Dwarf/SD Retics

[mainbutter]

To those who have SD's...

Do you have to ever use a hook with them? Are there any hints when trying to tame a more aggresive SD? I'm probably gonna be picking one up in the near future...

IMO it's a good idea to hook train any snake that has a strong feeding response. Removing a snake from your hand during a feeding response bite, even on a reasonable sized snake, can not only be painful, but stressful on the snake.

[alohareptiles]

[QUOTE=mainbutter;1215774]IMO it's a good idea to hook train any snake that has a strong feeding response. Removing a snake from your hand during a feeding response bite, even on a reasonable sized snake, can not only be painful, but stressful on the snake.[/QUOTE]

What is your suggestion if this happens...I've heard a plethora of suggestions, but the main one seems to be stay calm...The rest has been a variety from spraying, forcing or just leaving...

[redstormlax12]

If your SD was to ever bite you then just stay calm. DONT rip them off of you. You will end up really injuring your snake. I was bitten by my SD on the hand and he let go as fast as he struck.

[alohareptiles]

I might be getting a Dwarf that has maxed out at 10'...What size cage should I house her in? I was told I could get by in a 5' cage, but 6' is optimal and a 4' cage would be pushing the small limits?

For the SD's would a 5' cage also work? I'm really trying to save some $$ and avoid the cost of a 6' cage(s)...

Sorry for the repetitive question...I couldn't find a good answer using the search...

[mainbutter]

What is your suggestion if this happens...I've heard a plethora of suggestions, but the main one seems to be stay calm...The rest has been a variety from spraying, forcing or just leaving...

1) stay calm

2) try everything you've heard that doesn't hurt the snake. Water, listerine, and waiting are generally preferred.

I've heard of some snakes that aren't really even that big (full sized SD retic sized) taking up to 30-45 minutes to release when they're particularly willful about staying attached.

[redstormlax12]

I might be getting a Dwarf that has maxed out at 10'...What size cage should I house her in? I was told I could get by in a 5' cage, but 6' is optimal and a 4' cage would be pushing the small limits?

If you want an SD i would suggest you go with a hatchling or at most a yearling. Growing with the snake will help you learn and deal with the bigger size of that snake.

As for cage size if your going to have a 10' snake i would go with the 5' enclosure. That is assuming the depth is at least 2'. My SD male will be in a 4x2 enclosure for his life. That 8 square feet is plenty for him. If you buy a true 100% SD then a 4' cage would be fine. I just got mine 4x2's from repti-racks and ill be getting a rack in this thursday. They are great there. Amazing customer service. Most of the time you get a reply to your email in 5-10 minutes. And the product is great. I couldnt be happier.