Am I doing ok for my BP?

Hello, this may be my first post but I have been reading these forums since the beginning of last year to ensure I knew everything I needed to know before I bought my beautiful female CBP Ramona. I bought her for 60 in June last year( original owner only asked for 30 but I was too happy to let the lady take that kind of loss) because she felt that with another baby on the way she couldn't give Ramona the attention she deserves. Anyways with Ramona I received her 60 glass aquarium, digital therma/hygro, two matching rock shaped hides, water dish, big bag of extra Cypress mulch, uth.
Anyways as far as I can tell all her temps and everything seem to be pretty on point. But to get it there I had to buy a ceramic heat lamp with no light. I think she just over 300g in june and last month my scale broke but she was just over 600g and the rats were between 60g - 70g she gets one a week unless she is shedding ( which Everytime has gone smoothly with a one piece shed). The way I understand all that is pretty decent husbandry buty concern is she hardly ever seems to wanna be there. If I walk by her tank (sits by the front door) she will raise her head and about 6 to 8 inches and follow me. So I reach in and she wraps around my arm and crawls on up. So I've taken it as a sign she wants attention but now it seems she spends most days sleeping in my hoodie pocket or riding around on my wrist while I drive or shop and alot of nights relaxing either on my wrist, neck or lap while I do school work. She never hides her head unless somebody moves to quick towards her and I actually never hold her I leave it to her. She has only hissed once but I was cleaning her poop up and didn't know she was about to shed and had eye caps. She never seems to have the desire to go anywhere except my other arm or wrap on my neck. Any words of advice or criticism are greatly appreciated especially because I haven't seen any mention of a BP being handled nearly this much. On a side note its 530 am as I finish this up she has been attached to me almost 24 hours I washed her water dish and filled it up and she climbed up my hand up my arm then down my hoodie and came to rest in my pocket until nightfall when she popped her head out and watched me do my online college classwork for an hour or so before deciding she wanted to do laps around my body. Mostly the reason I don't put her up is because when I try she kinda constricts around my arm or neck a little bit more than normal and if I gently pry her off she will do everything she can to get back around my arm. I do want to stress that she is almost always willing to be held by a stranger for a few minutes before coming back to me. She never hissed or hides her head. Never strikes and I pretty much never hold her. I give her the occasional redirection if she tries to slither off but I never have a grip, she clings to me.

Im no expert but this all is way to much handling , there is a thread on here with a poll showing how much of us handle our snakes each month and compared to this it is shocking , now your snake could be happy with being handled this much i wouldn't know but remember snakes dont have feelings as sad as it seems and these are wild animals and this species is a species that does nothing but hide all day a hiding ball is a healthy ball

I definitely get what your saying and it's that same thread with the poll I read through and several others where people weren't handling any where near as much as me, and it's not that I think she's sad or lonely, I tried to do as much research as possible before I got her and I know they aren't social snakes. But the biggest reason she gets so much handling is because she is always trying to climb up my arm when I spot clean or refill water, with in the lastaybe 8 or 9 weeks she started raising or whole body up the side of the tank and follow me around the tank if if I get up and walk almost as if to show me she wants to be held. I open the lid and she comes out and climbs my arm. From what I've gathered from several threads the big issues with over handling is mostly that it can stress the BP and cause aggressive behavior or a feed strike and along with a few other things.

As far as I have seen she isn't acting weird at all and using this awesome forum as my how to guide with the exception of this whole I knew that I seem to have my snake on me alot more than anybody on this forum admits to. Other than that Ramona has been a good trophy snake really every shed has come off pretty much in one price ( last shed there was still shed on 1 scale towards her tail) she has only rejected food once because in order to maintain perfect on time weekly feed I had to give her a price of chicken breast only 1 time though and after I realized she was rejecting it I removed it and threw it away and tried again an hour later with another piece.

Also you mention the hiding I do want to make sure you don't misunderstand during daylight hours she is not active except to rarely change the hide she's in from warm to cool. I only care for her in the pm when she is active as to not disturb her when she is resting. And yes on the occasions when she doesn't decide to climb my arm I leave her alone apart from a gentle stroke down her back to let her know I'm reaching in. Whether she's on me or at home she is very active but I think a bit more active on my cause she climbs around from one arm around my neck and then to the other arm. And then only time she ends up on my person during the daytime is when she's been on me all night or if she calls me over early in the morning ( 1-2am) and refuses to go back home without a fight. And then when the sun starts to come up she will climb either up my hoodie sleeve and constricts tight around my arm (scariest situation so I just pull my arm all the way into my sleeve and clench the end of the sleeve to make sure if her grip ever does loosen she can't fall out my sleeve) or instead sometimes I can coach he into my hoodie pocket where she then balls up and stays until sundown. Occasional during daylight if I try every so often she does some time change her mind and slide back into her home.

Also she does take her mostly a day break after hanging out before climbing back up my arm and no handling once I notice she's about to shed I steer clear only adding fresh water but she goes about the whole process extremely fast sometimes as little as 4 or 5 days for a solid clean shed always sitting on the edge of her water dish. And when she is digesting as well once she poops and I find this weird alot of the time she's digested her meal with in 3 days. I feed Friday about an hour after she wakes and normally by Monday or Tuesday their is a big ole healthy turd waiting on me and so is she, always when I clean up her poop she climbs up.

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Originally Posted by Wrp0101

I definitely get what your saying and it's that same thread with the poll I read through and several others where people weren't handling any where near as much as me, and it's not that I think she's sad or lonely, I tried to do as much research as possible before I got her and I know they aren't social snakes. But the biggest reason she gets so much handling is because she is always trying to climb up my arm when I spot clean or refill water, with in the lastaybe 8 or 9 weeks she started raising or whole body up the side of the tank and follow me around the tank if if I get up and walk almost as if to show me she wants to be held. I open the lid and she comes out and climbs my arm. From what I've gathered from several threads the big issues with over handling is mostly that it can stress the BP and cause aggressive behavior or a feed strike and along with a few other things.

As far as I have seen she isn't acting weird at all and using this awesome forum as my how to guide with the exception of this whole I knew that I seem to have my snake on me alot more than anybody on this forum admits to. Other than that Ramona has been a good trophy snake really every shed has come off pretty much in one price ( last shed there was still shed on 1 scale towards her tail) she has only rejected food once because in order to maintain perfect on time weekly feed I had to give her a price of chicken breast only 1 time though and after I realized she was rejecting it I removed it and threw it away and tried again an hour later with another piece.

Also you mention the hiding I do want to make sure you don't misunderstand during daylight hours she is not active except to rarely change the hide she's in from warm to cool. I only care for her in the pm when she is active as to not disturb her when she is resting. And yes on the occasions when she doesn't decide to climb my arm I leave her alone apart from a gentle stroke down her back to let her know I'm reaching in. Whether she's on me or at home she is very active but I think a bit more active on my cause she climbs around from one arm around my neck and then to the other arm. And then only time she ends up on my person during the daytime is when she's been on me all night or if she calls me over early in the morning ( 1-2am) and refuses to go back home without a fight. And then when the sun starts to come up she will climb either up my hoodie sleeve and constricts tight around my arm (scariest situation so I just pull my arm all the way into my sleeve and clench the end of the sleeve to make sure if her grip ever does loosen she can't fall out my sleeve) or instead sometimes I can coach he into my hoodie pocket where she then balls up and stays until sundown. Occasional during daylight if I try every so often she does some time change her mind and slide back into her home.

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I think BPs are very routine driven. I have a male BP that if I go a couple days not handling he will not eat. So I handle him almost every day except feeding day. My girl is typical BP where she wants minimal handling. Both are well adjusted animals and healthy as they can be. Both are hitting the 2 year mark also and on winter fast. Saw my boy cruising last night so going to try to feed this weekend. He might just be horny? Who knows. They have their own personalities and desires.

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Originally Posted by Wrp0101

I definitely get what your saying and it's that same thread with the poll I read through and several others where people weren't handling any where near as much as me, and it's not that I think she's sad or lonely, I tried to do as much research as possible before I got her and I know they aren't social snakes. But the biggest reason she gets so much handling is because she is always trying to climb up my arm when I spot clean or refill water, with in the lastaybe 8 or 9 weeks she started raising or whole body up the side of the tank and follow me around the tank if if I get up and walk almost as if to show me she wants to be held. I open the lid and she comes out and climbs my arm. From what I've gathered from several threads the big issues with over handling is mostly that it can stress the BP and cause aggressive behavior or a feed strike and along with a few other things.

As far as I have seen she isn't acting weird at all and using this awesome forum as my how to guide with the exception of this whole I knew that I seem to have my snake on me alot more than anybody on this forum admits to. Other than that Ramona has been a good trophy snake really every shed has come off pretty much in one price ( last shed there was still shed on 1 scale towards her tail) she has only rejected food once because in order to maintain perfect on time weekly feed I had to give her a price of chicken breast only 1 time though and after I realized she was rejecting it I removed it and threw it away and tried again an hour later with another piece.

Also you mention the hiding I do want to make sure you don't misunderstand during daylight hours she is not active except to rarely change the hide she's in from warm to cool. I only care for her in the pm when she is active as to not disturb her when she is resting. And yes on the occasions when she doesn't decide to climb my arm I leave her alone apart from a gentle stroke down her back to let her know I'm reaching in. Whether she's on me or at home she is very active but I think a bit more active on my cause she climbs around from one arm around my neck and then to the other arm. And then only time she ends up on my person during the daytime is when she's been on me all night or if she calls me over early in the morning ( 1-2am) and refuses to go back home without a fight. And then when the sun starts to come up she will climb either up my hoodie sleeve and constricts tight around my arm (scariest situation so I just pull my arm all the way into my sleeve and clench the end of the sleeve to make sure if her grip ever does loosen she can't fall out my sleeve) or instead sometimes I can coach he into my hoodie pocket where she then balls up and stays until sundown. Occasional during daylight if I try every so often she does some time change her mind and slide back into her home.

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Sounds like you have one in a million there bud , if she sheds fine nand eats fine and hides during the day i think you are good to go but not gonna lie it does sound very odd. Just keep an close eye and one can never know enough so keep on researching ! :gj:

I honestly didn't read through everything, but did I read right that you have your snake with you while driving and shopping???????

And are you familiar with the word "anthropomorphism"???

My only advice is to be SURE. You use a lot of language like "I think" and "as far as I can tell" when it comes to her temps and humidity and such. And I'm not sure if that's your way of speaking, or if you legit are guessing.

Don't guess. Get the tools you need to be sure if you don't have them: thermostat, hygrometer, etc. This will ensure beyond a doubt that she's happy and comfortable in her cage. My first thought is that she's trying to stay near your body heat (which is a steady, comforting 98 degrees) when you try to put her in her tank because the tank is too cold.

Also, not a great idea to take your snake out in public. Too many unknowns: temperature fluctuations that can make her sick, things she can pick up to make her sicks (mites), and you never know how people are going to react either. Just a heads up.

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Originally Posted by Craiga 01453

I honestly didn't read through everything, but did I read right that you have your snake with you while driving and shopping???????

And are you familiar with the word "anthropomorphism"???

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OP I must agree with Craig on this one i found it just too odd something is up. This thread didn't leave my mind .... another thing to consider is how big is the hides you are using ? They like a tight fit, very tight if the hide is too big they will search the viv/container constantly and only rest in the hide for short periods of time. Sometimes they wont even use it for a quick rest.

Clutter the viv/container with fake plants as much as possible i have 3 hides in my big viv, but my ball is happy there is almost not space for a mouse as he grows i will take a few things out but replace them with smaller objects, they really are shy animals by nature, very shy. Its true each snake has their own personality etc, but not to this extent.

Like the rest said maybe invest in a second thermo gun to make sure i triple check my vivs 3 times a day not open and close but i check that stuff is in order.

There is no way for them to tell us they are unhappy unlike a dog or cat, best is to stick with what has been a proven all these years.
I know you might not like this but i think its best to get stuff on point and start from scratch and triple check everything and get the snake into a safer routine. The streets is not really a place for a snake.

I have BP's that I can handle all day and they show zero signs of stress, then I have some that if I go over 10 minutes a week they wont eat. Just like people, they are animals and have different personalities. Some like it, some hate it. The only thing I could think of was temp problems as well. Your snake climbing your arm is either A) a snake that doesnt mind being held or B) is too hot/cold and is trying to escape.

There is a lot of "rules" people have about BP's that I have found is over exaggerated and is leaning so far onto the safe side that its unnecessary. Granted, some of the practices are definitely set in stone and crucial to there well being. As long as there husbandry is correct, they are eating and arent sick then keep doing you.

Definitely double check temps with a temp gun though. Make sure the home life is good for them.

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Originally Posted by Craiga 01453

I honestly didn't read through everything, but did I read right that you have your snake with you while driving and shopping???????

And are you familiar with the word "anthropomorphism"???

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I can more than understand you not reading it all I typed it up in the middle of the night and was very tired. Yes I did indeed say she rides on my wrist or hoodie pocket, I kinda made it out like it was a lot more often, and not that I'm trying to justify it but I did consider the fact that snakes are a common phobia so when she has gone into the store or around other people I concealed her either in my sleeve or my pocket. And as far anthropomorphism goes you must be misunderstanding me. I don't think we're best friends (although I like her more to than people ;P) I don't think she is lonely. I just know alot of the time she acknowledges my presence if I walk by and when I reach in she often climbs on.

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Originally Posted by Wrp0101

I can more than understand you not reading it all I typed it up in the middle of the night and was very tired. Yes I did indeed say she rides on my wrist or hoodie pocket, I kinda made it out like it was a lot more often, and not that I'm trying to justify it but I did consider the fact that snakes are a common phobia so when she has gone into the store or around other people I concealed her either in my sleeve or my pocket. And as far anthropomorphism goes you must be misunderstanding me. I don't think we're best friends (although I like her more to than people ;P) I don't think she is lonely. I just know alot of the time she acknowledges my presence if I walk by and when I reach in she often climbs on.

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My retic always pops out when I am near and seems interested, but if I stuck my hand in, there would be blood. The point being, reading into your snakes behavior can be a guessing game that can be risky for the health of your snake.

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Originally Posted by ladywhipple02

My only advice is to be SURE. You use a lot of language like "I think" and "as far as I can tell" when it comes to her temps and humidity and such. And I'm not sure if that's your way of speaking, or if you legit are guessing.

Don't guess. Get the tools you need to be sure if you don't have them: thermostat, hygrometer, etc. This will ensure beyond a doubt that she's happy and comfortable in her cage. My first thought is that she's trying to stay near your body heat (which is a steady, comforting 98 degrees) when you try to put her in her tank because the tank is too cold.

Also, not a great idea to take your snake out in public. Too many unknowns: temperature fluctuations that can make her sick, things she can pick up to make her sicks (mites), and you never know how people are going to react either. Just a heads up.

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I finished my OP almost 6am in the morning with no sleep I'm sorry there are alot of typos and yes I did say "as far as I can all her temps and everything are pretty on point" not sure that really qualifies as "a lot" especially when right before that I state that I did get digital thermo/hygro along with her enclosure and directly after I mentioned I had to buy a ceramic heat emitter to get her temp right but yes according to the digital thermometer her basking spot stays right 90-92 according to my digital hygrometer humidity can fluctuate a bit between 60 and 65 the only part I'm not entirely sure of is ambient temperature my other digital thermometer quite working so I just put an analog thermometer for the time being until I get a AP375 with VE300. However it stays right around 80 ( but I've read not to use them because they can be a good bit off) But like I said every comment, rid bit of advice and criticism us appreciated.

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Originally Posted by Wrp0101

I can more than understand you not reading it all I typed it up in the middle of the night and was very tired. Yes I did indeed say she rides on my wrist or hoodie pocket, I kinda made it out like it was a lot more often, and not that I'm trying to justify it but I did consider the fact that snakes are a common phobia so when she has gone into the store or around other people I concealed her either in my sleeve or my pocket. And as far anthropomorphism goes you must be misunderstanding me. I don't think we're best friends (although I like her more to than people ;P) I don't think she is lonely. I just know alot of the time she acknowledges my presence if I walk by and when I reach in she often climbs on.

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Thanks for the reply. I appreciate you answering in an understanding way as well as your honesty.

Moving forward, it really is best to leave the snake at home, though. As you mentioned, yes people unfortunately are afraid of snakes, but that's really not the main issue. The main issue is that snakes are not social animals and nothing positive can be gained by bringing your pet with you. As keepers, it's our responsibility to do best by our animals, and snakes do best when left at home.

I appreciate your excitement and enthusiasm for your new pet, but unfortunately, bringing her with you is putting your desires above her best interest.

Again, thanks for your reply. I do appreciate it (too many people take it far too personally when they ask questions and hear the truth and don't hear exactly what they want to hear).

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Originally Posted by Albert420

OP I must agree with Craig on this one i found it just too odd something is up. This thread didn't leave my mind .... another thing to consider is how big is the hides you are using ? They like a tight fit, very tight if the hide is too big they will search the viv/container constantly and only rest in the hide for short periods of time. Sometimes they wont even use it for a quick rest.

Clutter the viv/container with fake plants as much as possible i have 3 hides in my big viv, but my ball is happy there is almost not space for a mouse as he grows i will take a few things out but replace them with smaller objects, they really are shy animals by nature, very shy. Its true each snake has their own personality etc, but not to this extent.

Like the rest said maybe invest in a second thermo gun to make sure i triple check my vivs 3 times a day not open and close but i check that stuff is in order.

There is no way for them to tell us they are unhappy unlike a dog or cat, best is to stick with what has been a proven all these years.
I know you might not like this but i think its best to get stuff on point and start from scratch and triple check everything and get the snake into a safer routine. The streets is not really a place for a snake.

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I'll be honest its been a little on this side of disheartening so far, I've got the understanding this needs to change and y'all can call it anthropomorphism if that's the way you feel I suppose (even though it's a complete misuse of the word) but everything points to something isn't right and if whatever it is causes my snake discomfort in her aquarium to the point of staying on me so long then yeah I'm gonna let her hangout with me as much as she wants. Some of these replies it's more like people just wanting to pick apart my post and find one instance where I misspoke just a tad or not read much at all but pull out a relatively extremist view.
However this reply has legitimate help for me.

The hides that came with her are put up she outgrew them maybe 2 months into having her. She would try to hide in them and would end up picking them up and sticking out once she started to put on weight. I had ordered 2 primate skull hide from Amazon but didn't know they where wide open in the back so I ended up going to the nearest PetSmart and actually managed to find the same rock hide in multiple sizes so I got her 2 new ones and they do fit nice and snug and as I said previously during the day she spends all her time in one or the other but mostly the warm side but a fair bit of time in the cool side.
Now to the part that I like "clutter the Viv/container with fake plants" you say... I think I missed out on this tip. Ramona's tank is just this, 60 gallon aquarium with mesh lid mostly covered with plywood for humidity, a zoomedic under tank heater (I think it's just worn out because even directly touching it it's not very warm) sits directly under her warm hide, Fluker's heat lamp with 100w black ceramic heat bulb turned down just enough to let the temp stay steady and warm for her. She came with a massive water dish maybe a 1/4 inch deep but still takes a whole bottle of water to fill, it takes up the majority of the middle of the tank. Then she has her two rock hides and a branch that was in her enclosure when I got her she does like to chill on that at night sometimes. But that's it, guess next order of business is new small but deep water dish and add plants maybe another hide or two?

And as far as your last bit... You might think I might not like it but that's why I turned to yall, for advice. I had already had plans of buying a rack almost have the money. I decided to go with animal plastics rack but use VE-300 thermostat and buy the AP375 which is an 8 shelf combo juv/adult rack with 3" heat tape. The only reason I havent redone her tank is I couldn't figure out any problem maybe she need the plants in there.

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Originally Posted by Craiga 01453

Thanks for the reply. I appreciate you answering in an understanding way as well as your honesty.

Moving forward, it really is best to leave the snake at home, though. As you mentioned, yes people unfortunately are afraid of snakes, but that's really not the main issue. The main issue is that snakes are not social animals and nothing positive can be gained by bringing your pet with you. As keepers, it's our responsibility to do best by our animals, and snakes do best when left at home.

I appreciate your excitement and enthusiasm for your new pet, but unfortunately, bringing her with you is putting your desires above her best interest.

Again, thanks for your reply. I do appreciate it (too many people take it far too personally when they ask questions and hear the truth and don't hear exactly what they want to hear).

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You ever drive a truck with a BP wrapped on your wrist? Load /unload said vehicle in 85 degree heat with a hoodie while having to carefully consider your every move and lift in an attempt not to stress or even worse smash your pet? I have trouble seeing the same desire you apparently see. You might get some of those responses cause instead of replying to the issue or go on and on about what alarms people and don't say much in the way of maybe it could be this or that. I'm not trying to jump on you or nothing like that, this has seemed to be a great forum so far and has helped me numerous times along the way, before coming here I checked numerous other websites some said basking temp of 96 one recommended a heat rock and I believe I seen something about using pine bedding but I knew that was a no go from breeding rats and mice. But the point of the matter is if I thought it was ok to be doing all this, I probably wouldn't have made a post here bring my concern to a forum of BP owner/ breeders. As I said in the OP the only reason I allowed her to stay out so often is because she fights with me when I go to put her back, it's not like I can ask her what her problem is it's just obvious her enclosure is an issue I just didn't know what. Don't get me wrong I'm not taking it personally, I know your telling me the truth the first reply ensured me of that, and your right I'm not hearing exactly what I want cause I want to hear from people who are kind enough to try and help me and Ramona with this situation. No offense but 2 replies basically saying the same thing and never coming within the ball park of the issue it's just conversation and not even a good one at that.

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Originally Posted by Wrp0101

You ever drive a truck with a BP wrapped on your wrist? Load /unload said vehicle in 85 degree heat with a hoodie while having to carefully consider your every move and lift in an attempt not to stress or even worse smash your pet?

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That sounds like a deadly idea.

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Originally Posted by Wrp0101

You ever drive a truck with a BP wrapped on your wrist? Load /unload said vehicle in 85 degree heat with a hoodie while having to carefully consider your every move and lift in an attempt not to stress or even worse smash your pet? I have trouble seeing the same desire you apparently see. You might get some of those responses cause instead of replying to the issue or go on and on about what alarms people and don't say much in the way of maybe it could be this or that. I'm not trying to jump on you or nothing like that, this has seemed to be a great forum so far and has helped me numerous times along the way, before coming here I checked numerous other websites some said basking temp of 96 one recommended a heat rock and I believe I seen something about using pine bedding but I knew that was a no go from breeding rats and mice. But the point of the matter is if I thought it was ok to be doing all this, I probably wouldn't have made a post here bring my concern to a forum of BP owner/ breeders. As I said in the OP the only reason I allowed her to stay out so often is because she fights with me when I go to put her back, it's not like I can ask her what her problem is it's just obvious her enclosure is an issue I just didn't know what. Don't get me wrong I'm not taking it personally, I know your telling me the truth the first reply ensured me of that, and your right I'm not hearing exactly what I want cause I want to hear from people who are kind enough to try and help me and Ramona with this situation. No offense but 2 replies basically saying the same thing and never coming within the ball park of the issue it's just conversation and not even a good one at that.

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Nope, I've never driven with a BP wrapped around my wrist...because it's irresponsible and dangerous for all involved.
You're asking for help, and I started with the HUGE RED FLAG. When addressing an issue it's important to start at the beginning. The first thing you need to do is stop bringing the snake out with you. From there, we can move forward and try to figure out what else may be causing the behavior. But until you're willing to listen we can't help you.

Ok first off driving a stick is done with one hand on the wheel and one hand on the stick to shift the only danger is if I roll the window down the temp would have dropped below 90. And yeah I get your starting with the huge red flag but we've been over that more than just a couple of times continued conversation about it does nothing... Remember I made this post admitting to this and was asking how to fix it and your steady stuck on it, thankfully albert420 was able to do that and actually try to help. Y'all take it easy I'm just gonna stick to reading threads if I can't find the answers I need there I'll figure it out some other route cause replies like this don't me or Ramona anywhere. Have fun, take it easy.