Angry and unsociable JCP - advice & feedback most appreciated!

[Greengirl]

Greetings Everyone, just joined today :)
Great forum.
In a challenging situation. Have a 7.5 ft female JCP, we've had her nearly 2 years.
She usually gets fed 1-2 thawed/warmed large rats every 3 weeks. She's a great feeder, takes about a couple of seconds before she strikes and grabs them.
She used to be the sweetest, most good natured and sociable snake.
About 1 month ago she bit me, she was hungry and we were waiting for a new shipment of rats so she hadn't eaten for about 5 weeks. I wasn't paying attention and she struck my thumb, not very painful just bit of blood. Since then noticed she is very antisocial and coils up in strike pose when I go to stroke her. I prefer not to use a snake hook.
Trying to make friends with her again, know you should handle them 20-30 minutes every day except after feeding where about 24-48 hours no handling is best.
Advice/suggestions most welcome.

[Mikoh4792]

Hi Greengirl, I would advise using a snake hook, even if you prefer not to. I find my carpets to be easier to handle after manoeuvring them out with a snake hook, rather than going in and grabbing them. Come to think of it, most of the times I've gotten bitten was when I tried going in without a snake hook.

Where did you get the idea that carpets should be handled that long everyday day except feeding? I rarely handle my carpets; usually only during maintenance and they are all fine. I've actually had carpets calm down as a result of leaving them alone.

There is a carpet python keeper/breeder here who actually recommends frequent, smaller meals as opposed to larger, infrequent meals. It's supposedly better for their health in the long run.

I would say take your time with her and try a different approach that doesn't get her so riled up, such as using a hook to gently lift her up, and approaching her from the side rather than towards or above her head.

[formica]

agree, take your time, if she's defensive, then she is scared - and it seems that allot of carpets are defensive in their vivs, I know my two are, but they chill out after a few minutes once taken out

[Mikoh4792]

I forgot to add, i think it's normal for them to startle after being stroked. Some of my carpets don't mind it, but I do have a couple of carpets that will absolutely freak out when touched on the sides or the back.

[sharthun]

Hey and Welcome!

[Greengirl]

Hey, thanks for the feedback & welcome:)
@ Mihkoh4792 The snake hook sounds like the better option for now.
Always approach her from the side. So you think she should be fed more regularly? We found we were throwing away rats if we fed her every 2 weeks - we started on 1 rat every 2 weeks & she wasn't interested. We adopted her from the local reptile humane society and they were feeding her 3 Xlarge rats in 1 sitting which thought was way too much..
A couple of other sites recommend 20-30 minutes handling though in the past she seemed happy with 10-15 minutes every couple of days. Let her out in the garden on warm sunny days.
@Formica Know what you mean about them been defensive in their vivs, she is alot more chilled once she's out.
Will let you know it goes, thanks again for all the feedback.
There's a video my hubby did of her last year when she was much friendlier, it's on you tube, the title is: Priya, our friendly 7 foot Jungle Carpet Python.
She was either dumped by someone or escaped as she was found wrapped around a willow tree in a nature spot which is a death sentence for a tropical snake in Colorado mid October a couple of years ago. Luckily a 13 y/o budding herpetologist spotted her and realised she wasn't a native species. She's grown over a couple of feet since then.
Really hope she gets more sociable again as she was so chill and so inquisitive about everything.

[Mikoh4792]

I think she should be fed regularly but with smaller meals. Here a link for reference. http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/morelia-spilota/104416-couple-questions.html#post905938

I wouldn't listen to any site that recommends daily handling of snakes. Snakes are not social animals and would be better off left alone. They tolerate handling, they don't enjoy it. I really do think you'll have more luck getting your carpet python to calm down if you leave it be and not stress it out. However letting it out for a stroll in the garden isn't really "handling" and she should be just fine with that.

[Greengirl]

Thanks for the link Mikoh4792. Certainly food for thought about feeding times.
She seems to be abit more laid back the alst couple of days. Managed to handle her for about 10 minutes last night, the first time in months so making some progress.

[formica]

good to hear :)

mine have been handled for 4 months, and they still hate me haha bitey little buggers