Hi everyone..
I realise some may find this laughable, but I have a 2 year old southwestern carpet python who i've had since she was 3 months old. I copped a few insignificant tags when she was small, then she quietened down. Lately she's been a nightmare to get out of her cage. She 'S'es right up, and strikes at anything that moves.
I use a hook, and gently bring her out and try and encourage her to move on top of her tank so when shes facing away from me, and starting to uncoil from her branch, i can reach in and carefully lift her out. once she is out, she's fine. i've been trying to handle her frequently, but she just makes me really nervous. I realise it could just be that she's a bitey snake. And I know it isn't really that bad of a bite. And it doesn't hurt. It just seems to be an instinctive thing that she makes me nervous.
I also am a little unsure about using a hook. She is always wrapped so tight around her tree, I normally Let her come out of the tank of her own accord, then lift the front third of her body up so she'll climb onto the top of her tank... Ive seen some people say 'just get bitten', but surely its better not to? I guess its one way to improve my handling skills. But Just wanted some advice on using hooks. I need a bigger one as the one i have its the small retractable one from herpshop, which was fine when she was smaller, but isn't big enough now...
So basically, My questions are:
Has anyone got any other advice on handling a tank guarder?
And can anyone give me advice on using a hook?
Failing that, guess i gotta take that spoon of concrete
Thanks, Rachael
I realise some may find this laughable, but I have a 2 year old southwestern carpet python who i've had since she was 3 months old. I copped a few insignificant tags when she was small, then she quietened down. Lately she's been a nightmare to get out of her cage. She 'S'es right up, and strikes at anything that moves.
I use a hook, and gently bring her out and try and encourage her to move on top of her tank so when shes facing away from me, and starting to uncoil from her branch, i can reach in and carefully lift her out. once she is out, she's fine. i've been trying to handle her frequently, but she just makes me really nervous. I realise it could just be that she's a bitey snake. And I know it isn't really that bad of a bite. And it doesn't hurt. It just seems to be an instinctive thing that she makes me nervous.
I also am a little unsure about using a hook. She is always wrapped so tight around her tree, I normally Let her come out of the tank of her own accord, then lift the front third of her body up so she'll climb onto the top of her tank... Ive seen some people say 'just get bitten', but surely its better not to? I guess its one way to improve my handling skills. But Just wanted some advice on using hooks. I need a bigger one as the one i have its the small retractable one from herpshop, which was fine when she was smaller, but isn't big enough now...
So basically, My questions are:
Has anyone got any other advice on handling a tank guarder?
And can anyone give me advice on using a hook?
Failing that, guess i gotta take that spoon of concrete
Thanks, Rachael