What to do when things go wrong? Discussion.

[Skyrivers]

Honestly, I don't understand the mystique of keeping either hots OR giant snakes...they're both a LOT more trouble, not fun pets that you can just enjoy (IMO). Everything that you take for granted as being easy to do with a harmless snake becomes a big deal...from cage cleaning to medical issues. To me, a "pet" is something you can relate to & handle...that's off the table with hots, and goes from difficult to impossible with giants as they grow.

As someone who owns larger snakes I can tell you this. Even though they are more work and have big personalities they are so worth it to me. I enjoy them much more than my BPs because they are more interactive and inquisitive. As for medical issues? I don't find them to have more or less than my other animals. For the most part they are just as healthy as the rest in my care. I think of them like a wild toddler. They can get into trouble if allowed to and often will. They have moods and can throw tantrums if they don't get their way. They sulk or get excited over specific things. They want to know everything about the world around them.

Cage cleaning is just bigger cage. My animals are placed in a transport container for a few minuets and then cleaning is performed. I don't clean on and around food days if I don't absolutely have to (same for any of my other snakes). Sitting on the couch with Rainbow curled up in my lap is both relaxing and enjoyable. I take her for walks when I want her to poop before a show. She usually poops in the grass like a good girl. Is great to see her outside as well.

Relating to a huge snake? I like to eat (she likes to eat a little more than me). I like to be warm. I like to swim and climb. Some days I even recluse. I even have bad days where I want to bite someone even if just to get them to leave me alone In different ways but yep I can relate to how she behaves.

I will continue studying them and loving them. I learn more and more every day.