MD carpet breathing heavily

[n3xia]

Hi guys, just an update after a crazy busy day for myself and Millicent! We've been to a reptile vet (well, my preferred vet wasn't there but I was assured the other vet had experience with snakes and could diagnose any possible respiratory issues) and got the all clear. Even in the few days I've had her, she's been huffing much less and it's becoming more clear that it's just when around strangers/in pillow slips for transport, etc.

Millie is about 1.8m and weighed in at 4.4kg today at the vets. She's apparently 5 years old and 5th generation captive bred. The previous owner said she has been feeding on prey anywhere from 500g-1.5kg, specifically extra large rats, rabbits and chickens. He said last week he had fed her a couple of the peaceful doves (aka pigeons) that we have here, which I was pretty concerned about! And yep I am definitely an advocate for defrosted, never fed live and apparently Millie has taken defrosted prey so I have an 800g rabbit defrosting for her now. I'm not too keen on extra large rats because of fat content and nutritional value, although they are much easier to get.

Fingers crossed she takes the rabbit as I think she's been having live for a while. I found it pretty difficult to find suitable frozen prey for her today at a reasonable price (one pet shop wanted $50 for 2x 400g rabbits! Ended up paying $35 for one 800g rabbit) so I think I'll be picking up some gas and getting live prey. I've been told I can get live roosters for $4 so I think that will be best in the long term. I know most of my friends just feed live because it's cheaper and easier but I also know about the near misses when the prey fights back :S

Millie has been super tolerant of all the moving around lately and sooo friendly towards everyone who's held her so far. Only thing is she's a bit fidgety because she's so large and a bit awkward to hold, but I'm sure I'll get used to it. Here's another photo of my sister holding her today.

 

[Snapped]

Oh, look how big she is, your sister looks very comfortable handling her!

Im pleased she got the all clear from the vet, its always good to get that when you arent sure if they could be sick or not. And hopefully she'll eat the rabbit, the prices are pretty shocking aren't they though? I thought i had it bad because I pay $14 for a medium rat at my local produce store (im not driving at the moment) but they are being sold for $5.50 in the next town.
Im going to see if I can source some day old chicks soon, and give a couple of those every 2nd or 3rd feed, they are around $1.10 each, and I won't be fussed if he refuses to eat, but refusing a $14 rat (like tonight) hurts the wallet. LOL

My boy likes to be down on the ground, he's very wriggly and wanting to go everywhere when you hold him, but he likes climbing my housemates (bald) head for some reason. LOL

 

[n3xia]

Update #2: Millie happily ate the defrosted rabbit this afternoon I have a video of it but the lighting was crap so you can't see much :/ And yeah that's pretty much why I was a bit nervous - I knew a rabbit wouldn't be cheap. Still $50 was a shock!

 

[Snapped]

Update #2: Millie happily ate the defrosted rabbit this afternoon I have a video of it but the lighting was crap so you can't see much :/ And yeah that's pretty much why I was a bit nervous - I knew a rabbit wouldn't be cheap. Still $50 was a shock!

Well that's a relief! (the rat my boy refused tonight, ive stuck back in the fridge for another try tomorrow).