angry dumeril

[justink]

I am new to keeping snakes and just bought a dumeril. She is about 24-36". I just got her shipped in this morning and put her into her new tank i set up. I tried to handle her tonight after she appeared to relax and she tried to strike me. Is she just adapting to her new environment or should i be worried that i got an angry snake who wont be handleable?? Also, the breeder i got her from said he wasfeeding her rat pups every thursday, should i try to feed her this week or give her more time?

[t-dot]

give ur snake some time to adapt to the environment cus my salmon island ground baos are like that too and it was a pain feeding them ~!

[Pontus]

give her 2 weeks or something i no its hard but it will help atleast till shes eaten for u 2 times

[Big_V]

Leave the snake alone for at least a week. They need time to adjust to their new environments. The snake is just scared, understandibly of course. You can try to feed this thursday but its probably a better idea to wait a full week or so then attempt feeding. IMO I would get at least 2 feedings in before handling the snake alot. I know its hard to resist the temptation but the faster the snake is comfortable the less chance there will be of a defensive strike from stress.
Cheers,
Ryan

[ssscales]

Like everyone else wrote, give her some time. 1-2 weeks should be enough time, try and feed her and then wait another few days befor handling. Dum's are usually calm and docile.

[jungleguy]

i live in michigan and recieved a 100% het male boa from cali. and i fed him 5 hours after i recieved him from next day air.

[Ryan and Katie]

Dumerils tend to be a bit shy compared to a common boa and may take more time to acclimatize to a new home. What are you keeping your Dumeril in??

[justink]

she is in a 20 gallon long glass tank with cypress mulch. she spends most of her time under the hide log that i got for her.

[Ryan and Katie]

I have found dumerils to be a little sensitive when touching their backs. I would assume this is due to them being a leaf litter ambush predator. If you can pick her up without bumping her back she may be a bit more relaxed for handling. I agree with eveyone saying to leave her alone for a while before you handle her to much. As for feeding her, I would give it a shot but if she refuses leave her for a few days then try again...
P.S. I am assuming you have the right temps???

[justink]

I posted my temps on a different thread. Hot end is at 85 and the cool end at 74. I have an undertank heat pad and dont think i can adjust the amount of heat it gives. AS far as feeding, I was planning on attempting it tomorrow. The place i got it from said they were feeding her every thursday live ratpups. I have read that dead is better, so should i try to give her what she is used to for now and then work her into dead food, or just try to get her started the right way? also, should i try the frozen feeders or kill them myself?? thanks

[Ryan and Katie]

You might want to up those temps a bit 76-78 cool 88-92 warm. Most heat pads are warmer than 85 i would check the temps again. As long as you are feeding fairly young rat pups you shouldn't have to worry but i would switch her over to pre-killed shortly after you get her feeding for you. Frozen or fresh killed use either, I prefer frozen as they are far easier to store.
Best of luck...

[justink]

She ate a rat pup with no hesitations for me today. Cant wait till I can try to handle her.

[newtosnakes]

That is so not fair. We've had our dumeril for about 3wks and we tried to feed him again yesterday and he still wont eat! The fuzzy ended up drowning b/c he got in the water bowl while we were sleeping.

[Ryan and Katie]

Very glad to hear she is doing well. If you ever get a chance post some pics!

[justink]

i tried to post some pics and it says my file attachment is too big

[Vv_SoulTaker]

"That is so not fair. We've had our dumeril for about 3wks and we tried to feed him again yesterday and he still wont eat! The fuzzy ended up drowning b/c he got in the water bowl while we were sleeping."

When I first got Mr. Snakey he was no bigger than a worm I'd use for fishing. He didn't want to eat then either and the fact that you said fuzzy I take it he is little yet. I'll tell you what I did I put the snake and a live pinky in a small container inside the cage (so he get familure with eating in there) and left them over night together in the morning the mouse was gone it has been a breeze to feed him ever since. Well till now, I am trying to get him to take a rabit. I felt bad I had to murder the poor rabit then he wouldn't eat it he just staired at it. Starving him now for a 2 week period will try again next week.

[justink]

how do i know when it is a good idea to start trying to handle her? Its been 1 week that i have had her and she ate for me last thursday. I was planning on feeding her again this coming thursday and then attempting to handle her over the weekend. Any way to tell if she will try to bite me again or do i just have to attempt it and maybe suffer a bite??

[bubba]

My yellow anaconda has only bitten me once and that was the first day I got her. I reached under the newspaper to pick her up and I guess I startled her so she tagged me. I've had her 5 years now and she has never attempted to bite since that day. Just take your time and no sudden movements! Good luck.