Oscar is doing Great - Thanks.

[TheMadNucleus]

I wanted to take a moment to thank all of you who responded in an earlier post of mine regarding my new Python’s (Oscar’s) frequent snapping. I elected to create a new thread as the old thread became so unwieldy and so atomic in nature, splitting into many different sub-topics, philosophies and opinions – that it did not make much sense to bring it back from the dead thread heap.

Some of the posts were incredibly useful, however, the thread was very difficult for a newcomer (with some experience from years ago) to reduce to its essence as it contained responses that ranged from downright misinformation to advice with significant wisdom that could have only been obtained from years of considerable experience. You can imagine my frustrations trying to extract what was wisdom from the overwhelming static which was at times irrational, opinionated, and misdirected.

Generally – here’s a recap – comments and what I’ve learned:

1.) Oscar is not snapping. After about 4 weeks he is as docile as could be and despite the philosophical debate which ensued in my other thread as to whether these animals enjoy being handled – I must say that at times it seems that he may actually enjoy his extra-terrestrial (OOTC) experience – I don’t think we will know this for sure any time soon but he rarely tenses up when handled, seems very curious and relaxed and alternates between cruising and chilling.

2.) The advice to leave him alone for a week and then handle him for short periods of time, accompanied by someone’s advice to use gloves at first were all right on the money. The gloves sort of eliminated the caution in me which probably increased his understanding that he was going to be handled despite his antics – also since the glove approach reduced my anxiety it may have also reduced his. Also I would guess that the gloves, being inanimate, do not represent as big a threat as a living being that could be a potential predator.

3.) After discussing the snapping situation with Greg Graziani (who was really helpful and is clearly a concerned breeder and dealer http://www.grazianireptiles.com) we discovered that Oscar was not snapping at all – something that never appeared as a response on my earlier post (or at least I did not see it). Upon closer examination I have to agree with Greg – he was merely jumping so fast out of fear that it was easily mistaken for a snap when in actuality it was a very fast recoil and return to his original position (sort of like a quickly recoiled and released spring)

4.) Eating – clearly one of the best indicators about how a snake is doing and Oscar is eating all too well – 4 jumbo sized frozen mice (Properly thawed of course) since his arrival. He has taken all of these with gusto – I use a pair of aquarium thongs, as soon as I place them in his tank he quickly emerges from his hide and then strikes at them within a minute of evaluation.

5.) A 55 gallon aquarium is a fine abode but more difficult to control and takes a bit more effort on the part of the snake’s owner. None the less with some reasonable due diligence, they work. The key is monitor, monitor, monitor and adjust, adjust, adjust. Heating was of medium difficulty to control and despite many debates pro and con regarding UTH I am using a combo of these and appropriately adjusted lighting. Both can be used effectively and again – due diligence is reauired for both. In the end, if your home’s atmosphere has low humidity – this will be the problem factor in a 55 – however, I built a tank humidifier inexpensively that works great and is adjustable. At this point it is adjusted to about 55% and during sheds it can be adjusted to 65% or 70%. For both temperature and humidly control on a 55 it is critical that the top be at least partially covered – I built a lighting system which covers the majority of the tank with the exception of a 2 inch strip along the back for fresh air. This helped greatly.

6.) Rodentpro is an excellent supplier of frozen food for these guys.

7.) Oscar did have an issue with shedding – his first was a few days ago. Clearly a result of low humidity which I have since corrected – but the fallout had to be dealt with and this site had just the ticket – soaking in a small container, about an inch of water with a towel for 45 – 60 minutes, worked like a charm.

Anyway – thanks again for all of those who patiently responded with little else then concern. And for the one person who said ‘I feel sorry for this guys snake.’ Oscar, will tell you different, so will my four children. 

[hoo-t]

Glad to hear he's doing well!

Steve

[Kobi Baby]

Great post, glad to hear he is doing well