First Snake (Colombian Boa Imperator)

[RZBishop]

Thanks for the nice comments! I'm no photographer, but have always liked the idea and I do enjoy attempting to take nice pictures. And every once in a while I get lucky, lol. But thank you none the less.

(I checked out the links you provided, thanks!)

I have actually been on the fence about both topics you brought up. After researching quite a bit and asking questions to others and on other forums, I definitely have decided to ditch the Red Light and go for a CHE for now (my red light is on a dimmer and I have it cranked down, but I will be putting a CHE on that dimmer instead). The only thing that has stopped me from doing that yet is that I am not sure if a CHE will be ok on top of a sterilite. I cut a big 6 inch hole and taped some screen down and have a dome lamp sitting right on top. It has held up beautifully, but I don't know if a CHE will hold up the same, or if it will weaken/melt the lid enough to make the fixture fall into the tub. (if anyone has experience with this or any comments, I would love to hear them)

As for hook training, in the beginning of my research, I was certain I would start immediately. But again, after reading forum posts and asking around, it seems like people have decent luck without the hook a fair amount of the time. Maybe it falls down to the individual snake? Not sure. So, I may get into it. For right now, I kind of do the same thing with my hand. I tap the tub lightly to let him know I'm there, then I talk to him for a minute or so. Finally, I come in with my hand low and slow, touching his side and back away from his head, very softly. After about 10-15 seconds of that, I scoop him right up. Has worked thus far, but I know one thing, if I get tagged I will definitely be changing my mind.