A dream made real, Mira the Vietnamese blue beauty rat snake

[Bogertophis]

...I have confirmation that she's eaten before, but I still worry.

Welcome to the A.H.S. (Association of Hovering Snarents) (of which I'm a life-time member, by the way)

[Snagrio]

I offered Mira another pinky after waiting a week and, she still didn't take it...

I waited until sunset, warmed it up with a hairdryer just beforehand, and she still wanted nothing to do with it. I left it in her hide and quickly left hoping she'll eat it in private, but if it's still there by tomorrow morning I'm going to have to look for a live pinky because it's around two weeks since she last ate and I'm getting very worried.

[Snagrio]

I decided to carefully check again about 15 minutes later. SHE ATE!

I'm so relieved, the mental weight on my shoulders for the whole past week has finally been lifted. Guess I know how she's likes to feed now; in complete in total privacy. As long as it works, I'm happy.

[Bogertophis]

I decided to carefully check again about 15 minutes later. SHE ATE!

I'm so relieved, the mental weight on my shoulders for the whole past week has finally been lifted. Guess I know how she's likes to feed now; in complete in total privacy. As long as it works, I'm happy.

I'm not surprised that she wanted maximum privacy & I'm very glad you've crossed that hurdle now.

[Snagrio]

Mira had her first shed with me. Never even knew she was in blue due to leaving her alone. But thankfully the humidity in her tub was already sufficiently high so she had a complete go at it. She also ate 2 pinkies (though again only after I left completely and checked back later, but whatever suites her best).

Going to wait until another one or two feedings and then I will actually take her out for the first time.

[Snagrio]

Well, just had my first handling session. Tons of tail waggling, bit me twice (second was enough to make me wince and draw a tiny amount of blood) and she musked. So, about as I expected.


There were some periods where she was calm though. Those crystal clear pics are proof. Also like Hoco before her, I made a point to keep holding her for a little while to make a point that biting me wasn't going to let her get her way, and that I'm not something to be feared.

[Bogertophis]

Such pretty eyes & facial markings!

[Snagrio]

Handling session #2.





She flung nearly her entire body out of the tub when I was trying to get her in my hands. Can't underestimate that speed. I think we're making a bit of progress otherwise though. Only bit me once this time and didn't tail waggle quite as much. She's also not terribly flighty once I actually have her out. Nervous sure but not full panic mode.

She did get me good right on a knuckle though, but I knew the challenges going in (in fact it was because of them that I got her) and don't hold it against her whatsoever. In fact she slid over the bite at one point and I was relived when it was just my blood on her scales and not hers, that's how much I don't mind.

[Bogertophis]

I think you'll live- Snakes that like to "launch" are fun- they make sure we pay attention.

[Snagrio]

Wasn't sure where to put this kind of update, but I guess here works.

After a ton of time, money and work, her permanent enclosure is finished. Going to wait until she has some more size and confidence to her before I put her in it though, since I'd have a hard time finding her at her current size. That and testing the parameters and letting the excess moisture from the newly mixed substrate out.