Okay... so I recieved Ick today at ten thirty AM. CT. He was packed in a bag, surrounded by heat packs in a box (very professional). I was sure that my snake was dead just from all of the horror stories I have heard/read. He was balled tightly around a paper towel in the bag.

I moved him to the tank anyway (still convinced he was dead) and he flicked his tounge quite a bit (smelling me I'm sure). HE WAS ALIVE!! I rejoiced privately for a moment, double checked my temps and humidity and he remains where I left him tightly balled.

Now, my girlfriend of two years (Jill) has come in town(Nashville) from Chicago (home) to witness this very event. I was proud to recieve a snake on the ironic holiday of St. Patricks Day (The saint who chased all of the snakes out of Ireland.)

Not only did i see the tounge flick but after leaving him in the cage on the warm side for a bit i witness TWO yawns.. well at first I thought it was a sign of an RI so flipped a little bit and closely inspected mouth and nostrils.. no discharge and no open mouth breathing after that so I'm pretty sure it was just a yawn. He is currently inspecting the front wall of his aquarium and seems to be warming up/settling in.

Oh yeah and when I flipped out a little thinking he was dead I called Mr. Hamper whose wife re assured me and gave me some advice (all of which i had previously read here) Very nice lady, very nice man and very professional job!

Okay last paragraph... Ick has GREAT coloring and beautiful scales (no signs of any bad sheds at all) his pattern is fantastic if I can get my good for nothing friend to loan me his digi cam I can post tonight or tomorrow. Happy st. Pats!