New Murray Darling

[Ingrid]

Hi, I bought a Murray Darling yesterday, 6 months old, male. He's still in his click-clack and I was wondering whether I should begin handling him tonight.. or leave him alone for a few days because he's just been moved to a new house. I handled him a lot yesterday and he was wonderful and placcid, but this morning he was VERY snappy and even trying to bite through the container when I was checking on him. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.. this is my first reptile and need plenty of advice =)

 

[Snakewoman]

It's best to leave them for a week or two. It's hard, but snakes take longer to settle in than some other animals. The reason he's snappy is because he's in a new environment, and is confused about where he is. In a couple of weeks time when he's comfortable with his surroundings, he'll calm down again. If you have a small hook you could use to pick him up with, this would be a good idea as picking up a small python with your hands can terrify them which can result in them snapping at you to protects themselves.

At this age it's best to feed him once a week, then don't handle him for two days, or until he passes waste. Handling a snake with a full stomach can cause stress, and the snake may even regurgitate it's food.

Congratulations on the new snake, I'm sure you'll love him. I have a Murray Darling too, they're great snakes

 

[Ingrid]

Thanks so much for your advice. I will try to leave him be for at least a week .. although it will be hard because I'm so keen to hold him and probably a little bit excited to have him!

 

[Troyster]

It's best to leave them for a week or two. It's hard, but snakes take longer to settle in than some other animals. The reason he's snappy is because he's in a new environment, and is confused about where he is. In a couple of weeks time when he's comfortable with his surroundings, he'll calm down again. If you have a small hook you could use to pick him up with, this would be a good idea as picking up a small python with your hands can terrify them which can result in them snapping at you to protects themselves.

At this age it's best to feed him once a week, then don't handle him for two days, or until he passes waste. Handling a snake with a full stomach can cause stress, and the snake may even regurgitate it's food.

Congratulations on the new snake, I'm sure you'll love him. I have a Murray Darling too, they're great snakes

Pretty much spot on,all i would add is TRY to avoid handling (except when cleaning click clack)until he has had a couple of feeds in your care.Then slowly get him used to being handled.
I know its hard when all you want to do is get him out every 10 minutes for a hold but you will have him for many years so waiting the extra time isnt that bad and gives him the best start you can.

 

[Ingrid]

Thanks again. Done well this afternoon.. haven't annoyed him too much! Definately haven't touched him, tried not to get too close to him and disturb him. A couple of other things I wanted some advice on.. (and I'm sure they have been covered in other threads, so apologies if I'm repeating many other questions) was what's the best way to heat the fuzzies up for him? I know that they shouldn't be microwaved, I've heard that putting them in hot water is good, or defrosting them and then sitting them on paper towel on a dvd player or other warm appliance.. ? But best what's at getting them to the right temperature, and how long should I leave it in his container if he doesn't take it right away?

 

[Snakewoman]

I defrost my rats in a plastic tub filled with hot water. It's not good to use boiling water because the rats tend to pop open, and everything spills out. Looks and smells disgusting! Just leave the rat in there, and keep feeling it every few minutes. When you can't feel anymore cold/frozen bits in the rat, it's safe to give it to your snake. Pick the back half of the rat up with tongs and present the head to the snake so it grabs the head. The snake will be able to eat it much quicker then. Some young snakes get confused if they grab the body of the rat, and it can take them a long time to figure out how to eat it. Sometimes they might get really frustrated and stop trying to eat it.

If he doesn't eat it straight away, leave it in there with him for a few hours and try to have limited movement near where the snake is. If nothing's moving around, he should feel comfortable enough to come out and eat. If this doesn't work, you can try putting a hole in the rat's head so some of the brain matter comes out (sounds gross I know). This will make the rat more enticing to the snake. Keep trying these things, sometimes snakes don't eat for a few weeks after they're put in a new place, but if that happens don't worry too much. The last baby carpet python I bought didn't eat for nearly a month after I got her. When she did start eating I had to leave the food with her overnight or she wouldn't eat it. Now that she's comfortable she accepts food as soon as it's offered instead of eating it hours later.

 

[Dipcdame]

With the rats and mice that we defrost, we generally put it on top of the enclosure, above the area where the heat lamp is.......... warms beautifully!

 

[Ingrid]

Thanks guys.. here's Fergus' first photo! I'm a bit of a proud parent, I must say!

 

[Troyster]

I just thaw mine in regular tap water then once fully thawed i warm them under warm running tap water.
Just been sure the belly of the rat/mouse is squidgy and then i put the head against the inside of my wrist to check as its usually the head that stays frozen/cold the longest i have found.

 

[Snakeluvver2]

Beautiful python you have there

 

[Snakewoman]

Aww, he's a cute little snake

 

[waikare]

awesome snake mate i just got a hatchie a few months back, she was placid from the day i got her.

 

[python_dan89]

nice python mate =)

I get my hatchie in a couple of weeks earlyer i hope nice female jungle

 

[Ingrid]

Fergus was placid the day we got him too! I couldn't believe how placid. Now he's er.. come out of his shell or something lol.. It makes him interesting though, how feisty he is. I quite like it.:lol: