'nuther behavior question

[fishmommy]

Hiya

First feed yesterday went well
much napping in the hide ensued.

but today, he is much more alert than ever before...head sticking out of the hide and very interested in what's going on when I come take a look.

is he now feeling fully secure because of the feed? more energy with a full belly? still hungry?

just curious. I think things are going super but I am trying to learn to interpret his behavior

[iceman25]

Hiya

First feed yesterday went well
much napping in the hide ensued.

but today, he is much more alert than ever before...head sticking out of the hide and very interested in what's going on when I come take a look.

is he now feeling fully secure because of the feed? more energy with a full belly? still hungry?

just curious. I think things are going super but I am trying to learn to interpret his behavior

Congrats on the first successful feed! The best way to start learning about your snakes behavior is to observe it's actions closely. All of them have different "personalities" and their individual response to certain stimuli vary.

I've noticed that strong eaters stay in feed mode after eating, and some of them go back to being their adorable little selves right after. It maybe that he is starting to "think" of you as the giver of tasty meals, and hence sticking his head out to see if you got any more on ya!

[frankykeno]

That behaviour is often called "lurking". Some will do it because they are just checking to see if anything is wandering by (they are quite opportunistic feeders) or checking out their world from the relative safety of their hide. Sometimes they do it if they are still in hunt mode or still hungry but not always. Lots of mine, especially the 06's, just like to watch the world from the door of their hide. I'm sure they feel safer that way since they can just duck back in if anything scares them.

[fishmommy]

I like it because I can finally see him!

So, when it is time to handle him in a couple of days what is the best approach....remove the hide and scoop him up?

thanks for your responses!

[iceman25]

So, when it is time to handle him in a couple of days what is the best approach....remove the hide and scoop him up?

Best practice dictates that one not handle the snake for 48hrs after feeding...unless of course their is an emergency of sorts. Try to interact with him when he is up and about. That should usually be in the evening hours. Approach him from behind and avoid any quick movements around his head.

[frankykeno]

We just generally lift up the hide slowly (unless of course they are out and about) and give the snake a gentle rub down the back end, avoiding the head and moving slow and steady. After a couple of touches they mostly know it means they are about to get picked up. Do it enough and they seem to know basic routines and most are at ease with it. Of course, even the most nice tempered snake may decide that today it just doesn't want to bother with you. LOL

[iceman25]

Do it enough and they seem to know basic routines

Bingo!