Anyone Keep Scrub Pythons?

[Team Slytherin]

I picked up a young Tanimbar scrub in August and he is the best purchase of my adult life. If you can find one, nautas are a good introduction to the simalia complex because they typically tap out at 7ft. (although, I know two keepers whose captive nautas have hit 9ft) Definitely not a snake for the faint-hearted, but they are very rewarding.

Yes, they have a reputation for being bitey, but I'm sure that is largely due to the fact that most specimens in collections over the past 10 years have been wild-caught. They are highly intelligent, highly alert, very fast, and have extremely long teeth (typical of bird-eating arboreal species). That being said, I think it would be helpful to acquire a young specimen, so that you can learn to cultivate a respectful relationship and learn their behavior well. They are HIGHLY intelligent snakes and they can be moody. Best to learn to recognize their personal tells when they are young to avoid ending up on the wrong side of those teeth

Maybe I just lucked out with mine, but I know spazhine has a beautiful Merauke that is quite docile as well. I believe she acquired it from Dan. For the most part, my nauta is a total cuddle monster! But he definitely commands respect. He's not one of those snakes you can manhandle. If he doesn't want to do something, that thing will not happen! He is also very viv defensive, which is typical for the species. It is generally unwise to reach a hand inside the enclosure, unless you're sneak-attacking him while he's asleep!

Anyway, I think if you're up for the challenge, do some research and take the plunge! They really are an unbelievable species to work with. Satin skin made of rainbows, dragon-like eyes, and intelligence to boot. And that feeding response?! It trumps everything.