Handling Help

[MontyB]

Have a young Bredli <10 months and whilst he is a great feeder (currently alternating between 2 weaner mice and 1 fuzzy rat per week) and just had his first shed since I got him, he is flighty as can be when trying to handle him.

Whether he feels the hook, hand or finger he slithers off as fast as he can which can make for enclosure to enclosure transfer loads of fun.

He definately has more patience than me, seemingly prepared to keep this chase on hoping I give up. Occassionally he'll strike out at open air if it goes on for too long but more times than not he'll form into a coil and that's when I can hook him and feed him. Even after all this one sided play time he feeds easily and is happy to be watched by the kids as he devours his meal.

He is currently in a 4x2x2 enclosure, 32-24 temps and is happy to cruise the enclosure from late afternoon. Has UVB and night lighting and spends the day sleeping on one of the light cages.

So I guess my question is - how to sedate this wannbe runaway? Thought about a few weights in his food to slow him down a bit to even the chase but worried about lead poisining.

 

[euphorion]

baby bredlis are flighty by nature, and will calm down as they age even if this takes a year or two. the enclosure in my opinion is far too big and might be playing a part as he will be stressed by so much open space. put him in a click clack, about 1ft square with a heatcord and lots of hides, see how he goes after a few weeks in one of those.

 

[Chris1]

i just stick my hand in and pick them up. (i hate hooks)

they only get handled once or twice a week and are settling down nicely.

my cage is the same size as urs and has quite a few hides and places for them to feel safe. i even put a facewasher over their basking spot so they could curl up under something, theyre much happier that way.

he probably wont hurt if he gets u.