New boy stressed

[Kerimac]

Got this little guy home and into his enclosure 3 hours ago. He has figured out how to wedge himself up by the lid. He's been there since. My other BP never did this. I've included a pic but it's through the plastic so it's not really clear. I hope he comes down and goes into his hide soon.

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[Kerimac]

He is also missing some scales on the lower neck area. Not sure if this is normal either. If you zoom in on the clear pic, you can see where they are missing.

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[Bogertophis]

Looks like you've got yourself a "rugged individualist" there, & a pretty one too.

And no, those aren't "missing scales"...they're just folded scales from when snakes curl up (just like the creases we have inside our elbows, etc).
It shows up more on light color snakes... Totally normal, nothing to worry about.

[Bogertophis]

You might want to wait for a few meals before trying to switch him. Obviously, I have no crystal ball & he may surprise everyone & just take rats, but chances are he'll
do better if you stick with what he knows just for now, while he settles in. Same thing goes for housing in general...snakes get scared & confused being in a whole new
place, so the more things seem familiar, the more relaxed they'll be, & sooner.

[Kerimac]

You are always so awesome! Now, just to get him settled and try to switch from mice to rats next week. I love him so much already!!!

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[Kerimac]

I have a hide that will be delivered later today that is like the one he is used to. It was supposed to be here a few days ago. Do you think I should switch them when it gets here is a little bit or just leave him alone and switch it after he settles in a bit more?

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[Bogertophis]

I'd switch the hides a.s.a.p. if it's what he had before.

[Kerimac]

@Bogertophis I got his hide fixed. Humidity is still a little high but he settled in and even ate for me! He has been eating mice but he ate a rat pup! I am so stinkin happy right now!

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[Bogertophis]

That's totally AWESOME! Congrats!

His climbing might just have been curiosity in a new home, but I've had snakes before (these weren't BPs) that persisted in trying to climb
& hang on under the lid...so rather than having them keep falling, it's better to give them thick branches to hang onto. What I usually do is
wedge them diagonally so they cross in the middle...then you don't have to worry about attaching them. But maybe he'll just settle down
now anyway?

[Kerimac]

I have plenty of trees that I can get him a branch from. I live on 56 acres. There is also a bamboo patch where I can cut a piece of bamboo. Should I scrub whatever I use with vinegar and water and dry it out before I use it or should I just buy a climbing branch? I hope I don't pester you but you have been at this so long and you make so much sense that you are my go to. I love the way you truly love them.

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