defensive strike

sgtsnake · 08-24-14, 10:54 PM

The retic I have is little and takes hoppers just fine. I decided to try a small and all she did was strike at it defensively. ..not bite or constrict. I assume she did this because the prey item is just too big right now?

franks · 08-25-14, 07:31 AM

Possibly. She could have just felt vulnerable more than hungry at the moment. Was the prey live?

sgtsnake · 08-25-14, 11:40 AM

No..it was F/T

guyabano · 08-27-14, 02:27 AM

Do you have hides? Smaller snakes tend to be insecure. Maybe your retic would like some cover before trying something larger and riskier (in it's mind).

retic1987 · 08-27-14, 10:47 AM

Does you're cage open from the top? If so the snake seeing something coming down at it may have put the snake in a defense mode

sgtsnake · 08-28-14, 05:01 PM

Yea. I went old school and put her in a tiny box by herself with he the rat pup and she ate it right up. Not much of a lump so I'm trying a small rat in a week

Oh I also covered about 3/4 of each side with black duct tape..maybe it will help call him

**millertime89** · 09-05-14, 05:14 PM

Do not continue doing that. The last thing you want in an adult retic is one that will not eat in their cage. Add hides or ground cover.

IW17 · 09-08-14, 10:32 PM

Good advice. I couldn't imagine trying to remove either of mine on feeding day without coming away from it very bloody.

**millertime89** · 09-09-14, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IW17

Good advice. I couldn't imagine trying to remove either of mine on feeding day without coming away from it very bloody.

Bingo. Several of mine will strike anything/everything for about 48 hours after feeding. Insane feeding response.