New pics of Jag & update on handling...

Ferae Naturae · 03-12-12, 02:46 PM

Equipped with gloves, a thick sweater and a hook I took Jag out for the first time today. He went into "S" mode a couple times but never struck

he actually appeared to be pretty relaxed and curious once he was out. He was completely content with me in the cage taking pics, didn't appear defensive at all. Pretty pleased considering the last time I watched someone try to handle him he appeared to be a real handful! Attached some update pics, not the best quality cell phone pics but let me know what you guys think!

marvelfreak · 03-12-12, 02:54 PM

Very nice looking Jag. Glad to hear he was good for you.

Caylan · 03-12-12, 03:20 PM

I find carpet pythons rather difficult to read at times, but generally there are different S formations. You will learn the difference quite quickly, generally when food is around. I have my older carpets set up to recognise hand signals, because they don't know when they are getting fed and unfortunately think it's every time the door opens no matter what I do...
Regardless, there are 3 'S' formations that I've noticed. Defensive, feeding, and curiosity. Generally I usually see curiosity, it's them gauging their length to see if they can stretch out to reach a certain point. With feeding you can just see it in how they hover their head with their neck almost directly behind them, rather then slightly above or below. When defensive, they 'S' upwards, like a cobra would. They hold their coils in the air above their head making a mock hood, not to mention loading up the strike range. Odd's of you seeing this behaviour now is very slim, more of a baby/ unlucky me behaviour. Don't be to worried about the 'S', carpets kinda do it all the time...

Ferae Naturae · 03-12-12, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caylan

I find carpet pythons rather difficult to read at times, but generally there are different S formations. You will learn the difference quite quickly, generally when food is around. I have my older carpets set up to recognise hand signals, because they don't know when they are getting fed and unfortunately think it's every time the door opens no matter what I do...
Regardless, there are 3 'S' formations that I've noticed. Defensive, feeding, and curiosity. Generally I usually see curiosity, it's them gauging their length to see if they can stretch out to reach a certain point. With feeding you can just see it in how they hover their head with their neck almost directly behind them, rather then slightly above or below. When defensive, they 'S' upwards, like a cobra would. They hold their coils in the air above their head making a mock hood, not to mention loading up the strike range. Odd's of you seeing this behaviour now is very slim, more of a baby/ unlucky me behaviour. Don't be to worried about the 'S', carpets kinda do it all the time...

Nice to know! Thank you!

alessia55 · 03-12-12, 03:50 PM

Very nice

Glad he's warming up to you

youngster · 03-12-12, 03:53 PM

I've also noticed that Caylan, very sound advice.

Terranaut · 03-12-12, 04:08 PM

I agree. "Word" is the appropriate answer

Glad it's all going so well!!!

UwabamiReptiles · 03-12-12, 05:37 PM

Thats a beautiful jag! Happy he's letting you take him out with no problems. Just keep working with him and you'll have a pretty snake you can handle whenever you want.

Freebody · 03-12-12, 05:50 PM

Very nice

krystle · 03-12-12, 06:01 PM

nice jag! love his coloring!

BigTimer · 03-12-12, 06:51 PM

Love the jags

Trent · 03-12-12, 07:33 PM

Nice looking jag!

**millertime89** · 03-13-12, 12:30 AM

he looks great!

MoreliAddict · 03-13-12, 10:42 AM

nice pics and nice snake! (carpets are my fav)

congrats on a good handling sesh too

Ferae Naturae · 03-13-12, 02:40 PM

Thanks guys! It was literally love at first sight when I saw him!

Today he was a little hissy and flighty in his cage when I went to get him, so the handling continues daily.

On a side note, I've been reading mixed reviews about what prey size is appropriate for carpets... I fed him a medium rat last Friday, I'm thinking he could take a large no problem...?