First Retic issue

HP4 · 12-26-14, 07:47 PM

I just purchased a male Purple Retic after I let go my Burmese. Although I love both, the Retic is totally different character. Anyway I have some questions regarding Retic care. First I bought him from a reptile store only 20 minutes away. I put him in a aquarium like tank like the one he was in at the store. Already have an Animal Plastics T5 but way too big for him now. The point is does he really need to be left alone for a few days? He seems very calm when I handled him once since purchase. He is in the first signs of shed but just cleared up. He does not act hungry at all, even though he's 4 ft he's pretty narrow. I've compared pics on the web and I'm sure he's too skinny ( 1 inch diameter). Second is he only stays on the heated side for very little time. When I handled him he was freaking ice cold! My Burm rarely did this. He's like always there and I'm worried this guy is suicidal. Any comments are welcomed. Just want to make sure I'm doing things right here.

**Minkness** · 12-27-14, 01:56 AM

I hope you mean you rehomed the burm and didn't just let it go outside...

As for handling, it depends. When I got my baby MBK after an aweful shipping, I handled her the next day and every day since (minus 2 days after feedings for digestion).

As far as it like to stay cool that's not in my expertise as I'm still more than a bit new myself so I'm sure others will have some good advice for you.

It may just be that because it's winter it's trying to hibernate sort of. I have a gecko that prefers to be cool and starve himself in winter, so I have to move him to a small take that is better heated and hand feed him every few days because he doesn't maintain his weight through the winter like my others do...

Either way, good luck!

Kuamata · 12-27-14, 02:39 AM

May wanna check your husbandry. As far as I know, you'll want a warm side temp of roughly 89F and a basking spot of ~92F. Cool side at about 75F but generally no lower than that... Humidity should hang around 60 - 70%. A pic of your set up may give a good idea.

dave himself · 12-27-14, 05:37 AM

First off hello and welcome aboard

. Second congratulations on getting your retic. Now I can only speak from personal experience here, which is very limited when it comes to retics but as said check your temps. We have our girls temps running at. Hot end in the mid 80s with a basking spot of around 90. And her cool end dropping to the low 80s. She was put into a 6x2x2 when she was around the same size as your boy, we provided plenty of cover for her the full length of the viv and she was fine, although all snakes are different so just be careful if you do upgrade him that he's not stressing out. Personally I would give him a few days to shed and try him with a feed before handling. We also found that a large water bowl below the heating source keeps the humidity up fine and we've no issues with shedding. I hope some of this helps. I hope some of this helps and I'm sure some of the more experienced keepers will be able to help you out

Ps
Post some pics please

marvelfreak · 12-27-14, 07:43 AM

Hello and Welcome!

First you'll want to let it settle in and shed before handling. You should not handle snakes when in shed because they produces a oil between the layers of scales to help them shed. to much handling can break down the oil and cause them to have a poor shed.

Second you always want to get a snake feeding for you before you stress it with handling. I always try feeding the day after getting a snake. You be amazed at how many will eat right off the bat.

Third if it eats for you this will help it with shedding. A fat snake seems to always shed easier. I have some shed right after eating.

P.S. as other said check our temps and humidity level. From the sound of it your hot side might be to high.

SSSSnakes · 12-27-14, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marvelfreak

Hello and Welcome!

First you'll want to let it settle in and shed before handling. You should not handle snakes when in shed because they produces a oil between the layers of scales to help them shed. to much handling can break down the oil and cause them to have a poor shed.

Second you always want to get a snake feeding for you before you stress it with handling. I always try feeding the day after getting a snake. You be amazed at how many will eat right off the bat.

Third if it eats for you this will help it with shedding. A fat snake seems to always shed easier. I have some shed right after eating.

P.S. as other said check our temps and humidity level. From the sound of it your hot side might be to high.

Great advice, I'd follow it.

**Tsubaki** · 12-27-14, 01:48 PM

And don't be too surprised at how slender a retic male is, especially not one that age. You can not compare them to a Burmese, those tend to be twice as thick.

Retics are very slender giants.

HP4 · 12-27-14, 01:58 PM

Thanks for all your advice. And yes I rehomed my Burmese to a responsible owner. But I sure do miss him. As for now he did actually eat but I found out he likes them prekilled and not moving. I just placed him on the heat side and he went to it. This guy is remarkably laid back. Not what I expected when i did my research. I do love this guy and he looks fantastic. I guess I just needed some patience. Appreciate everyones input. This is the only the second forum I ever joined but it seems like the people here down to earth and knowledgeable. Thanks for the welcome and I hope you guys keep patient with me.

HP4 · 12-27-14, 01:59 PM

Oh and will post some pics. I am envious of " Dave himself". Your retic is gorgeous!!

**Minkness** · 12-27-14, 08:04 PM

^_^

Dave has some amazing retics for sure!

If I were more into the bigguns I'd look into a retic but meh...I'll still my colubrids for now XD

dave himself · 12-29-14, 04:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HP4

Oh and will post some pics. I am envious of " Dave himself". Your retic is gorgeous!!

Thanks you and I'm looking forward to seeing your pictures

Quote:

Originally Posted by Minkness

^_^

Dave has some amazing retics for sure!

If I were more into the bigguns I'd look into a retic but meh...I'll still my colubrids for now XD

Thanks and Jenny is my one and only retic due to lack of space