Morelia Amethystina pair - Amethystine python

[dannybgoode]

I know M amethystina aren't mentioned in the description of 'Giant Pythons' on this fine forum but seeing as they're up there with burms and afrocks I'm giving myself membership to the club :D

The breeder has just sent me these photos of the female-freshly shed. The male is deep in shed and I've been promised pictures once he's done.

http://www.dannybower.co.uk/photos/Scrubf1.jpeg
http://www.dannybower.co.uk/photos/Scrubf2.jpeg

[Tiny Boidae]

Adorable little guys! That female is gorgeous too, the irridecance is phenomenal on that snake. Thanks for sharing, and be sure to keep us updated.

[Aaron_S]

Cute teethy noodle you got there!

[dannybgoode]

Adorable little guys! That female is gorgeous too, the irridecance is phenomenal on that snake. Thanks for sharing, and be sure to keep us updated.

They're not called the amethystine python for nothing - in the sunlight these things are sensational.

And they don't necessarily turn it to adorable little adults. They can make even a grumpy retic look positively tame and can get well in excess of 12'. The Australian scrub, the Morelia kinghornii can get to 16' and is possibly even more bad tempered on occasions.

The distance they can strike from what appears to be a benign position is fearsome!

That said, handle them from young and respect them for what they are they are manageable most of the time. They are certainly going to be a huge challenge for me and I have not entered into ownership lightly.

They are however one of the most stunning snakes on the planet.

@Aaron - thanks, I can't wait to pick them up in June :D

[dave himself]

Definitely jealous of you Danny, these were always on my shopping list. I had a chance at one about 5 years ago, I've always regretted not jumping on it. And I'd say your most certainly a member of the giant club now ;)

[trailblazer295]

Stunning animals, I think 12' gets you into the club. I tried sneaking in with a super dwarf :p

[dannybgoode]

Stunning animals, I think 12' gets you into the club. I tried sneaking in with a super dwarf :p

I have one of those incoming also :)

I guess the olives just about count for membership too.

[dannybgoode]

Definitely jealous of you Danny, these were always on my shopping list. I had a chance at one about 5 years ago, I've always regretted not jumping on it. And I'd say your most certainly a member of the giant club now ;)

Exactly why I couldn't pass on these. Kept looking at them and thinking I'll kick myself if I pass.

I'll try and keep you sated with pictures at least.

I know a breeder in Ireland btw - just saying like ;)

[Captain837]

I had a pair many years ago. The female was puppy dog tame the male acted tame but was unpredictable. He latched onto my forearm one day with no warning then just as quickly let go. It was quite the experience as his head was the size of a small shoe box.
They are definately one species who pictures do not do them justice, their iridescent/ velvet complection is something I have seen nowhere else in nature.

[dave himself]

Exactly why I couldn't pass on these. Kept looking at them and thinking I'll kick myself if I pass.

I'll try and keep you sated with pictures at least.

I know a breeder in Ireland btw - just saying like ;)

Thanks for the offer of hooking me up with a breeder mate, but I'd have to build on an extension, which is not gonna happen. You just keep the pics coming, and I'll keep kicking myself for not getting one when we had the room :(

[dannybgoode]

Thanks for the offer of hooking me up with a breeder mate, but I'd have to build on an extension, which is not gonna happen. You just keep the pics coming, and I'll keep kicking myself for not getting one when we had the room :(

Just thought I'd chuck it out there and I could learn from your mistake :)

[dave himself]

Just thought I'd chuck it out there and I could learn from your mistake :)

Oh don't worry mate if any spare room ever comes up I'll be kicking your door down for that name :D

[SWDK]

Awesome additions! I might be a little jealous.

[EL Ziggy]

I'm loving the Scrubs too Danny. Between these guys and the Olives I'd say you've definitely entered the Land of the Giants. I'm very interested to see the differences in personalities between the two amazing species. Olives have a reputation as gentle giants while Scrubs are thought to be a bit more spicy. :)

[dannybgoode]

The breeder is being true to his word and keeping me updated with the scrub pair. He's just sent me this photo of the male freshly shed.

I'm ever so slightly excited now!

They have been named-as is tradition by my little boy (currently 4yo). The male is Stampy Cat and the female is Squishy...

http://www.dannybower.co.uk/photos/Scrubm1.jpeg

[dave himself]

Absolutely beautiful mate, and I think the names are class ;)

[ubermenchwhite]

I had a pair of barnecks from Dave Prada years ago and have always regretted selling them....they are amazing animals and a super unique python in every way. Enjoy them! can't wait to see those patterns once they have some size on them!!!

[dannybgoode]

I had a pair of barnecks from Dave Prada years ago and have always regretted selling them....they are amazing animals and a super unique python in every way. Enjoy them! can't wait to see those patterns once they have some size on them!!!

Any tips for looking after them. I can't wait either!

[ubermenchwhite]

They seem to do well at the same condition I keep my retics at. 88-90 degree hot spot, high 70s on the cool side and 60-70% humidity. Especially when they are young allow branches and virticle space. They seem to need a little more room than snakes of similar size. They are a bit territorial so like most snakes never house two together. These pythons have a very strong feeding response so be careful not to over feed. They are lean mean fighting machines and don't do well with extra weight. Handle them often and they calm down perfectly. They are very intelligent and work well with routines. They are lightening quick strikers so always take percautions when feeding!! They are definitely one of my favorite pythons and I am so jealous of you right now haha!!!!

[SnoopySnake]

Nice!!!! Jealous!

[dannybgoode]

Today is scrub day! Just waiting to for the van hire place to open and then I'll be off :)

Pics to follow later.

[dannybgoode]

So here they are. Only a few months old and many don't get this level of making until they're 18 mo so hopefully they'll just keep getting better.

Such alert snakes and they are *very* feisty - I fully expect blood to be shed over the coming months but this locality does have a good reputation for calming down. That said they're on the list of snakes to never trust.

Male is first pic (Stampy Cat) and second is the girl (Squishy).

http://www.dannybower.co.uk/photos/Scrubm.jpg
http://www.dannybower.co.uk/photos/Scrubf.jpg

[trailblazer295]

They look amazing danny, can't wait to see how these two grow up. Very jealous of your recent additions. You're on fire mate

[TeamSlitherin]

WOW!! Congrats, Danny. Those are brilliant little babes!

[toddnbecka]

Really great looking pair of young ones. Is that your blood on the paper towel in the second pic?
Incidentally, those tubs look a bit small, larger enclosures might improve their dispositions... LOL.

[dannybgoode]

Really great looking pair of young ones. Is that your blood on the paper towel in the second pic?
Incidentally, those tubs look a bit small, larger enclosures might improve their dispositions... LOL.

Ha ha - no its the breeders. She gave him a big goodbye bite! That said she gave me a nip shortly after I took this picture

And you know me - these will be going in killer vivs in due course. I just plonked her in the delivery tub in to the quarantine tub as I couldn't get her out safely otherwise.

It's interesting to note the difference in behaviour with the olive babies also. The olives strike around but with no really intent other than to put you off. These strike to inflict injury!

[dave himself]

They're simply beautiful mate congratulations ;)

[EL Ziggy]

Gorgeous critters there Danny. I'd bet they're going to be amazing as adults.

[marvelfreak]

Beautiful Scrubs.

[dannybgoode]

Gorgeous critters there Danny. I'd bet they're going to be amazing as adults.

These hatched November '16. Usually they do not start showing these kind of markings unto they're 18mo so this pair should be truly special.

They weren't cheap (c. $1k) but what price for really top quality animals?

[dannybgoode]

Contrary to my usual no handling rule the scrubs are the ones I want to at least tolerate it.

Even basic viv maintenance can be hugely risky with full grown adults if they're too viv defensive so they'll be handled briefly once a week or so. They may or may not accept me as not a threat, only time with tell.

Had them out tonight and got a couple of reasonable shots.

Squishy
http://www.dannybower.co.uk/photos/Squishy.jpg

Stampy Cat
http://www.dannybower.co.uk/photos/Stampy.jpg

[EL Ziggy]

Aww, they're soo cute :).

[dannybgoode]

Aww, they're soo cute :).

Little strings of hate :)

Actually they were pretty chilled tonight - no attempts to strike.

[trailblazer295]

Beautiful death worms. Hopefully they won't try and kill you every chance they get. Good luck mate :D

[dave himself]

Did I tell you I really don't like you yet :D. They really are beautiful mate, but if I were you I'd handle them 3 times a week at this age and maybe cut back as they get older. Just my opinion mate :)

[dannybgoode]

Did I tell you I really don't like you yet :D. They really are beautiful mate, but if I were you I'd handle them 3 times a week at this age and maybe cut back as they get older. Just my opinion mate :)

You have mentioned it a couple of times :). I'll take hate though as they really are special snakes ;).

I'm not adverse to up the handling once they're settled. I have been speaking to last few scrub owners and they largely do calm down with enough gentle handling.

They're intelligent snakes though and remember when you've stressed then as well as when you've been gentle with them apparently and will punish accordingly so it's a balancing act.

I'll get there with them though.

[trailblazer295]

Wow snakes that hold a grudge that's a new one.

[dannybgoode]

Wow snakes that hold a grudge that's a new one.

Not a grudge as such, they just 'remember' (if that's the right word in respect of a snake) poor handling and react accordingly.

[trailblazer295]

Not a grudge as such, they just 'remember' (if that's the right word in respect of a snake) poor handling and react accordingly.

I've heard of conditioning and getting used to people but to remember to that degree seems much faster then any other snake I've heard. Usually takes other snakes several handlings for them to realize you aren't trying to kill them.

You better be on your best behaviour mate ;)

[dannybgoode]

They are very quick learners. I've heard for example of it only taking 2 or 3 feeds on say the left side of the viv for them to associate that door opening with feeding and consequently the right door being opened is somewhat ignored whereas go anywhere near the left and they're expecting food immediately.

Similarly rough handling with a hook will quickly result in them avoiding the hook altogether or attacking it.

Really looking forward to working with them.

[trailblazer295]

That isn't as surprising, was talking to a guy at an expo last weekend. His female SD knows what the latches on the door mean. As soon as he unlocks the first one her head is by the second before he can even take his hands off the first.

[dannybgoode]

Had Squishy outside for the first time. She's doing great - no attempts to strike last few handling sessions. Stampy Cat is deep in blue so I let him be...

http://www.dannybower.co.uk/photos/Squishsun1.jpg
http://www.dannybower.co.uk/photos/Squishsun2.jpg

[EL Ziggy]

Awesome critter Danny. I love the pattern and colors. She's going to be absolutely stunning as an adult!

[trailblazer295]

Man they are stunning, keep them coming.

[dave himself]

She's beautiful Danny, and it's good to see pics of these. Pics of the male when he sheds would be nice ;)

[dannybgoode]

She's beautiful Danny, and it's good to see pics of these. Pics of the male when he sheds would be nice ;)

As soon as he has shed Dave I'll be on it.

Thanks all for the kind comments. She's a joy to own - I'm very lucky to have this pair.

[TeamSlitherin]

Yes, we need pictures of Stampy Cat! He is my very favorite snake on the forum.

[dannybgoode]

Stampy Cat shed last night - was a bit messy but he let me clean it up without any aggro. He's pretty chilled to be fair.

Photos as promised...

http://www.dannybower.co.uk/photos/Stampsun.jpg
http://www.dannybower.co.uk/photos/Stampsun2.jpg

[EL Ziggy]

Very handsome critter Danny!

[dannybgoode]

Very handsome critter Danny!

Thanks zig. He's a great snake - very chilled for a scrub. That may change a bit when he's in a proper viv but hopefully not.

[TeamSlitherin]

Yesss, Stampy! My favorite. He is an extraordinary animal. Excited to watch him get big.

[dannybgoode]

Last few days of quarantine for the scrub pair. Went to check on them today and they're both freshly shed.

The iridescence on Squishy in particular is insane. Super snakes the both of them...

Squishy

http://www.dannybower.co.uk/photos/Squishyshed.jpg

Stampy

http://www.dannybower.co.uk/photos/Stampyshed.jpg

[EL Ziggy]

The Scrubs are looking great Danny!

[TeamSlitherin]

Look at them! They're like mean little glow sticks!! My favorite pair are looking awesome, Danny.

[dannybgoode]

Don't cry TS but I may be selling Stampy. Want an unrelated male and can't really justify keeping him if I find one.

It's a tough decision but if I want breed them its the right move.

[DJC Reptiles]

Awesome snake, hope he will find a good home. Pretty rare in the hobby too.

[dannybgoode]

He'll only go if I absolutely must and any potential owner will be thoroughly vetted.

I know someone who may be interested in him who I know will take excellent care of him but we'll see.

And thank you - yes they're pretty special to me and rarely come up in the UK. I know the odd breeder but they're few and far between.

[TeamSlitherin]

Don't cry TS but I may be selling Stampy. Want an unrelated male and can't really justify keeping him if I find one.

It's a tough decision but if I want breed them its the right move.

Oh man!!! If I lived in the same hemisphere, I’d scoop that up in a heartbeat! He is an extraordinary animal, but for breeding, I know you don’t want clutch mates. Man, I will be sad to miss his growing photos.