I have a 16 month old Stimson's Python that I have had for 3 months and I haven't had and problems with him (well I call him a him but I don't know sex for sure). When I feed him I use a pair of feeding tongs and he always strikes perfectly without hesitation. I fed him a week ago and upon striking he missed the mouse and as a reflex I let go of it, he then started to come over towards my hand, I withdrew quickly and he eventually ate the mouse from the ground. For the following week he was different to handle, always hesitant. I fed him again yesterday and he did the same thing except this time as I was putting the lock back on the glass he struck straight at me! Since then he sits in his favourite log looking straight out at my room, whenever I begin to move around in my room he assumes the defensive 'S' shape and comes out of the hide a bit he has also yawned towards me a couple times (I have only seen him do this right after eating). He only shed 3 weeks ago and isn't showing any other signs. This is my fist snake and I am getting a bit worried, can anyone help?
HELP! Do snakes cage guard?
- Thread starter zelbzle
- Start date
-
- Tags
- morelia bredli
Help Support Aussie Pythons & Snakes Forum:
- Status
87batesy
Active Member
- Joined
- Mar 9, 2011
- Messages
- 188
- Reaction score
- 0
I not heaps experienced so dont take my reply to heart if im wrong but i think you need to show him who's boss.
When you get him out be 100% dedicated!!! once to start to reach for him dont stop go straight in.... dont hesitate at all.
You'll probably get bitten a few times but he should hopefully learn that you wont take no for an answer!
When you get him out be 100% dedicated!!! once to start to reach for him dont stop go straight in.... dont hesitate at all.
You'll probably get bitten a few times but he should hopefully learn that you wont take no for an answer!
saximus
Almost Legendary
They get defensive straight after eating because they are more vulnerable. Some snakes are also cage defensive. If you want to remove it you can try using a hook and seeing if he settles down once out. Also don't try handling for at least three or four days after a feed
This is incorrect. It's a myth that inexperienced people propagate
This is incorrect. It's a myth that inexperienced people propagate
saximus
Almost Legendary
Also the "yawning" after feeding is generally done to relocate the jaw. It isn't a defence thing so don't be worried about that
sfearn242
Not so new Member
- Joined
- Jan 26, 2010
- Messages
- 46
- Reaction score
- 0
I did not propagate this I have read it and seen it and have been told this. I think it does make a difference when you feed. Mine get really excited when they go into there feed container. And also it is a lot cleaner this way. There is nothing left behind in there cage, it makes taking them out easy and they don't expet to get feed. It works for me.
saximus
Almost Legendary
Sorry that wasn't meant to sound rude. Although technically you are helping propagate it by adding it to this thread 
.
By doing this, there is also the possibility that you will condition them to go into feeding mode every time they are removed from the enclosure. It seems to work for some people but I would suggest that for those individual snakes that it "works" for would be just as calm if they were fed in the enclosure
So are you saying he does it the day after feeding as well as straight after? They do also just yawn like most animals. You may have just been lucky and caught him a couple of times
. By doing this, there is also the possibility that you will condition them to go into feeding mode every time they are removed from the enclosure. It seems to work for some people but I would suggest that for those individual snakes that it "works" for would be just as calm if they were fed in the enclosure
So are you saying he does it the day after feeding as well as straight after? They do also just yawn like most animals. You may have just been lucky and caught him a couple of times
Flaviruthless
Very Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Oct 21, 2009
- Messages
- 1,203
- Reaction score
- 1
I feed all of my snakes in their enclosures and have yet to experience a feeding response bite when removing them to handle them.
B
Bluetongue1
Guest
There are three basic reasons why a snake will yawn under normal conditions. To realign the jaw after feeding (as mentioned), to loosen the skin on the head when coming up to slough and to stretch muscles and ligaments that have not been used for a while (similar to us stretching). If a snake is yawning several times an hour this would indicate there was something wrong, such as irritation in the mouth as a result of canker (stomatitis) or difficulty in breathing as a result of respiratory infection. At this stage it does not sound like the yawning is anything to be concerned about.
The question is, why did it miss striking these last two times and why was it so reactive? It doesn’t sound like its coming up to slough – timing and its still eating. So given its eyesight is not the problem, something else was likely affecting it when you went to feed it the first time it missed. I would be looking for a change in environment. Check your temps and the viv. Make sure it’s not mites. Go through any changes you can think of between the feed before and the first feed it missed its strike – new pets, pet suddenly taking greater interest in snake cage, moved cage, new TV or sound system, moved a fridge or freezer nearby (the compressors are noisy), construction going on outside, using an air freshener or toilet deodorant, using a new brand of highly scented soap, kids have been showing their mates the snake, etc. Have you changed your routine with it? Feeding at a different time? Did you source the food item form somewhere different? Did you prepare it differently? ETC
The snake appears to be feeling insecure at the moment which is why it is reacting to your visual presence in the manner it is. Try covering half of the front of the cage with a towel. If it is still reacting, cover more. Keep your contact with it for the next week at least to a bare minimum. That means no handling because that is only likely to stress it out more. Give it a chance to regain its feeling of security. After a week or so, star winding back the towel, a little at a time every 2 or 3 days. Play it by ear, until it can be uncovered completely without going into defence mode. Then give it another week before you attempt to handle it and keep that to once a week for a little while. Basically take baby steps to allow it to regain its confidence in its surroundings.
I would continue to keep an eye out for any signs of sickness at the same time because that can’t be entirely ruled out as the reason for the behavioural change. Secondly, you may find it easier and less stressful on the snake to leave the food item in the cage for it rather than hold it in front of it. If you are concerned about possible ingestion of substrate, or mess, simply place sheet of newspaper folded in four on the floor of the cage and place the rodent in the middle. Develop a consistent feeding routine if you haven’t already. Always feed at the same time, preferably after dark, when they would normally be out hunting for tucker. Never take out and / or handle at this time. You can even introduce food from one side of the enclosure and do your maintenance and snake removal from the other. Eventually the snake will recognise the difference.
If you do have to remove the snake while it is in a defensive mood, open the enclosure and let start making its own way out. Once the head and neck are clear you can use a small snake hook to gently prevent the head from reaching back in if it tries. This way you place your other hand in and lift out the body without fear of being bitten. You can continue to use the hook to gently restrain the head if you feel the need but usually you don’t need to. Basically the hook shouldn’t be bearing any weight. If you need to re-build your confidence, you can wear leather or heavy rubber gloves. I personally don’t believe that allowing a snake to tag you is good for the snake. Besides which, I have a strange aversion for pain!
Bear in mind there is more than one way to skin a cat. This is merely one way to tackle the problem but I have attempted to explain why I think it is preferable.
Blue
The question is, why did it miss striking these last two times and why was it so reactive? It doesn’t sound like its coming up to slough – timing and its still eating. So given its eyesight is not the problem, something else was likely affecting it when you went to feed it the first time it missed. I would be looking for a change in environment. Check your temps and the viv. Make sure it’s not mites. Go through any changes you can think of between the feed before and the first feed it missed its strike – new pets, pet suddenly taking greater interest in snake cage, moved cage, new TV or sound system, moved a fridge or freezer nearby (the compressors are noisy), construction going on outside, using an air freshener or toilet deodorant, using a new brand of highly scented soap, kids have been showing their mates the snake, etc. Have you changed your routine with it? Feeding at a different time? Did you source the food item form somewhere different? Did you prepare it differently? ETC
The snake appears to be feeling insecure at the moment which is why it is reacting to your visual presence in the manner it is. Try covering half of the front of the cage with a towel. If it is still reacting, cover more. Keep your contact with it for the next week at least to a bare minimum. That means no handling because that is only likely to stress it out more. Give it a chance to regain its feeling of security. After a week or so, star winding back the towel, a little at a time every 2 or 3 days. Play it by ear, until it can be uncovered completely without going into defence mode. Then give it another week before you attempt to handle it and keep that to once a week for a little while. Basically take baby steps to allow it to regain its confidence in its surroundings.
I would continue to keep an eye out for any signs of sickness at the same time because that can’t be entirely ruled out as the reason for the behavioural change. Secondly, you may find it easier and less stressful on the snake to leave the food item in the cage for it rather than hold it in front of it. If you are concerned about possible ingestion of substrate, or mess, simply place sheet of newspaper folded in four on the floor of the cage and place the rodent in the middle. Develop a consistent feeding routine if you haven’t already. Always feed at the same time, preferably after dark, when they would normally be out hunting for tucker. Never take out and / or handle at this time. You can even introduce food from one side of the enclosure and do your maintenance and snake removal from the other. Eventually the snake will recognise the difference.
If you do have to remove the snake while it is in a defensive mood, open the enclosure and let start making its own way out. Once the head and neck are clear you can use a small snake hook to gently prevent the head from reaching back in if it tries. This way you place your other hand in and lift out the body without fear of being bitten. You can continue to use the hook to gently restrain the head if you feel the need but usually you don’t need to. Basically the hook shouldn’t be bearing any weight. If you need to re-build your confidence, you can wear leather or heavy rubber gloves. I personally don’t believe that allowing a snake to tag you is good for the snake. Besides which, I have a strange aversion for pain!
Bear in mind there is more than one way to skin a cat. This is merely one way to tackle the problem but I have attempted to explain why I think it is preferable.
Blue
Last edited by a moderator:
veenarm
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Dec 15, 2010
- Messages
- 337
- Reaction score
- 0
My diamond yawns before and after his meal.
Has never striked at a meal though, and i feed him in his cage - just move it near him then sit it on a log or something close by, he mozies on over and smells it up and down and just slowly opens his mouth and eats it from its position... freaking lazy snake if you ask me!
He used to be cage defensive tohugh, striking at me etc but he has gotten better with time
Has never striked at a meal though, and i feed him in his cage - just move it near him then sit it on a log or something close by, he mozies on over and smells it up and down and just slowly opens his mouth and eats it from its position... freaking lazy snake if you ask me!
He used to be cage defensive tohugh, striking at me etc but he has gotten better with time
sookie
Very Well-Known Member
I have been lucky enough to see sookie yawn a few times since i have had her.she usually yawns just once before going to sleep out in the sun in her mesh enslosure.i always feed in their tanks,i take out whoever for playtime before a feed,cos i can't play with them for a few days after,and while they are out with me,somehow the food mysteriously appears in the homes.i have never had any trouble with feeding because they never know if food will be there or not,makes putting them away heaps easier too.
saximus
Almost Legendary
I love your mini essays Blue. So informative. It's nice of you to put the time and effort into such in-depth answers as well
B
Bluetongue1
Guest
Saximus,
Thanks. I have the time because I have had to take early retirement due to illness and I am currently taking a break from what I was involved in to keep my mind active. I have a broad-ranging knowledge of things biological in particular, and science in general, and I don’t see the point to having accrued it if I don’t put it too some good use. [Love your signature quote by the way]. And as an ex-teacher I believe if you understand why you do something, the worth of that knowledge is increased because you can adapt it to different situations. Unfortunately the ‘why’ often takes a lot longer to convey than the ‘what’.
Blue
Sookie,
What a clever idea. I really like that one. I was looking at the training solution from the point of view of someone with a full-time job and a large collection of snakes to look after on top. Where numbers and circumstances allow, I think that’s a really excellent alternative.
Blue
Thanks. I have the time because I have had to take early retirement due to illness and I am currently taking a break from what I was involved in to keep my mind active. I have a broad-ranging knowledge of things biological in particular, and science in general, and I don’t see the point to having accrued it if I don’t put it too some good use. [Love your signature quote by the way]. And as an ex-teacher I believe if you understand why you do something, the worth of that knowledge is increased because you can adapt it to different situations. Unfortunately the ‘why’ often takes a lot longer to convey than the ‘what’.
Blue
Sookie,
What a clever idea. I really like that one. I was looking at the training solution from the point of view of someone with a full-time job and a large collection of snakes to look after on top. Where numbers and circumstances allow, I think that’s a really excellent alternative.
Blue
Last edited by a moderator:
i think the feeding/cage defensive thing is dependant on the individual animal,..
i have a female diamond who remembers the last place she was fed and for the next 10 times shes there she is in feeding mode even if there isnt even a hint of food, i once fed her in the mesh sunning cages, every time i put her in one (not a smell thing, cages were hosed down, even tried a different idential one that had never been close to a rat) after that she'd be waiting and hammer me as soon as i approached,..
a year later i fed her in the middle section of the aviary, same response, feeding mode the next 10 or so times i put her out there, i couldnt even go thru to the last section without being struck at, i could however put her in the first or last section without a problem.
i accidentally put her on a feeding chair a while ago, i was vaccuming while she was exploring, went to pick her back up when id finished and just got missed by a monster strike!!
i am positive if i were to start feeding her in her cage i would live to regret it,...
snakes do associate feeding places with food, now days when i let my oldest bredli out fro a cruise he first checks out his original feeding chairs (bar stools) for ratty presents, then moves on to each of the dining chairs (where i feed him now), double checks them all then stays there for hours in hope.
the rest are in feeding mode as soon as theyre placed on their chairs,...i wont be feeding in cages, ever!!
i have a female diamond who remembers the last place she was fed and for the next 10 times shes there she is in feeding mode even if there isnt even a hint of food, i once fed her in the mesh sunning cages, every time i put her in one (not a smell thing, cages were hosed down, even tried a different idential one that had never been close to a rat) after that she'd be waiting and hammer me as soon as i approached,..
a year later i fed her in the middle section of the aviary, same response, feeding mode the next 10 or so times i put her out there, i couldnt even go thru to the last section without being struck at, i could however put her in the first or last section without a problem.
i accidentally put her on a feeding chair a while ago, i was vaccuming while she was exploring, went to pick her back up when id finished and just got missed by a monster strike!!
i am positive if i were to start feeding her in her cage i would live to regret it,...
snakes do associate feeding places with food, now days when i let my oldest bredli out fro a cruise he first checks out his original feeding chairs (bar stools) for ratty presents, then moves on to each of the dining chairs (where i feed him now), double checks them all then stays there for hours in hope.
the rest are in feeding mode as soon as theyre placed on their chairs,...i wont be feeding in cages, ever!!
- Status
Similar threads
