My new snake is on crack

SnowFoxx · 03-27-03, 08:19 PM

I just got my new Rough Green in the mail today. She's wild caught, unfirtunately, but I couldn't find captive bred RGs anywhere! So, When she arrived, I opened up her deli cup and stroked her back a bit...no reaction. Her head was buried in the substrate, so I guess that explains what happened next. I got her tank set up and picked her up to pop her in...it's a good thing I have fast hands, because once I grabbed, she *flipped out*!! I had her by the mid-body, and she repeated whacked herself against the side of the aquqrium before I could get her in there. She almost got away from me, but she didn't and I got her in. I hadn't put the fake plants in there yet, so she could see everything...and she jumped (I swear her whole body left the ground) and flipped around wildly around the tank everytime someone in the room moved or walked by her.

So, somehow I managed to get the fake plants in without her getting out of the tank, and she looks a bit better, but I'm very disappointed and discouraged right now. I'm guessing she'll never be handlable.

- Victoria :w

Classic · 03-27-03, 08:31 PM

If you have patience, she will come around. I'm sure it will be difficult but attainable. Plan for a long time and then you won't be disapointed. Good Luck

Classic

KrokadilyanGuy3 · 03-27-03, 08:37 PM

...Always keep in mind reptiles aren't your average pets.. More of show animals.
Xain

J_Riley · 03-28-03, 04:28 PM

That is the down side of w/c colubrids. My friend has a garter and he swings what ever part of his body is not in your hands around and around in circles...while musking of course

It could be worse, could have been a w/c female watersnake, they thrash and bite the hell out of you

Oh, and be sure to get the snake dewormed as soon as it settles down a little, parasites are the #1 killer of w/c rough greens.
She might just be freaked out from the long ride in the mail. Give her a week or two...

crimsonking · 03-28-03, 10:23 PM

Give her a little time to settle down and don't try to handle her at all for a few days. She's stressed enough. They need to feel secure, and the plants will help there. have a supply of fresh water available. In a few days try and feed a cricket. Try only one so you can keep track and as sometimes too many things running around will scare the snake. You may well get the idea that this is not a "tame" snake like corns. With occasional handling being best. I've had some as docile as any cb snake, but most are a bit jumpy especially at first. If it feels secure enough to feed then you have gone in the right direction.

marylyn101 · 03-29-03, 09:42 PM

Just be patiet and all will go well.

(unless she is like my snake

)