Normal behavior or not?

[motorhead1980]

Hello,

This has probably been asked before, but can't find the answer.

Have had my 1000 gram female for about 3 1/2 weeks. (Have posted a few questions on here previously All conditions have been good and consistent, and she has eaten once a week ago. During those past three weeks she has been very active and out every night roaming around. The last 4 days she has not left her hide at night, as normally she will moving things around and compress the cypress.

1. So my question is does this seem normal?

2. Also should I just go ahead and try to feed her tonight even if she does not come out? (I feed live)

3. Finally I have not handled her yet, should I start getting her out soon, or get another rat into her before starting? I just don't want to wait too long, as we are coming up on a month and I have not touched her since putting her into her tank when I got her.

Thanks again!

[dr del]

I'd suspect she is coming up to a shed?

[motorhead1980]

I'll have to check tonight. Can anybody let me know there thoughts on the other two items?

I'm pretty comfortable with the basics for these snakes, it's just the odd item I'm unsure of.

Thanks,

[albinos_rule]

Check first to see if she is going to shed, pink belly, opaque eyes, etc..and if she is going to shed just hold off feeding until she sheds

[200xth]

Hello,
3. Finally I have not handled her yet, should I start getting her out soon, or get another rat into her before starting? I just don't want to wait too long, as we are coming up on a month and I have not touched her since putting her into her tank when I got her.

Why have you not handled her at all? I don't think your snake cares, I'm just wondering what the reason is.

[motorhead1980]

I have not handled her because I have had a few members on this forum that have mentioned to get 2 to 3 feedings into her before handling, so far she has had one meal, and hoping for the second tonight. I'm assuming that you would have had her out by now?

[motorhead1980]

Well she ate her second rat for me. I walked up to the tank after she had finished, I left her alone to eat. As soon as she saw me she went into a complete panic trying to get back into the hide. Kinda weird but at least she ate. I made sure to approach slowly to put the lid back on.

[Viol8r]

I've heard plenty of people say not to handle them for a week or two or whatever, but we haven't ever went with that theory. In fact, last Thursday my Pastel Tiger came in sometime in the morning. I work nights, so I was asleep. My wife took him out of the box, cleaned him, checked for bugs, etc... She ended up handling him for about 20-30 minutes. When I woke up we found that he pooped, and shed. I handled him for about the same amount of time. The next day I offered him food because I knew when his last meal was from the seller, and we always offer on feeding day. I like letting them to decide if they want to eat or not. He ate without any hesitation. We have done this with all of our snakes and haven't had any feeding issues other than not eating during shed. We do offer just in case. Most of them don't care if they are shedding or not and will still eat. I think that is according to what stage of shed they are in. If they are in shed and shy away from their prey I'll immediately take the prey item out.

[200xth]

I have not handled her because I have had a few members on this forum that have mentioned to get 2 to 3 feedings into her before handling, so far she has had one meal, and hoping for the second tonight. I'm assuming that you would have had her out by now?

I usually handle and try to feed mine first day (or second day sometimes) I have them. If they eat, they are put on a normal schedule with everyone else. If they don't eat, they get left alone for a week and try again.

I think waiting 2 or 3 feedings lasting almost a month is erring a bit too much on the side of caution.

Anyways, I see you fed her...she should be fine to handle in a couple of days.

[motorhead1980]

Yes she ate last night, I'll give her a few days and start getting her out a few times a week. Thanks for the help