Cape African house snake, Clyde

DollysMom · 02-21-16, 07:56 PM

Here's a little update on my housie, Clyde. The past three sheds have been on the 17th or 18th of the month like clockwork. You'd think he has a calendar. He's just shy of 7 months and weighs 19 grams. A shy eater at first, he now strikes and grabs his pinkies from the tongs. If he is in a hide, as soon as he smells mouse he comes flying out. He's cute, curious and cuddly.

I'm glad to see several threads on AHS lately. They are awesome snakes.

These pictures are post his February 17th shed:

macandchz · 02-21-16, 08:08 PM

clyde's a sweetie and i love the name.

DollysMom · 02-21-16, 08:39 PM

Thank you macandchz. Much appreciated.

Humble308 · 02-21-16, 09:52 PM

Awesome house snake. Nice to see some other keepers. I agree, they are great snakes to keep... Mine always settles in for curious handlings and practically launches himself at his meals lol. He also sheds pretty consistently likes yours. Such cool little snake's

. Thanks for sharing Clyde!

Frisky · 02-22-16, 02:19 AM

Clyde is awesome. These are very rewarding snakes when adult simply because of how chilled they tend to become. Watch the feeding response as adults though, it is ferocious.

DollysMom · 02-22-16, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Humble308

Awesome house snake. Nice to see some other keepers. I agree, they are great snakes to keep... Mine always settles in for curious handlings and practically launches himself at his meals lol. He also sheds pretty consistently likes yours. Such cool little snake's

. Thanks for sharing Clyde!

You are welcome, Humble308! Launches at meals is right. So much fun. Roscoe is so cool, too. Thanks for sharing him as well. We don't see enough of these wonderful house snakes this country, that's for sure.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frisky

Clyde is awesome. These are very rewarding snakes when adult simply because of how chilled they tend to become. Watch the feeding response as adults though, it is ferocious.

Thanks Frisky. It is awesome to see a serious keeper from South Africa here. This gem of a snake certainly is one of your county's precious gifts to the world. My son has had his housie, Norm, for nearly 14 years so I've seen and handled an adult. In fact, Norm was my inspiration for getting back into snakes. As to feeding response, I have 10 inch tongs and always wash my hands thoroughly after handling thawed mice. It's no guarantee, but it puts the odds in my favor, lol.

DollysMom · 02-23-16, 07:56 PM

I had Clyde out this evening, crawling on my bed and had a vine for him to explore. I was able to get this pic of his face. I don't get clear close-ups as often as I'd like.

Frisky · 02-24-16, 06:05 AM

Clyde is indeed a handsome fellow with that crisp, clear eye line above his eyes.

macandchz · 02-24-16, 08:44 AM

Clyde gets cuter every day. i love that last pix of him spying through the tree.

DollysMom · 02-24-16, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frisky

Clyde is indeed a handsome fellow with that crisp, clear eye line above his eyes.

That means a lot coming from someone as experienced with the species as you are. I fell in love with him from his picture in a classified as on another forum. His dad is a normal het T- albino and is mom is a visual T- albino. I've seen their pics and they are very handsome snakes, too. His breeder and I still keep in touch so I'm blessed to have him in more ways than one.

Quote:

Originally Posted by macandchz

Clyde gets cuter every day. i love that last pix of him spying through the tree.

Thanks so much. It was a lucky shot. I didn't even know I had it until I went and looked at my pics. I wasn't planning to take pics last night! I had him out to crawl around my bed and hands. I always provide something for him to explore and/or hide in, but it varies. Luckily, my phone was in reach.

Charis · 02-24-16, 12:34 PM

Hi there Dollysmom and Clyde!

This is Tavia from CS, I'm Charis on all other reptile forums.

macandchz · 02-24-16, 12:59 PM

dear dollysmom. i am so glad you play with clyde as much as you do. i have a albino ball python and he sounds as tame as clyde. i take mac out and let him slither all over my colorful bedspread -which he seem to like. most people say don't handle them too much or they get stressed, but mac seems to be a sociable snake like clyde.

DollysMom · 02-24-16, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charis

Hi there Dollysmom and Clyde!

This is Tavia from CS, I'm Charis on all other reptile forums.

Hi Charis! (Clyde's breeder). Thanks for checking in. Clyde and I send our best, as always. He's curled up in his hide right now, but I'll tell him you said hello!

Quote:

Originally Posted by macandchz

dear dollysmom. i am so glad you play with clyde as much as you do. i have a albino ball python and he sounds as tame as clyde. i take mac out and let him slither all over my colorful bedspread -which he seem to like. most people say don't handle them too much or they get stressed, but mac seems to be a sociable snake like clyde.

I'm so glad to hear about Mac. He sounds wonderful. I have no experience with BPs but they certainly are beautiful and make great pet snakes. I can picture him happily snaking across your bed!

I guess I don't know any better on handling. Coming from the corn snake world it is the norm to handle. However, I did know that house snakes are hardy and a snake that is very amenable to handling before I got Clyde. I try to handle both my snakes regularly, digestion and shedding aside. But I always look to the snake's needs first. I prefer short, positive handling sessions, especially with babies and youngsters. I'll also skip handling if I'm too tired or not feeling well. No point in having an accident because my brain is not fully functional!

DollysMom · 03-25-16, 08:55 AM

I took this pic of Clyde yesterday. He's 25 grams now. You gotta love that little face.