I feel so very lucky to be the keeper of a highly intelligent, moody, and often stubborn animal. I hope I never grow tire of watching him evolve.
Although perfectly polite outside his enclosure, he had demonstrated the classic cage-defensive behavior that is expected of a scrub python. I had already accepted the fact that he would likely always require the help of a hook to coax him out of his enclosure. He never took kindly to a hand inside his cage...
But, since he has SUCH revulsion for his hook, I thought I’d practice being brave. As our relationship strengthened, I practiced leaving a hand on his branch for awhile, then progressed to leaving a calm hand touching him while he perched, etc.
Eventually, I discovered that HE IS A BIG FAT BLUFFER!!! He talks a big game, but he does not want to bite his mama. Now that he realizes that I realize he’s full of crap...he employs much more hilarious methods of avoiding me when he doesn’t feel like being messed with.
The first is the dragon stare.
Then there’s the “if I flatten myself like a pancake, you can’t pick me up” maneuver. You know, like when a dog on a leash just lies down on the ground. It’s like that.
Sleeping in a far corner and corkscrewing around the branch.
Standing up like a possessed demon.
Trying to blend in with the wall, as if my vision is based on movement...
Pretending to bite. This one is the most precious to me
The “long sigh,” as if getting hugs from your mother is super exhausting.
Anyone else’s slithering friend have a quirky habit when they don’t feel like being held? Tell me about it!
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