White Lipped Python progression

[RamMac]

Not an exciting update (no pictures ), but I figured I would update it since this is a learning experience for myself and others who want to follow this species (given that there aren't many keepers or info).He really enjoys soaking, I find him soaking just about half the time that I find him outside his hide. The other half he spends out on the cool side. He pees a lot. I had to spot clean twice this week and just a few hours ago changed his substrate. I have yet to notice any regurgitating of fur, or "castings" which they are known to do after some meals. He's fed twice with me so far. I noticed today his tub was very condensed along with an unpleasant smell which is why I just decided to change his substrate. I found more urates and a significant amount of his bedding was wet (either pee or water from him soaking). I was really trying to refrain from any handling until he fed at least once more but this would not be a handling session.

This is when I noticed something very interesting about him. I picked up his hide and placed it on the opposite end of the tub. When I reached in to pick him up he balled up and hid his head very similar to a BP. Once I actually touched him he went toward his hide so I quickly removed him from the tub and placed him in a small tub just to contain him while I cleaned his enclosure. While I was holding him I noticed his cloaca starting to open. Yes, he musks, although I didn't notice it initially. When I saw his cloaca opening I swiftly placed him in the other tub and although I did notice a distinct odor, I didn't think much of it and proceeded to clean the enclosure. When I went to place him back in his enclosure he again balled up and hid his head like a BP. I picked him up and noticed that distinct odor again and noticed the musk on my fingers. While I did not enjoy the musk, I suppose it's better than a bite.

So, although not a defensive (bitey) python, but rather shy and musky, I can see handling sessions will be important if I want him to be an easy handling snake. I'm not yet sure if I'll eventually do a bigger arboreal set up to display him, since he is shy and hides a lot. I will however soon move him into my yet unused AP T8. I haven't used it because my other snakes are still to small for it, but I also recently noticed that AP did not include heat tape for it as I ordered it. I want to use a RHP anyway, and I don't want to use one without a proportional thermostat (which I don't yet have). That's all the updates for now.