Strange behavior

[TeamSlitherin]

Last night, I️ was holding my young Tanimbar python, as I️ often do. I️ must have done something to trigger that smart little scrub brain of his, because as soon as I️ put him to bed, he believed I️ was going to feed him. The only thing I️ can think of is that I️ began feeding him with tongs about 3 weeks ago and, for some reason, last night I️ left the tongs on top of his enclosure.

In any case, the greedy little monster just ate 3 days ago, so he was definitely not getting dinner. He is such a lamb outside his viv, but as soon as he crosses the threshold, he turns into a demon. I️ took a couple videos, because I’d never seen him behave this way before. His pupils became extra dilated and he thrashed his tail about like the creature from Alien. Or like some super intense caudal luring attempt. At one point, his own tail startles him and he turns on it! I’ve seen him accidentally wrap his tail around his face before and scare himself. Is he really that derpy or is his tail a separate alien entity?! Anyone seen their snake do this before?!

https://youtu.be/XrWtcF-ExzA

https://youtu.be/y-Z8W-om0Iw

[Albert Clark]

Short explanation is captive animal with wild instincts on display. Maybe he is in a state of hyperexcitability and is thrown into feeding mode once back in the terrarium? Possibly a hunting tactic with the tail to distract or attract prey? Maybe he needs a upgrade in amount of food or frequency in feedings.

[TRD]

ooo he's going to be loads of fun when he's bigger.. just I think these stay rather small right? 2 meters or below.

Scrubs and food...

[TeamSlitherin]

ooo he's going to be loads of fun when he's bigger.. just I think these stay rather small right? 2 meters or below.

Scrubs and food...

Hahahaha, I️ had JUST said that in a video I️ sent to my mom from earlier in the night. I️ just saw a picture of a breeder holding a 9 foot CB male! Then another keeper chimed in saying he had a pair that both pushed 9 ft as well. Soooo it sounds like I️ could be in for a fun surprise! :rolleyes: He’s already 4 ft at just over a year!

[dannybgoode]

Pah - 9'. I know of one of the very few kinghornii in captivity in Europe. They can push 18'+!

The same guy does have a stunning 9' Nauta and a 16' koefia locality.

But yes their behaviour is fascinating. So switched on - most alert snakes I know.

[TeamSlitherin]

Pah - 9'. I know of one of the very few kinghornii in captivity in Europe. They can push 18'+!

The same guy does have a stunning 9' Nauta and a 16' koefia locality.

But yes their behaviour is fascinating. So switched on - most alert snakes I know.

Haha, I KNOW 9' isn't large for a scrub, but it is a far cry from the 5-6' most people purport this species to top out at. I think that is definitely a big enough snake for me ;) I've never seen him use his tail as a lure like that! So interesting. Even weirder that he turns on it like it isn't him!:yes: He's such a Mr. Hyde when he's in his enclosure...

[TeamSlitherin]

Short explanation is captive animal with wild instincts on display. Maybe he is in a state of hyperexcitability and is thrown into feeding mode once back in the terrarium? Possibly a hunting tactic with the tail to distract or attract prey? Maybe he needs a upgrade in amount of food or frequency in feedings.

Yeah, when he's in his basking spot, he is always untouchable! Little bugger. He's like a whole different beast inside the enclosure! I've never seen him do that with his tail before, so I was definitely taken aback. Does look like some sort of caudal luring or something...I guess he was just really excited.

The last time I went to get feeders, they gave me rat pinks instead of pups, so I've been giving him two at a time. He does seem to have an insanely fast metabolism, though, because after 2 days or so, you can't tell that he was fed. He's currently on a 7-10 day feeding schedule, but perhaps because of his slenderness, I'm underestimating the size of prey he can take down. If I offered him food every day, I am convinced he would take it. And right out of the freezer, I'm sure. Little garbage bin. :rolleyes:

[StarFall]

What a cutie! He reminds me of a cat, waving his tail like that.

[SerpentineDream]

Yeesh, that feeding response gives my woma python a run for her money! That is a snake who thinks it is--or certainly should be--supper time.

It does look like he's using a technique called caudal luring, in which the tail is enticingly wriggled to simulate a worm or smaller snake to attract prey. Copperheads and death adders are among some of the species that also do this. He seems to have fallen for his own puppet show though. :lol

I'm guessing that you don't put your hands in that cage for love or money. Mr. Hook is your best friend. :D

[TeamSlitherin]

Yeesh, that feeding response gives my woma python a run for her money! That is a snake who thinks it is--or certainly should be--supper time.

I'm guessing that you don't put your hands in that cage for love or money. Mr. Hook is your best friend. :D

Haha, yes, the hook is my best friend and his mortal enemy. He hates it with a fiery passion. Ideally, I'd like to be able to grow a set, squash my fears, and just learn to reach in for him regardless of whether he bites or not. I think he would prefer that to the hook. But it's hard to willingly subject yourself to those teeth! I've somehow managed to get away with only one bite in the three months we've been together...and I rather like that record ;)

Eventually, I'd like to get him a setup with removable perches to make that easier. Trying to entice him off a branch without losing a finger is quite a feat. For now, the easiest way to get him out is always to sneak attack and nab him while he's sleeping! It feels like such a **** move, but I can't go without our snuggle sessions ;)

[TRD]

Ideally, I'd like to be able to grow a set, squash my fears, and just learn to reach in for him regardless of whether he bites or not.

Goodluck with that

There's no way you're going to grab a pissed off adult scrub with your bare hands mate... you may try once and will quickly understand you won't repeat that again :)

[dannybgoode]

I was just about to say the same! Learn to work with the snake, not against it. No species will remember and learn from stunts like that quicker than a scrub.

Calm slow deliberate movements - gain the trust on the animal and you'll be ok.

[TeamSlitherin]

Haha, I️ don’t mean when he’s pissed of course! I️ don’t have a death wish. I️ just mean when he’s sleeping on his branch. It’s easy to get him out when he’s in his hide, but when he’s on his branch, it’s hard not to use the hook. The guys at the pet store did it all the time and he usually didn’t bite them. Plus, he likes me WAY more than any of those guys, so it should be easy. But it still makes me nervous! I️ should just trust the poor little peanut; he’s never given me a reason not to.:rolleyes:

[SerpentineDream]

When he's an adult you won't want to risk even the chance of a bite if you can avoid it.

If you think he's got a nice set of chompers now, wait until he's got a big boy set of teeth and the muscle power of a 9-foot python behind them. There are some snakes that I wouldn't care about taking a bite from. A scrub python is not one of them.

In your position I would just work on getting him used to the hook. It's not cowardice... it's just that you prefer to keep your skin intact and your blood inside your veins where it belongs.

[TeamSlitherin]

Of course, you are right :( I just feel bad because he haaaaates the hook. He will rear up at/lunge at/bite it...but as soon as he's in my hands it's like, "oh my god, MOM, did you see that monster?! He tried to kill me!" Ok, maybe that's not what he's thinking. Maybe I love him way more than he loves me, but I will say I easily reached in and scooped him up with only hands today and he readily snuggled into my shark blanket with me. I'd call that a success. Although, that video was taken directly after a snuggle session, so maybe it's just a numbers game ;)