Profile: Serophina :)

[Evolieno]

This is Serophina, my Coastal Carpet Python. I have had her for almost 4 months, I was told she is between 5-6 years old and 9-10 feet(although i have not measured her myself yet- or weighed her). I basically purchased her twice- once from my local reptile shop, and then from my ex who was going to sell her so I had to pose as a potential buyer and pay to get her back! Her and I have had some tough times, but it's all been worth it. She is incredibly docile, a great eater, and I think she is gorgeous. I've never really been a snake person, but when I saw her and then handled her, I fell in love. It's funny because I went and visited her for 2 weeks before I brought her home and the guys at the reptile shop told me she was due for a feeding a while before- so the fact that she was so calm and cool even though she was hungry sealed the deal for me. I had no idea Carpet Pythons existed, and now I'm obsessed!

The first time I laid eyes on her :)
http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg602/Evolieno/8ef4f227.jpg

http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg602/Evolieno/e876be5d.jpg

http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg602/Evolieno/1051e3eb.jpg

http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg602/Evolieno/4e039206.jpg

http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg602/Evolieno/c1d49b00.jpg

[jaleely]

Very sweet looking!!! I like her : )

[Evolieno]

Thanks, Melissa! I know she is as normal as they come, but I thought she was gorgeous!

[red ink]

She's a nice looking girl mate...

[Evolieno]

Thanks, red ink! I think so!

[Toronto1977]

Great lookin' snake and love the outdoor shots :)

[maximus30576]

Thanks, Melissa! I know she is as normal as they come, but I thought she was gorgeous!

Nothing wrong with normal .. Heck i am normal ,or so i think .. lol She is very pretty you should be proud ..

[Trent]

Very nice!!

[emmabee]

shes a lovely big girl :D

great she is so calm with you too, nice pics of her enjoying the outdoors

[Rogue628]

She's quite pretty! :D

[marvelfreak]

She a beauty. You should post her in this thread. http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/photography-discussion/92228-celebarating-old-timers.html

[Donnie]

She is very nice and worth paying twice for if it meant keeping her

[Evolieno]

Great lookin' snake and love the outdoor shots :)

Thanks! It was really fun taking her outside to cruise around, I was like an overprotective mom though! Didn't want her to get hurt haha

[Evolieno]

She is very nice and worth paying twice for if it meant keeping her

That's exactly what I thought! I was gonna get the police involved but figured its be such a hassle... I just emailed him from a email address I made and showed up- so I knew when he would be home and he wouldn't be able to hide out. I was pissed thinking she would be sold to someone who couldn't handle her, was uneducated about her, and then might sell her to someone else. Definitely the most money I've ever put into an animal before :)

[shaunyboy]

she's very nice pal,and your ex is an a**hole for treating you that way :suspicious:

i miss my coastals,they were eating machines

the tanks in that shop were good looking tanks

cheers shaun:)

[Evolieno]

Thanks, Shaun! Ya the ex is definitely the ex for a reason- the whole Serophina situation isn't the only bad thing that happened. Plus, when I finally got her back in my possession she had mites (it was a mild case- from what I've researched) and he didn't know how to care for her. He knew I paid for her already and wouldn't just give her back-he didn't want her anyway, so why not just hand her over?! He was scared of her HAHA! I dont get it though, every guy I've just spoke to since I got her either is afraid of snakes or had a bad encounter with them a doesnt like them. Someone needs to create a dating website for reptile lovers! (...anyone???) lol.

I do like the reptile shop I go to, but she had been in one of those smaller enclosures for 3 months or so. I can't believe no one wanted her, she was the best looking snake they had at the time. I was in there the other day and fell for a jungle carpet and the coolest looking GTPive ever seen. The Jungle was yellow and black(or was it a jaguar? I was too stunned to pay attention) and the GTP was bright yellow and purple- STUNNING! But I'm still investing in Sero so I can't pick up another $300 snake... And the carpet was a female but fun to handle since she was smaller then my girl. I should've never gotten a carpet- now imgonna be a cat lady AND a snake lady!

[Evolieno]

She a beauty. You should post her in this thread. http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/photography-discussion/92228-celebarating-old-timers.html

Thank you! And I definitely will do that probably later this evening... I plan on taking some more pics of her and her "new" enclosure. She's finally gonna be 100% comfy in my home. It's really nice to hear that she's a good looking gal from experienced owners. I don't know what it is about her colorin that caught my eye, but I also think her nose and head are cute! (a lot of people give me crap for saying she's cute and saying she's like my little puppy dog). I just took her out for a few minutes to say hello and she was curious as heck.... But I also noticed something on the bottom of her lower jaw (what I call her chin).... I'll try to get a good shot of it in a little while, hopefully it's just some stuff stuck to her or it'll come off with her next shed. Hah! I can't stop talking about her!

[Evolieno]

So excited! I think Sero is already happy with her "new" home! I put a new bag of cypress mulch in so the humidity is a little high, but I will keep an eye on it. My cats are hooked- wondering what the heck she is. She moves the slightest bit and one of them runs away lol. I snapped some good shots... Much easier to do now that I can be Face to face with her. It's so great to have her so close... Until she gets out and constricts one of my cats.
Still a little scared what would happen of Sero and the cats met. Anyone have any advice on that, or should I just avoid it altogether?

[Kaetlinv]

Someone needs to create a dating website for reptile lovers! (...anyone???) lol.


I agree to this, whole heartedly lol. My ex-boyfriend was very interested in the snakes but it was a surface interest only. He liked hearing about them and seeing them but never even offered to handle feed or help with them. Ever. Kind of upset me too, considering I took better care of his dog than he did... -sighs- oh well. I have three healthy darlings and I'll find someone who loves them (nearly) as much as I do if I can! It's a requirement with me. Love my royals. If you're scared, get over it. :P

Sera is really beautiful, it sucks that you had to buy her twice, but she definitely looks and sounds like she is worth it!

[Evolieno]

Haha, Kaetlin it's funny how many guys I know that scared of snakes.
I mean, c'mon, I'm a chic with a huge snake... Obviously they aren't all bad! I'd like to find someone who either has snakes, knows how to care of them or is willing to learn. It's almost comical lol. And thanks so much. Sero is definitely an amazing gal, which is the only reason I got her. Definitely worth every cent!

[mark24]

i agree on the dating website for reptile lovers every woman i meet are a afraid of snakes or think they are gross haha. Sero is definitely gourgeous :)

[Evolieno]

There aren't enough people in the world willing to either face their fears, or give reptiles a try. Shoot, I did just that! And Serophina says thank you, mark!

[Kaetlinv]

Arent guys supposed to be all macho? A guy who is afraid of a snake without some sort of past event explaining it is just comical. Women i can sort of understand, but most women are attracted to exotic beautiful things....reptiles!! Lol. Ive been single for about a month now and all i can think about if i think of being in a relationship again is "they better like my babies..." lol

[iBaman]

she's so cool...love them carpets =]

and it's not about finding someone who loves snakes, just about finding someone who tolerates your interest and never tries to put you down about it. =3 Mine doesn't like snakes. but he doesn't tell me no (usually), and always makes sure I don't need help =3

[Evolieno]

I have had no luck on any grounds relating to my snake. But at least now my moment come over very often... She's terrified of snakes, so is my sister. I have the best picture of my sister holding Sero, looking terrified! Cracks me up...

[mark24]

There aren't enough people in the world willing to either face their fears, or give reptiles a try. Shoot, I did just that! And Serophina says thank you, mark!

Ikr its kind of sad. I cant tell you how many times ive had little kids come up to me when i have cannibal out, an they tell me there parents had them stomp on a snake until its dead or something along those lines just because their scared of snakes its sad. Tell her i said shes welcome hahaha.

[Evolieno]

what! that is awful.. i dont think any kids should get close enough to stomp on a snake to begin with just for safety reasons... but to actually kill them? poor snakes...

[mark24]

Arent guys supposed to be all macho? A guy who is afraid of a snake without some sort of past event explaining it is just comical. Women i can sort of understand, but most women are attracted to exotic beautiful things....reptiles!! Lol. Ive been single for about a month now and all i can think about if i think of being in a relationship again is "they better like my babies..." lol

I know what you mean i try so hard not to laugh, when guys avoid me at all costs when i have one my babies out an there wifes an kids are lookin at it telling me how cool they are.

[Evolieno]

Some pictures from today :)

http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg602/Evolieno/4cf915d0.jpg

http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg602/Evolieno/4810a3d7.jpg

http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg602/Evolieno/782d2ec8.jpg

http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg602/Evolieno/a3a02b49.jpg

Mom, can you please stop taking pictures already?
http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg602/Evolieno/843884fe.jpg

I spy with my little eye...something white!
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http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg602/Evolieno/506687b1.jpg

[mark24]

what! that is awful.. i dont think any kids should get close enough to stomp on a snake to begin with just for safety reasons... but to actually kill them? poor snakes...

Yea i no.... yea im with you there.... What i dont get why they dont just move it, or have someone move it for them. Why kill an animal for no reson

[Lankyrob]

So excited! I think Sero is already happy with her "new" home! I put a new bag of cypress mulch in so the humidity is a little high, but I will keep an eye on it. My cats are hooked- wondering what the heck she is. She moves the slightest bit and one of them runs away lol. I snapped some good shots... Much easier to do now that I can be Face to face with her. It's so great to have her so close... Until she gets out and constricts one of my cats.
Still a little scared what would happen of Sero and the cats met. Anyone have any advice on that, or should I just avoid it altogether?

It wouldnt be pretty for either animal, chances are the snake would "win" in the end but best bet would be to keep them totally separate. We put the cats outside anytime any of our snakes are being handled.

[Rogue628]

It wouldnt be pretty for either animal, chances are the snake would "win" in the end but best bet would be to keep them totally separate. We put the cats outside anytime any of our snakes are being handled.


We do the same. Our snakes are in our bedroom and our kitties and doggie aren't allowed in at all. For me, it's not worth the risk of stressing any of the animals out. But half of my animals would see the furry ones as lunch lol

[MoreliAddict]

Thanks, Melissa! I know she is as normal as they come, but I thought she was gorgeous!
Huge authentic wild-looking Coastal Carpets are among the coolest Morelia out there. Pretty sure I saw these guys taking out bats from a cave ceiling on animal planet...

[Evolieno]

It wouldnt be pretty for either animal, chances are the snake would "win" in the end but best bet would be to keep them totally separate. We put the cats outside anytime any of our snakes are being handled.


We do the same. Our snakes are in our bedroom and our kitties and doggie aren't allowed in at all. For me, it's not worth the risk of stressing any of the animals out. But half of my animals would see the furry ones as lunch lol


Thanks guys! That's what I figured... I plan on locking my kitties up whenever I handle Serophina. I woke up this morning and heard one of my cats making a weird noise so I panicked. Instantly thought Sero somehow got out of her locked enclosure and I was going to find something bad.... Turns out they just found a bug. Lol.

[Evolieno]

Huge authentic wild-looking Coastal Carpets are among the coolest Morelia out there. Pretty sure I saw these guys taking out bats from a cave ceiling on animal planet...

I just love her coloring and pattern. And it looks like she has a crane or a long-necked bird starting from the back or her skull going up her "neck". I love it! And I want to see this show you speak of on Animal Planet! Anything having to do with cp's, I wanna see lol.

[MoreliAddict]

I just love her coloring and pattern. And it looks like she has a crane or a long-necked bird starting from the back or her skull going up her "neck". I love it! And I want to see this show you speak of on Animal Planet! Anything having to do with cp's, I wanna see lol.
Looked like a coastal, definitely some sort of large, dark, semi-arboreal python. Either way it was awesome. lol

Pretty sure it's in the Caves episode of Planet Earth...

[mark24]

Speaking of animal planet there's a couple shows that I'm obsessed with that I no I few of you would like. Swamp wars python hunters an gator boys

[Evolieno]

Loove Swamp Wars, gotta love Big Country! I also watch Gator Boys. Wouldn't mind spending a few days with Paul ;)

[Evolieno]

Soooo today I told my mom what I want for Christmas. 2 books that Shaun suggest I get.... and money for a juvenile male carpet! My mom is TERRIFIED of snakes, so naturally she just rolled her eyes and shook her head. But I explained to her that males don't get as big as Sero is, that I know a lot about the species now(and the books can educate me about whatever I don't know) and that they can have pretty babies one day! She didn't yell at me or say "absolutely not, Jaclyn!" So... I'm thinking I might have a chance here! :) I guess I should start slowly investing in the basics for keeping another snake.

[Rogue628]

I have found I get two responses from men...and 2 responses from women.

Men are either cool with them (even if they are afraid at first lol) or they're afraid of them but like to use such phrases as "I'm not afraid of them...I just don't like snakes". These men even refuse to touch them or get around them, even though they're not afraid lol

Women are either interested in them or afraid. Women don't care to admit they're scared of snakes lol.

In my own experience, I've had more luck with women eventually coming around than men. For example: my daughter's boyfriend will NOT touch any of my animals...of course...he's not afraid, just doesn't like 'em lol For as long as I've had snakes, I cannot coerce him to even touch a tail lol. My SIL, OTOH, probably has the most irrational fear of them of anyone I've ever met (that will at least admit it) and she is finally beginning to come around. I highly doubt she'll ever want one, but at least she's becoming more comfortable and trusting around them.

So, in my own experience, I'd say you have a good chance of your mom coming around to being comfortable with you having snakes. Remember, education is the key and start feeding her tid bits of info about your animal and snakes in general (such as why their tongue is forked, etc)...it's like planting a seed. Water it a little and watch it grow :)

[Evolieno]

Thanks Rogue! I've been giving her facts anyway, just because that's how I am. Both her an my dad hate that I have a snake,
They think it's gonna get out and strangle me in my sleep like they have heard about
In the past. My dad doesn't like snakes, but has Sero's beat interests inundate which is why he helped me make a locking Lid for her. If she was ever injured or Sick and needed to see a vet, he'd pay for it. He doesn't want to see any of my pets die, even if he doesnt like them.y mom just tells me to sell her and the money already... Not happening! So we'll see if I get some $ to save up for a hatchling or young carpet. I will get one,
One way or another, I just don't want to wait several years! Lol

[Kaetlinv]

I have a somewhat similar situation. :P My mom loves my snakes but gets grumbly whenever I mention getting another one, haha. I'm sticking to three while I'm still in her household, but I started with one and it was hard enough to get her to let me buy the second, let alone the third! lol. She loves the way they look and is enthralled with them, but Ball pythons specifically she doesn't like handling. She says it's something about unpredictability. She thinks that the littler they are the easier she would feel about holding them. She likes holding corn snakes and baby Ball pythons, but the big ones make her feel uneasy, even though Val (my big girl) is a sweet heart. I got my third python a few days ago and when my mom came over yesterday I had him out - she was just awestruck with his beauty. She may still be grumbly that I got him, but she admits he was a good catch :P

[Evolieno]

Lol, Kaetlin you are luckier than I! I think the only good thing about my situation is that I have my own place so my mom doesn't have to see Sero. My mom refuses to come over while the snake is inside. Uhhhh ok- what am I supposed to have done? Kept her in the garage throughout winter? I'd have a dead snake. Ever since I got Sero, I have realized I am more afraid of the smaller guys because I feel as though they are far more unpredictable, at least compared to Sero. My mom likes to over exaggerate and be over dramatic anyway, so maybe she isn't as scared as she says, but at least if I dont want to see her all the time I know that having a snake will help lol. Luckily my dad understands, so it helps!

[Kaetlinv]

my mom loves watching them, no matter the size, just isn't interested in holding them. I prefer ball pythons because they're small enough that you don't have to worry about whether they can severely hurt you, but also are big enough to have a decent amount of heft to them. Corn snakes I'm afraid of dropping them - the hatchlings are so bloody flighty, I'm scared to hold them or hurt them. Even baby bp's have a decent amount of heft for a baby. It's more about knowing that I can feel where they are at all times - such a lightweight snake makes me worry and fret! I'm not sure if I'll ever get a boa or python bigger than a BP, I think the size of a BP is very manageable. :)

[Evolieno]

Lol, I completely understand. I did think about getting a BP so I could have something smaller that I could handle more often, but I do want a a male CP and it wouldn't get as big as my gal. I know hatchlings and juveniles are a bit
Nippy, but I'd rather be bit for the first time by something small and not by a 9-10 ft python!

[Kaetlinv]

true, true. I've yet to be bitten by any snake, actually. All three of my pythons are very docile, but active. So I know they're still healthy, just tamed down! haha. I've had a few striking scares, but none recently and I'm still unscathed -shrugs-. I don't doubt it will happen some day, but for now I've got a big girl who's as sweet as can be, a little girl who is nice enough so long as you let her be greedy with her food, and a sweet male who is pretty active when handled. :)

One day I'll consider something bigger - but not for years yet. Gotta get thru college and get out of my mom's hair first :)

[Evolieno]

Sounds like you lucked out! I'm pretty spoiled with Sero, she's never been aggressive but she bumped me when I touched her after she ate at her last feeding. That's when I realized I was gonna take the advice Ive heard on her and stop taking her out of her enclosure to feed. She's too big to move after she's ate and i don't wanna stress her out. I had been given different advice by the reptile shop I got her at. Other than that, she has never struck. Sure hope that I keep my luck!

[Kaetlinv]

Even after feeding I've never been bitten by any of the snakes I've fed. My brother's been tagged by his corn snake a few times, but she's so little she can hardly draw blood, rofl.

I've always fed my BP's in an outside 'kill box' but it's usually right next to their viv's so I don't have to move them very far. I'm always careful to give them a cooldown time, and never grab them too close to their head / neck, always by their rear end, and I try to support their bellies with the flat of my palm so they aren't at an awkward angle and feel weird.

Although with my big girl I might have to try feeding her in her enclosure, as much as i'm nervous to try....she hasn't eaten in two months, and I've offered every 14 days or so (same feeding schedule as the littler girl python, haha. That way if Val refuses the rat won't go to waste :P ) but she's never refused food before. I'm hoping the refusal was prep for a shed cycle, since her belly just went pink two days ago. I'll be feeding all three snakes here within a week, we'll see what happens!

[Evolieno]

Ya Sero hasn't been aggressive before, I think I just scared her and then she realized it was me and was fine after that. Ya, hopefully your big girl was just prepping for shed. I'd hate to go pick up a rat and then have Sero not eat it. That would make me angry lol.

[Kaetlinv]

well because of Val not eating the live rats i'm making the switch to f/t for all the pythons, it's just easier and I don't have to worry about returning it / not getting a refund, etc. :/

Also it's generally cheaper, lol.

[Evolieno]

I've thought a out f/t but I really have no room to keep them. I just go in and them knock the rat out for me. (I can't harm a fuzzy animal, even though I don't like rats). So obviously she eats prekilled. She has only refused one meal (when she was still under my ex's care, and he never did anything right with her so I'm sure it was an error on his side because she is an aggressive, GREAT eater for me.

[Kaetlinv]

I've killed two rats out of necessity, but I didn't like doing it. :( I felt so bad, hence the reason i'm switching over. Val has always been a great eater - it's only until recently that she has been refusing, so I figure it's best to minimize stress for her. the CB rats I used to buy are just not scared of snakes, and go right up to her nose... She's a tentative eater, likes to 'ambush' it unless she's absolutely ravenous. Romeo the littler female is downright aggressive and territorial with her food. This last time it took three 'nomnom' rat dances for her to consider it food and try and down it, lol. She will strike and bind then stare at you like YOU are food, not the dead rat in front of her nose... So I have to make the rat dance, get the feeding tongs out of the killbox then jump up onto my bed so i'm out of sight, haha

[Evolieno]

Lol! I can just imagine you running away all fast. Luckily the rats Sero eats are so big, holding it by the end of the tail and make it dance, and everything's fine. She has never misses or struck too high. I like that I don't have to hear the rat make any noises, or get loose in my car on the ride home, or anything lol. Luckily $9 every 2 weeks isn't too expensive, it's when they're out of jumbos and I have to get 2 large eats that sucks. If it happens again I'm going to tell them it's not my fault they're out of jumbos and I'm not paying for 2 rats. That's just stupid lol

[Kaetlinv]

yeah, my local pet store that sells live, sells all adult rats (even if they're just under mother rat size!) for 7$, but that means even the 'smalls' are 7$ too :/ romeo eats two small rats (she's long but lithe,) and Valentine could eat a large or two. Haven't fed Shanti yet but I'm willing to bet he could take two smalls or a medium since his head is larger than Romy's.

Going to be checking another pet store though to see their frozens. Online they say mediums (5.5+ inches) are 5 per box for 25.00$ >.>

[Evolieno]

Ah! Ya that'd be a better deal for you, for sure. I'm just having a hard time thinking about frozen rats in my freezer. If I had a separate freezer I would consider it, but that won't be Any time soon. Plus, If it ain't broke, why fix it? I am just glad that I've gotten a good snake for my first large one, she makes me want more snakes, but I also know not every snake is gonna be as sweet as her. I don't know when the best time is to get hatchlings, or what an average price is for them. I would like to breed in the future, I figured getting a male hatchling would give me a few years to really research and get everything planned out 100%. It'd be a nice accomplishment If I could Pull that of and get the experience. But that's far off, so I don't have to panic quite yet lol

[Kaetlinv]

Haha, I have a full-size freezer out in the garage that is rarely used, so a box of frozen rodents wouldn't be a bother in that one.

I wanted a male BP for that same reason, although I already had two ladies I'm taking great care of. I would've stopped at two if Romeo had really been a boy, but alas, romeo and Valentine are both female, despite romy's delicate size. I promised my mom that three was it - and the only reason why it's three is cause I didn't have a boy. I'm not going to breed for years yet, but I wanted to make sure i had a male NOW that I was happy with and would get used to over the years. I particularly wanted one with bright coloring in the hopes that any offspring between Valentine and the bright-male would bring out that spectacular yellow flaming on Val's sides. She's a normal, but whoo-wee is she stunning! I got really lucky with Shanti, his colors will be fantastic mixed with Val!

Also I have the rare chance to see if Val is het for clown, though I'm pretty sure she won't be, haha. Shanti is possibly het for clown, so if any clowns pop up I've proven both of them het for it >XD

[Evolieno]

It seems that having 3- 2 ladies and 1 guy is good though. You can breed both of the ladies and have 2 clutches, therefore having a better turn out. I'd ideally like to find a male sooner so, like you, I can get used to him, get all the husbandry and facts straight. I do not want to be one of those people that does it al wrong and potentially risks the health of my animals. Plus, I can't seem to find a good mate for Sero. I don't know the genetics, or what het means, etc lol. Sero's just a normal, dark coastal and I don't know if a jungle or diamond or jungle x diamond would produce something interesting. Lol- see I have a lot to learn!

[Kaetlinv]

I'm a bit of a nerd -blushes- when i discover something I adore or appreciate, I freak out and try to find EVERYTHING I can about them and try to become as much as an expert as I can without having taken classes, haha. I'm definitely going to look into biology / herpetology whilst in college, even if it's just for the information it could provide for my concept artist dream. The more you understand about living creatures, the more realistic and believable you can make your own fantasy creatures. :)

As I've come to understand, Het is the term for Heterozygous traits, or one 'half' of a genetic coding pair that creates a certain appearance. Thus, a snake can be 'het' while looking normal and still produce certain morphs when paired with another het, a double-het, or a morph of that same type.

Don't quote me, i'm still learning too. :P I understand how it all works, just putting it to words is what makes me fumble, haha.

[Evolieno]

Ohhh ok that makes a lot more sense. I have found that since I've had a snake, I've been watching anything on tv relating to reptiles. A million YouTube videos, anything, really. I think I've done a decent job education myself about carpet pythons- at least husbandry and such. Prior to owning Sero, I did have a fear of snakes. I respect them, though so I think that's why I feel confident and safe around Sero. I know that there's always the chance she could bite, but I like to think she knows I'm her care taker and I make sure she's comfortable and has a full belly. I also like to think she can hear me talk to her and removers my scent, but I don't want this to turn into a place for people to debate those topics lol. I do wish she would curl up on the couch next to me though, sometimes. Haha ohhh wishful thinking

[Kaetlinv]

haha I know the feeling. Sometimes I can sit with a blanket in my lap and have Val just chilling under a fold or two of it, she seems to not mind that. perhaps try that at some point? :) I know Val has a tendency to 'watch' me when she's not on a fully belly or shed cycle. Just sits her head on the entrance of her hide and watches me and falls asleep! It's adorable! I saw her genuinely 'asleep' the other day, the only reason I could tell was her head was lilted off to one side on the substrate, it was so dang cute!

[Evolieno]

Muahahah!! I am so excited!


http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg602/Evolieno/63f97570.jpg

[Kaetlinv]

:D woohoo! Shedding! why does it always seem so exciting? >XD

[Evolieno]

I have no idea- but this is the first time she will be shedding in my care! Last time she was still at the ex's house and it was a perfect, full shed but he crumpled it up so it wasn't worth me keeping. But since this is the first one in my care I'm hoping I can keep it and possibly use it as a way to measure her. Not gonna lie- when I checked on her I was a little panicked at first- I have never seen a snake getting ready to shed so I immediately freaked then realized she's just getting ready to shed lol. But having her look up at me with those eyes was a surprise! Of course I'm hoping to see her shed, at least part of it but we'll see. Any idea about how long until it starts or is there really no time frame?

[Kaetlinv]

Honestly I couldn't tell you, Sero's a carpet and I'm sure they're at least a little different than BP's >XD

Valentine is currently in shed... got a humidity box and been soaking her on occasion since I noticed her belly going pink. That was monday. Usually when I see her go pink it's anywhere from three days to 7 days till she sheds. Sometimes a bit longer, depending on when I catch her belly's color.

[Evolieno]

Ah! Okay. Ya I have no idea and I've been checking Sero's belly but never noticed a change so I'm guessing I can't use that as a sign. Usually the top of her head looks dry (I noticed that prior to her last shed, and this upcoming shed). Her heat and humidity are holding extremely well with this new lid I have, the last enclosure and screen top obviously didn't hold anything well. So I'm hoping there are absolutely no issues since it went so well last time. A few days a go she still had a nice iridescence to her, so I can't wait to see it right after her shed!!

[Kaetlinv]

make sure to post shiny iridescence pictures if you get good ones! :)

[Evolieno]

But of course I will! I've been getting some cool pictures of her since I moved her to get new home.... I've posted most of them here. Im sure I'll take a ton of them and post her actual length as well, I'm very curious to see if what I was told measures up to how long she actually is. I need to weigh her still but idiot wanna shove Her in a pillow case to do it :/

[Evolieno]

Stupid autocorrect! Too lazy to fix "get" to "her" but I think you get it lol

[Kaetlinv]

If you want a rough estimate you can weigh yourself without her, weigh yourself again but while holding her, and the difference would be roughly her weight.

[Rogue628]

My girl has been in shed for a little over a week now. I've been expecting a shed from her for the last two days. Hopefully she'll shed tomorrow :D lol

All of mine vary from a week to two weeks.

As far measuring with the shed, the shed will be longer than the snake, but it can give you an estimate. Also, you can carefully unravel the shed when it's balled and wadded up....it just takes some patience. If it's dry you can wet it down and that will help to keep it from tearing. Most of my girls' sheds are rolled or balled up and that's what I do. I don't keep their sheds much anymore (mainly because the boyfriend keeps throwing them away :unhappy: ), but I do check the sheds to make sure the eye caps, the scales around the vent, and the tail came off. Then I take a good look at the snake it came off of to double check lol. I'm very OCD about alot of stuff when it comes to my animals lol

[Evolieno]

Oh dear lord- DUH!! That's a great, and yet so simple- idea. Lol. You are so nice and smart :) lol

[Evolieno]

And I hope to see photos once Val sheds (it is Val, right?) and I figured the shed would be a rough estimate- seems weird though that it wouldn't be the same length, but then again thinking about it makes sense.

[Kaetlinv]

Oh dear lord- DUH!! That's a great, and yet so simple- idea. Lol. You are so nice and smart :) lol

hahaha, I don't have a specific weight scale so this is what I did for Valentine. Last time I weighed her she was a little under 3.5lbs, and when I convert that to grams... it rounds out to about 1500-1600grams. This was while she was on a very empty stomach, too. Even emptier now... turd won't eat.

Yes, her nickname is Val. Val is more feminine than Valentine. So when we found out she was, indeed, a girl and not a boy we adopted the nickname Val more often.

Valentine is 'Val', 'big mama' or 'big girl',
Romeo is 'Romy', 'Sweetie', or 'baby girl',
and Ashanti is being dubbed 'Shanti', 'Baby boy', or 'Ash'

:3 I talk about Val most... I've had her the longest, haha. Come this december it'll be two years! seems so short compared to some folk on here lol

And yes, I'll be spamming photos on her profile, haha. She hasn't shed in two or three months, so i'm excited to see if her colors get brighter!

[Evolieno]

I wish I had more than One snake- I've thought about getting a BP, buy I also want a cp juvie. And a beardie. Lol oh gosh, of only I had the $. I handled a friends little BP, he warmed up in my cleavage and wrapped around my ponytail. I have the funniest pick of a tail sticking out of my shirt lol. It would just be nice to handle something smaller and a bit more often. I got my exhusband a BP for Xmas Years ago and we were told it was a girl- she was named Mistletoe and I found out not long ago from my son that she died. Made me angry that the xh wouldn't give her up in the divorce and then find out she's dead :(

[Kaetlinv]

oh gosh i'm so sorry....I'm glad you managed to get Sero back from him, it'd be awful if he had let her suffer like that little BP gal...

I can understand wanting to handle something a little more often. Tis why I have three snakes now instead of two. Means I can have my pick of who I want to handle - if one doesn't seem to be accepting of handling I can leave them be and still be able to handle another.
BP's are just the perfect size to me. They're beautiful miniatures of their more dangerous cousins, but still carry enough heft with their size even as hatchlings to feel comfortable holding them.
They're also not too flighty, which is good for me... The semi-slow moving makes me feel more comfortable holding them. Corn snakes and such are just too skinny and fast for me.

I hope you'll be able to get another snake. They really are like potato chips... rofl

[Evolieno]

Lmao! Ya, Bp's have always been a good snake in my mind. I wish I could've kept Mistletoe, I'd be Much more educated and I love animals. The ex who had Mistletoe and the ex who tried to sell Sero are 2 different "men". Bahaha apparently I find the winners! Hence why I am currently single and only spend time one special guy- my son. Also why I want another male around- Sero and my kitties are female. I don't generally like females, but those of the animal species have served me well. Lol. Plus it'd be nice to stay busy when Dylan is at his dads. I wish it didn't take so long to get pictures from my phone and post them here or else I'd post the pic of my friends BP hangin out of my shirt- too cute. And yes- bp's seem to be very chill snakes. I'm also thinking about what I can get that my son can help take care of and handle, but that I will have interest in when he's not here. He has only seen Sero while she's in her cage and it makes him angry that I won't take her out but that is just too much of a risk to put him in and heaven forbid I'd have to hurt her to save my son. Not worth it at all!

[Kaetlinv]

Yikes, two exes? That sucks. I'm just headed into college and have had two bad boyfriends... I'm keeping focused on school, art, and my snakes. Tired of guys promising me the world, or promising they will be everything I need. Their definition of what I 'need' and what I actually need are two completely different things...

Anywho, I'd recommend BP's, for sure. :3 I absolutely adore them, but BCI's are pretty good too. My cousin's got one (sold to him as a Red tail Colombian, but I dunno anymore...) and she handles with me really well when I go over, but apparently she bites at him. >.> He's also a 16 year old, impatient boy who has pot problems...

I got Shanti for the same reason - wanted at least one boy. Also to prove I've been popping snakes right... We just had horrible luck and were getting all girls, so we were doubting my abilities >XD

[Evolieno]

Ohhh no! Well I'm glad you found out you were doin it right. That's one thing I'm afraid to try... I've asked the employee that I deal with every time at the reptile shop Sero came from if they sex ALL of their reptiles the correct way. I told him I don't wanna did out Sero's a male when I take her to a vet and he just laughed at me.... He has 16 snakes of his own so he thinks it's funny that I question him. I would try it myself, but I don't have help and i don't want to hurt her. And trust me- 2 bad ex's is nothing, unfortunately. I've had a few bad ones... But the two involved on my snake stories are by far the worst. I don't take kindly to adultery and people calling cops on me for no reason. I don't blame you for focusing on other things than guys... That's where I'm at right now, don't need that stress and I have much more important things! You're still young, but I applaud you!

[Kaetlinv]

My mom was 17 and pregnant with my oldest sibling, my half sister. She's been married twice to the same guy and divorced him twice, and is now happily engaged to a man that I whole heartedly approve of. He's one of those 'one in a million' guys, truly. I wish I had a clone that was younger! rofl

Yeah cheating isn't a good thing....I'm unable to even consider doing it. When I'm with someone... I'm faithful, no matter how badly it hurts... This last guy I was in a relationship for about 9 months. for 7 I was giving him chances to fix things. And he just didn't get the hint.... so I had to leave, for my own good.

So school, art, and my scaled babies are my focuses now. They may not love me like I love them, but at least they won't neglect me. And I'll never neglect them (and goodness, if I ever find out I have been, I'd give them to a better home in a heartbeat... it's their safety that's more important!)

[Evolieno]

Yeah- married and pregnant and a young age seems like the "cool" thing these days but people don't understand the challenge. I feel awful for my son, he'd have a much better life had his dad not had an affair. It's hard trying to stop loving someone when you're being forced to do it. Plus I have to hear about the chic he had the affair with cuz they're still together. One day my son will know what happened, and I hate the thought of that, too. There's just too much in life that can't be controlled. Im sure your snakes "love" you in the way that snakes can. If that makes sense?! We all experience what we're meant to in life, although it sucks a lot of the time. You have a lot you can focus on though, and that is really great. I wish I was artistic or something so I could focus on it. I've seen your work, and you definitely lucked out with creativity!

[Kaetlinv]

Yeah- married and pregnant and a young age seems like the "cool" thing these days but people don't understand the challenge.

Ugh. It's ridiculous. One girl that I was in middle school with has a month or so old kid, and she's a half year younger than I am. And she's having issues with the father and causing all sorts of drama. She's also something of what I consider a 'bimbo' and should NOT have had a child....
My soon-to-be stepbrother is with a girl the same age as me, and they have been trying to get her pregnant for 2 years...She couldn't get pregnant. Suddenly she's gotten pregnant - right after we found out she was cheating on him. We're pretty sure it's not his kid, but he's just like my soon-to-be stepdad and won't back out of helping her with it...


As for having a lot to focus on, yeah, I do. And I'm very lucky, considering i'm the only one in the family that considers themselves an artist. My grandma does lampshades and crafts but she does this as a hobby. She doesn't think she's an artist. My dad is a computer programmer, my brother wants to be a game programmer, my mom is a nurse, my sister went to the navy and is now going to college for nursing...My half brother is up in alaska and i'm not sure what he is up to. My grandpa isn't my blood-grandfather and I have no clue what he's good at. He's sort of a recluse.

Yeah. I lucked out >.< I'm the only blonde, only blue eyed, only artist. Yeesh.

Sorry you have to suffer hearing about the gal your ex is with. I'm sure it's a pain. I found it hard enough to hear about the old crushes that my (at the time) boyfriend had...He always swore up and down he would never cheat, but he was awful comfortable talking about / with girls he 'used' to like, and that just struck so many nerves.

[Aaron_S]

Bam! Let's take the drama out of this thread. It's nice and all sentimental but PM's were invented for these reasons.

On a side note, for you son, Evolieno, adult corn snake. Plenty of colours for you to enjoy too! Honestly, best pet for a kid.

They eat well, you can find an already docile one, plenty of colours, ease of care for your son, inexpensive, best of all an adult one is large enough that he can't really mishandle it.

[sherriwat]

just a note on the whole fear and being scared of snakes. i was absolutely terrified of snakes and lizards freaked me out too. i didnt want to come anywheres near them and id be the girl running away screaming if i come accross a little tiny grass snake. there was only 3 other things in this world i was scared of the dark (meaning walking in the dark by myself)- something happening to my kids and sharks. well i dont like or want to be afraid of anything i have control of especially the irrational fears example my fear of snakes.

so one day i woke up and said you know what im gonna face one of my fears head on overcome it. so sharks kinda hard in canada, the dark been trying for years still scares me and something happening to my kids well im a mom i'll always be scared for them.

so off to the pet store i go i spent the day talking to the employees and finally come home with ted my 4ft bp normal. i set his tank right beside my bed right beside my head so if i rolled over bam theres snake in my face. i am still hesitant handling ted but im not scared hes just really big for me, and now not only do i have ted but i just got my bumble bee bp and i have a list of different morphs i want to get. i'm obsessed i love them. plus because of oversoming my fear of ted i have some leo geckos and plan on getting more.

people who come in my house and are scared or give me greif i tell them suck it up buttercup or get the hell out. lol. if you cant overcome your fears than you might be missing out on something great. ie ted and pete and my leos. which by having has gotten my kids over their fear of bugs and frogs and snakes.

anyways sorry so long i just read everyone comments about people being scared and figured i would share my story.
ps my bf was the whole im not scared of snakes i just dont like the feel of them and now ted and him play video games and watch tv together almost everynight if my bf doesnt bring ted out everynight than ted gets cranky lol.

[Evolieno]

Bam! Let's take the drama out of this thread. It's nice and all sentimental but PM's were invented for these reasons.

On a side note, for you son, Evolieno, adult corn snake. Plenty of colours for you to enjoy too! Honestly, best pet for a kid.

They eat well, you can find an already docile one, plenty of colours, ease of care for your son, inexpensive, best of all an adult one is large enough that he can't really mishandle it.


Lol- Aaron, we did get carried away but at least it was on a thread I created and not someone else's. And thanks for the suggestion! I've never owned corn snakes, just a garter and a ball python. I'll have to look into them a little more! Are they expensive?

[Kaetlinv]

Corns are pretty affordable if you know who to buy from. One of my friends just got a BEAUTIFUL fire corn female for 37$ from a breeder we know. Ive seen anywhere from 15$ to 200$ or so. Depends on the breeder and the morph. :)

[Aaron_S]

No, they are not expensive. Probably one of, if not the most affordable snake.

[Evolieno]

Ah, thanks Aaron I will look into them!

[Evolieno]

just a note on the whole fear and being scared of snakes. i was absolutely terrified of snakes and lizards freaked me out too. i didnt want to come anywheres near them and id be the girl running away screaming if i come accross a little tiny grass snake. there was only 3 other things in this world i was scared of the dark (meaning walking in the dark by myself)- something happening to my kids and sharks. well i dont like or want to be afraid of anything i have control of especially the irrational fears example my fear of snakes.

so one day i woke up and said you know what im gonna face one of my fears head on overcome it. so sharks kinda hard in canada, the dark been trying for years still scares me and something happening to my kids well im a mom i'll always be scared for them.

so off to the pet store i go i spent the day talking to the employees and finally come home with ted my 4ft bp normal. i set his tank right beside my bed right beside my head so if i rolled over bam theres snake in my face. i am still hesitant handling ted but im not scared hes just really big for me, and now not only do i have ted but i just got my bumble bee bp and i have a list of different morphs i want to get. i'm obsessed i love them. plus because of oversoming my fear of ted i have some leo geckos and plan on getting more.

people who come in my house and are scared or give me greif i tell them suck it up buttercup or get the hell out. lol. if you cant overcome your fears than you might be missing out on something great. ie ted and pete and my leos. which by having has gotten my kids over their fear of bugs and frogs and snakes.

anyways sorry so long i just read everyone comments about people being scared and figured i would share my story.
ps my bf was the whole im not scared of snakes i just dont like the feel of them and now ted and him play video games and watch tv together almost everynight if my bf doesnt bring ted out everynight than ted gets cranky lol.

Sherri- thanks for your post. Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner, I was in the mountains and my cell reception was shotty. It's nice to hear you at facing one of your fears! One of mine is also the dark, especially since I'm alone most of the time! Snakes seemed the best fear to face even though I wasn't 100% afraid of them. Wild ones definitely scare me mOre, but they're unpredictable and can leave a mark whether wild or not. (at least my girl can!)

[Leggless]

Very nice....... She's a big girl!!!!!!!!

[Evolieno]

Very nice....... She's a big girl!!!!!!!!


Haha, thanks! Indeed she is a big girl!

[Evolieno]

OK! So Sero has been blue and should be shedding any day now. Today she was soaking in her water bowl, which is normal considering. She finally went back to her hide so I took her water bowl out to rinse/refresh. What do I find?!!! Little Bugs in the water!!!!!! Grrrrr. She had mites over a month ago, and I treated her for them and she was on paper towels until a week ago. There weren't any mites in her water bowl the whole time. I got her a new enclosure, a new hide and new cypress mulch. The only thing that I still have for her from her old enclosure is the water bowl.....and obviously Sero. Since she's getting ready to shed, I don't wanna bother her. Could they just be wood mites from the mulch I got? I guess I just need to wait till she sheds and see if I can take a q-tip to her nostrils or a take a paper towel and rub her with it.. She's so dark I can't tell just by looking at her. This is so frustrating, I don't like the thought of her being uncomfortable in my care!

[Lankyrob]

Pics would help if you can get them, i regularly get little bugs in my repti bark that dont do any harm, they just seem to drown themselves in the water bowl ;)

[Evolieno]

I can try, but they're so small I can't seem to focus in enough... It'd be a crappy picture if anything. I'll try. Also, I got my mulch at a different place then I did last time, to avoid this situation... So I have no clue what has happened!

[Evolieno]

Oh my gosh!! It's 3:23AM and I can't believe it, but I actually caught Sero shedding! I took sooo much video, and a few crappy pictures... I'll post them later. I can't believe how lucky I was to see her first shed in my care! It was AWESOME!

[Kaetlinv]

awesome! I've never caught any of mine shedding, I bet it was fantastic to watch!

[Evolieno]

I was like a kid in a candy shop... It was funny but incredibly cool to watch. I never realized that her coloring is actually a lot lighter than I thought, and she actually has more tippig than I thought, as well. It just rolled right off of her in one piece, so I'm doing SOMETHING right.

[MoreliAddict]

she's very nice pal,and your ex is an a**hole for treating you that way :suspicious:

i miss my coastals,they were eating machines

the tanks in that shop were good looking tanks

cheers shaun:)
Hey Shaun were your Coastals bitey?

Some carpet breeders I've spoken to have told me Coastals are the most prone to being bitey hatchies...

[Evolieno]

Oh moreli, don't tell me that! Lol.

[MoreliAddict]

Oh moreli, don't tell me that! Lol.
If yours tolerates you now, you're all set. Carpets are notorious biters when they are little, and the vast majority grow out of it, even without much handling. Once they're grown out of it and tame, that's them for life.

Coastals have a bad rep for this, but this is definitely a Carpet Python thing in general...

[Evolieno]

Oh ya I've heard it... I was just thinking about breeding Sero eventually. She is definitely docile, I haven't been bit yet. She's also 5-6 yrs.. But a bite from her I'm sure wouldn't be pleasant. But I wanna see what Shaun says, I'm interested if there is a sub species that is worst than another it not..

[MoreliAddict]

Oh ya I've heard it... I was just thinking about breeding Sero eventually. She is definitely docile, I haven't been bit yet. She's also 5-6 yrs.. But a bite from her I'm sure wouldn't be pleasant. But I wanna see what Shaun says, I'm interested if there is a sub species that is worst than another it not..
It would hurt like hell lol but trust me she will NOT bite you. You'd really have to do something stupid and disrespectful to piss off a docile adult carpet python which usually tolerates people, enough to bite you...

Carpet hatchies are so small that even though they bite it doesn't make them tough to work with. You'll get USED to bites from carpet hatchies if you breed them. ;)

[Evolieno]

See, that's what I figure. I almost handled her ten realized she was I shed and let her be. Before I got her, I handled her every other day for 2 weeks so I could see if there was any aggression, there wasn't. I later found out she was also due to be fed a week prior so being hungry and all... Nothing. That's what sealed the deal for me. I would rather be bit because she gets spooked or something other than because I handled her when I knew better. But maybe I'll just be lucky and it won't happen with her. She really is a sweet snake- no one I know thinks "sweet snakes" exist lol.

[MoreliAddict]

See, that's what I figure. I almost handled her ten realized she was I shed and let her be. Before I got her, I handled her every other day for 2 weeks so I could see if there was any aggression, there wasn't. I later found out she was also due to be fed a week prior so being hungry and all... Nothing. That's what sealed the deal for me. I would rather be bit because she gets spooked or something other than because I handled her when I knew better. But maybe I'll just be lucky and it won't happen with her. She really is a sweet snake- no one I know thinks "sweet snakes" exist lol.
Like I said, you have nothing to worry about. Sweet Coastal Carpets certainly do exist, I've seen them, and you've got one. :)

[Evolieno]

So, due to unfortunate events, it looks like I have to find a new home for Sero. I am wondering if anyone has any suggestions for me. I'm so beside myself and I can't believe I have to part with her after such a short time with her. I do not have to rehome her IMMEDIATELY so I will be looking for someone who is experienced with large snakes and educated about carpet pythons. Is there anything I need to ask specifically to know that whoever takes her knows what they're doing? Anyone can go on google and look it up (which how I educated myself about her before I purchased her). Also, what would be a fair rehoming fee? I don't want it too low that someone who doesn't know what they're doing will scoop her up (or much worse- someone with terrible intentions) but I also don't want it too high that no one will come see her and consider taking her. She was $300 when I purchased her from a local reptile store and I know they mark up their prices, so I don't actually know what her worth is. (Well, obviously to me she is priceless). If anyone can help I would appreciate it. I have been having a very hard time with all of this and am very upset about it. I'm even crying as I type. :( maybe some of the Colorado members on here know of someone that may be interested? I don't know- I still want to be able to see her, but I know that's most likely not possible. Ugh

[Kaetlinv]

Oh no, why do you need to rehome her? :( i understand if its something youd rather not talk about on a forum, but whats gone wrong?

[Evolieno]

I sent you a message, Kaetlin!

[Evolieno]

Instead of creating a new thread, I thought I'd post this here since it is in regards to Serophina. She hasn't eaten in quite a while, and I thought it was because she had mites. I have since treated the mites, and offered her a rat weeks later. She wouldn't take it. So today I decided I would try again... And again, she won't take it. I'm not sure if there's the chance she has mouth rot or an RI. I haven't not seen any of the signs of an RI.. And her mouth hasn't been open long enoug for me to get a good look. I've never opened her mouth myself, so I'm not sure how to safely going about doing so. Anyone have some tips on that? I don't have anyone that could help hold her while I check on her mouth, so I have a feeling it may be quite a task. If I can take a look and I feel like there's something wrong, I will try to find a vet to take her to, but I dont know a vet that treats exotics in my area or how much a visit would be. Any advice that you guys have is appreciated. I've never dealt with a sick snake, so please don't bash me for anything I've said or have/haven't done. Thanks :/

[Lankyrob]

I would check everything is okay with husbandry and then as long as you are ot concerned about weight loss or the snake losing condition the leave it be and offer food every ten days. It could just be breeding season fasting :)

[Evolieno]

Ah, okay! Thank you, Rob. I have had a few friends say that in winter they fast. I was just getting worried because it has been a while since she ate. She smells the rat several times and acts interested and then just turns away. I jist don't want anything to be wrong with her, so that's why I'm worried.