Handling Huxley

[lilyskip]

So I took Hux out tonight for the first time since I got him, and here are some pics (some are bad b/c I'm still getting used to taking pictures w/o flash)...geez, I love this snake...

http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/500/2691img_0150-med.jpg

http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/500/2691img_0162-med.jpg

Also, quick question. When I first handled him, he was moving pretty slowly, and mostly stayed around my wrist. A little later, I took him out again, and this time he moved much quicker up and down my arm. He didn't try to get away at all, but his body movement was faster. Does this mean that he was starting to get stressed, or starting to get used to being out of the tank?

[sapphire_moon]

Or it could mean he was asleep??? My Bp does this to. Sometimes he will just sit there all content to be on my wrist/arm and then the next time I take him out he wants to explore absolutely everything!!! By the way your pics did not come out

[lilyskip]

yeah, just fixed it :D I'm pretty sure he was awake, but it's possible that he was tuned out! hehe.

[Big Mike]

They just love to wrap around watches...mine does that all the time. Gets the tip of his tail right under the band and holds on.

Why not use the flash? I don't think that a few flashes would hurt him.

[lilyskip]

I'm still a bit paranoid about stressing him out. Next time, flash for sure.

Hehe--Hux got right under my bracelet on the other hand...I was sure he'd either hurt himself or break it!

[sapphire_moon]

I'm paranoid about wearing my engagement ring when I'm handling Damballah. I'm afraid he's going to go over it and cut himself. When I first got him he could fit through a size 10 (US) ring!! Thats how little he was!!!! I still can't believe it! He's getting bigger and bigger now that I feed him a rat every week....But in case I overfeed. What is the signs for an obese BP?? By the way....Beautiful BP!

[CDN-Cresties]

Pretty Ball python! :D How old is he?

-Steve-

[lilyskip]

Thanks...he (or she--not sure yet) is about 13 weeks old. :)

As far as the signs of an obese python, in all of the pictures I have seen of obese bps (i've never seen a live one) they look kind of like they swallowed a sausage, and the sausage-ness ends abruptly before the tail...there is no tapering-of. Kind of like one of those long balloons that clowns make balloon figures from. Not sure if this is correct for all bps, though...

[remsin76]

hey lily where did u see these obese pictures? i never saw one before

[lilyskip]

I think I may have seen them somewhere on this message board. I'll let you know if I stumble across them again. Maybe try a google search for "obese snake."

[Invictus]

Ball Pythons all look like slugs when they are fully grown. It's not obesity per se - it's just how they grow.

As for using the flash, don't worry about it. I've used flsh photography for all my snakes, and they literally don't even flinch.

[lilyskip]

I think it's just that his eyes are so big and bulgy...but yeah, I took a few flash pics last night...I'll try to post 'em. :D

[lilyskip]

http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/500/2691img_0165-med.jpg

http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/500/2691img_0168-med.jpg

As soon as I can steady my hand, I'll try for some macro shots...

[Colonel SB]

Wow he looks great...Awsome colour one him :) you shoud be proud.

[Jo060]

VERY pretty snake.... I've been reading the posts and everyone has GREAT name 4 there snake... Can anyone help me with some names for mine please? Thanks ;)