Clifford (BCI) Attempting Escape

[BeksNY]

My better half and I just moved into a new house (yay!!!!) and we finally have a dedicated reptile room (double-yay!!!!). The room is a small extra bedroom and we are able to keep the ambient temps and humidity much more consistent and warmer than they were in our old place.

Everyone seems much happier with the new set-up, but Clifford is significantly more active. To the point that we're joking he's like a totally new snake. Clifford is usually incredibly mellow and he's been eating, shedding, and pooping/urinating normally, but for the past few evenings I've caught him pushing on the sliding glass doors of his T8. I have a couple theories that I want to run by you all.

- He's in a growth spurt and is hungry, in spite of getting fed size-appropriate prey weekly. Tonight he was especially determined to escape and it's Day 4 after his last meal. (It's worth noting here that he was grossly underfed and had been found wandering in a parking lot, so when he's hungry he may look to escape more quickly than others.)
- He wants to explore and isn't getting handled / exercised enough.
- Our female BCI, Bonnie, who was previously kept in a separate room from Clifford, is spreading pheromones that Clifford can smell now that they're in the same room.

We're going to feed him tonight, but I'm curious, what do you guys think?

[Sauzo]

Well without knowing the age of the snake and feeding info, hard to say. I see you said "fed weekly". Does that mean he's a yearling as in a couple feet long? What are you feeding him? My boas will sometimes want to come out as well, not hungry but just want to mess around. Rosey does it a lot more than Vicky. Vicky is fairly happy to be in her cage but does sometimes want to come hang out. I tend to get everyone except Allison out 2-4 times a week for "play" time. Allison isn't much of a social snake so I usually just take her out for a little bit 1-2 times a week.

Boas are pretty curious so he might just want to see the new area. Take him out and let him sit on you while you do stuff or the couch or bed while you watch tv.

[BeksNY]

Oops. Sauzo, you're right! I forgot to include the essentials... We estimate Clifford to be at least a few years old. He's about 5' long, but still skinny. At his widest part, he's about the girth of a soda can. We give him medium rats from our colony, but his growth is rapid and will need to go to large rats soon.

Since moving, two weeks ago, we've been taking him out about 3 times a week, whereas at the old place I took him out daily to just chill (except for the two days after feeding).

[Sauzo]

I'd keep him on medium rats if he's 5'. Don't really need large rats until 6-7'. My 5' sunglow girl who is almost 3 years old gets medium rats every 2-3 weeks.

[Ogre]

Yeah, my guy has done that every time we've moved (four times since we've had him but we bought this place) I generally wait until most the unpacking has been finished and he's eaten and then I brought him around with me while doing whatever chores took place inside. Like washing dishes, it took way longer than normal but he seemed to have fun.

[BeksNY]

Thanks for the advice, guys. I've been taking Clifford our more regularly, like I used to, and he's been back to his darling, mellow self.