Wiggles, the Children's Python

[Homebody]

Wiggles just began and ended his activity session all on his own. I noticed he was hanging out on his perches, so I thought he might be game for an activity session. He thought it over for about 20 minutes, but ultimately decided to come out.

Out and up to the top of his enclosure, he climbed on my potted plants, the candy bowl, some books, and the fan (turned off). Then, he went over to the window sill where he took in outside smells through the screen. He even got a little sun. When he’d had enough, he put himself away.

What made the session great was that I know Wiggles got just the amount of activity that he needed. I always give Wiggles the freedom to choose when to start an activity session, but letting him choose when to end it is more difficult. Most often, he wants to stay out longer than I am available to supervise him. Other times, he may want to return, but doesn’t know how. He has to rely on me to read his sometimes ambiguous signals. This time, he was able to end the session on his own.

[Bogertophis]

That's awesome!

[Caitlin]

I love hearing this - you are doing really good work with him and he's obviously responding! It's SO satisfying when they start to manage their 'freedom time' in a way that works well for both snake and keeper. And Antaresia are so bright and responsive that they learn really quickly.

[Homebody]

I love hearing this - you are doing really good work with him and he's obviously responding! It's SO satisfying when they start to manage their 'freedom time' in a way that works well for both snake and keeper. And Antaresia are so bright and responsive that they learn really quickly.

Putting himself away from on top of his enclosure is a great start. I don't think he's fluent at it yet, but I agree that he'll learn quickly. Next, I'll try to teach him to put himself away from his activity station. Then, likely using his target training, I'll teach him to put himself away from the floor. At that point, I'll be confident that he can end any activity session when he's no longer benefitting from it. That's the goal anyway. We'll see how it goes.

[Homebody]

I lost Wiggles. Last night, during an activity session, he slithered under my couch. At least, I thought he did. When I went to check on him, he wasn't there. I thoroughly searched that and the adjoining rooms. Then, I searched the more distant bedrooms. Finally, I decided I'd have better luck if I let him come to me.

Wiggles is an active little guy. I didn't see him holding up in one spot for long. So, I crumpled some newspaper and put in across the thresholds in every room. I figured when he slithered across them, it would make enough noise for me to hear. I turned off the lights, grabbed my flashlight, and I waited. At midnight, I let myself doze off on the sofa flashlight at the ready. I woke up periodically during the night and checked the newspapers, but they were undisturbed.

After work, I plan to stop off at the reptile shop and pick up some pinkies to bait him out of hiding. At this point, I'm still optimistic that he'll turn up. I had a hamster once that went missing for weeks. Still it ain't fun.

[Bogertophis]

Nope, NOT fun! Have you turned your couch "inside out"? remove cushions, & turn couch over & check for any holes in the lining fabric that would allow him to go inside the couch? That's a favorite place that snakes gravitate to.

You've been "playing with fire" by letting him out so much (if you're anything like me, that is- I'm always multi-tasking & distractions get us in trouble!) & I wouldn't count on him "coming to you" but I hope I'm wrong. Good luck!

If he's in your couch, the scent of food might bring him out- but I would get fuzzies at least- with fur, they'll have more scent. You can always freeze them & serve them when he's bigger. (Just for the scent, getting one adult mouse might be even better- especially if it works- but just make sure it can't escape, & that he cannot actually get to it.)

[Homebody]

Nope, NOT fun! Have you turned your couch "inside out"? remove cushions, & turn couch over & check for any holes in the lining fabric that would allow him to go inside the couch? That's a favorite place that snakes gravitate to.

Yes. I did all that.

You've been "playing with fire" by letting him out so much (if you're anything like me, that is- I'm always multi-tasking & distractions get us in trouble!) & I wouldn't count on him "coming to you" but I hope I'm wrong. Good luck!

Yes. Clearly I've been giving him too much freedom. When I find him, he's going to be so grounded.

If he's in your couch, the scent of food might bring him out- but I would get fuzzies at least- with fur, they'll have more scent. You can always freeze them & serve them when he's bigger. (Just for the scent, getting one adult mouse might be even better- especially if it works- but just make sure it can't escape, & that he cannot actually get to it.)

Will do. Thanks for the tip.

[Bogertophis]

P.S. Adult MALE mice have the most odor (scent). It would be worth the sacrifice (or you could rehome him, lol) if it works. A small fan set on low would help circulate his "fragrance" too. Just make sure the mouse can't escape...

...Clearly I've been giving him too much freedom. When I find him, he's going to be so grounded...

[Bogertophis]

Also, keep looking UP- these little pythons climb well & seem to like the safety of hunting from above. And heat rises, so higher up might be more to his liking. The little brat... (This is the drawback of Antaresia, compared to BPs- they're much smaller & harder to find when they hide. Good luck!)

[Homebody]

My wife just called me. She was very upset. She can't do the laundry because Wiggles is in the laundry cart and she's afraid to move it.