Re: Sally, lavender SD retic
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Snakeboyaz
That's a good size. I'd think that the d/sd animals have been around long enough now that the good breeeders should have a pretty good idea of adult sizes. Like you said though, there's no guarantee. I was using the hook every time I got them out or went into the cage until I watched garrets video on tap training recently. Now I just make sure they're aware of me so I don't startle them and reach in. My male is extremely food drivin though and sometimes I still have to tap him with the hook then he's all good. Kind of forces you to have to read the animal better which I like.
Has he been through breeding mode with you yet?
Re: Sally, lavender SD retic
Not really sure honestly. There was a short period, maybe 1 1/2-2 month not to long ago where he would try to throw me off if I touched him but was fine once I got him out. He hatched early last year, not sure if he's of age or what breeding behavior is like.
Re: Sally, lavender SD retic
Stunning. Go ahead and get 2ft tongs now. Her feeding response will increase with size. Will never forget the first time Rainbow was super hungry and slammed into her glass to get at food before I was close enough to offer. The power of these guys is amazing.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
67temp
Re: Sally, lavender SD retic
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Skyrivers
Stunning. Go ahead and get 2ft tongs now. Her feeding response will increase with size. Will never forget the first time Rainbow was super hungry and slammed into her glass to get at food before I was close enough to offer. The power of these guys is amazing.
Honestly none of my snakes typically get fed from tongs for that sole reason. Normally I'll pull the snake from the enclosure, then with a free hand I put the feeder into the enclosure. Next the snake goes back into the enclosure and magically finds food waiting for it. They learn that you approaching doesn't mean they will be eating, you are just the person that handles them. It has also eliminated the need for hook training. I only used tongs this one time since an hour after putting her back in the enclosure with food she still hadn't found it.
Now my friends retics I only see once a week and on feeding day. Yeah those I hook trained and feed from tongs.
Re: Sally, lavender SD retic
Quote:
Originally Posted by
67temp
Honestly none of my snakes typically get fed from tongs for that sole reason. Normally I'll pull the snake from the enclosure, then with a free hand I put the feeder into the enclosure. Next the snake goes back into the enclosure and magically finds food waiting for it. They learn that you approaching doesn't mean they will be eating, you are just the person that handles them. It has also eliminated the need for hook training. I only used tongs this one time since an hour after putting her back in the enclosure with food she still hadn't found it.
Now my friends retics I only see once a week and on feeding day. Yeah those I hook trained and feed from tongs.
I have handled Rainbow when hungry but Monty? Never. I would never handle food and snake at same time. Retic in one hand and prey in the other will eventually equal bite or eating while still in your hand. They take eating seriously! I can handle my BPs right before feeding. King snake, yep. Corn snake, yep. Any of my boas except Luna my baby BRB, yep. Retic? NOPE! I hope you never learn the hard way. Also keep in mind if you do get bit this way, the snake just missed the food and is not trying to eat you. Feeding bites are way worse than defensive ones.
I gave myself a crash course in Retics and have learned so much. Not advisable for most though.
Re: Sally, lavender SD retic
Quote:
Originally Posted by
67temp
How is Monty doing? Has he settled down any? Is he staying with you or eventually going back to the friend?
At this point he is staying I think. The breeder lost interest in dealing with him. I think is more of a business for him and he wants easy to handle over big personality. Monty is doing ok. Eating like a horse. If he is not hungry he is calm and somewhat easy to handle once out of his enclosure. I think him being only a year old??, he is still young and scared of most things. If hungry, look out! He will strike at anything till he is fed. I hope as he grows he will calm down. He is not pushing but does strike the glass from time to time. He is brightening up quite a bit and almost glitters as the platinum comes out right after shedding. I will never be able to hand him to anyone with trust but I do work with him still. Even when out he can be iffy. Once he wrapped my arm tightly and just started striking randomly everywhere. I wonder if he can see? He has a hard time finding his food and still misses when striking it. At a year I would think he would be better at finding food. I have been debating on taking him to the vet to check his eyes. Something seams off to me about his ability to detect things either way. I think this scares him and is why he behaves the way he does.
