How Do I Know He's Happy?

[Erikamc]

So Sterling, The Stray BP, seems to be happy to me. But how would I know if he wasn't? What does one look for in an unhappy BP or in a happy BP?

[AKA Dave]

So Sterling, The Stray BP, seems to be happy to me. But how would I know if he wasn't? What does one look for in an unhappy BP or in a happy BP?

Stays in hide, hardly ever seen during the day. Cruises a bit at night....happy BP.

Opposite of that...unhappy BP.

Dave

[Erikamc]

That, makes me happy:-) He hangs out in his hide with his head hanging out. Yesterday, he was chilling by his water bowl. He's eating well for me (ok, two meals, but that counts yes?). He's so chill and awesome. The awesomet snek evah!

[Mangiapane85]

If you just recently got him, make sure not to over handle him. Maybe just a couple minutes at a time, every few days. You want him to adjust and settle in.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Erikamc]

this is good... He seems so friendly, I was going to ask about handling. a few minutes every few days, I can handle that:-)

[chakup]

I would make sure he's eaten 2-3 times before you start handling. A good feeding response on top of the above makes for a "happy" BP

[Erikamc]

good to know! I've only handled him a few times (once for trying to get his first shed, with me off, and then when I put him into a bin for feeding). I want to hold him so bad, because well, he's awesome and he seems so personable!

[Sonny1318]

I look for a sheen, like a rainbowish shine. That's how I tell. Well, at least if they're looking healthy. I'd assume a healthy snake is an happy snake.

[Mangiapane85]

good to know! I've only handled him a few times (once for trying to get his first shed, with me off, and then when I put him into a bin for feeding). I want to hold him so bad, because well, he's awesome and he seems so personable!

Oh, and if you want a TRULY happy snake, feed it in its own enclosure where it feels safe. That's just my opinion. ... I feed all my snakes in their own tubs AND I handle my snakes frequently. None of them have ever bitten me or even tried to.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Erikamc]

The first time he ate (second feeding attempt) I had to set up his thermostat, the second time, I had to put foil on the lid and moisten the substrate. I don't plan on removing him every time, it's just the way it worked out.