.

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It is tough. It's actually become harder for me then it used to be. Especially since rat pups and weanlings are really ridiculously adorable [emoji25]

That is why you wait a bit and try FT. But switching adults is harder. And they take longer to get used to a new home. On top of that even established and unstressed adults sometimes take months off of feeding. My huge male will take a break between 6 to 8 month the last couple of years. He certainly isn't skinny or unhealthy.

You already know that you will need to do what it takes, though. You took him in and now he only has you to look after his needs. Usually, if you do have to go to live it will be enough to get them taking one meal and getting hungry, before you can switch. You need to see if he will be taking anything at all.

But again, if he is well hydrated and looking good otherwise, just offer once the week or once every other week for now. Don't give in right away.

Good luck [emoji4]


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I will do what it takes. No matter how hard it will be. But I'm going to try a couple more times with f/t. If not, I'll get him what he's yearning for [emoji23]

Thank you, both! Much appreciated!

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Just wanted to give an update since you all helped so much! Slitherz is doing well. No more "hissing" and he ate a f/t rat! He's on the right path. Thank you so much again!

My daughter holding him. I just love seeing them together... https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...2ed228f1c7.jpg

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There you go [emoji4] glad everything is working out so well. They both look quite happy [emoji4]


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Beautiful! I'm so proud of you! And that looks like a happy :snake: too! :gj:

Thank you [emoji846]

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Yay!! Happy to hear it!!!
Thanks for the update and keep up the good work!