Cuddles the Woma Python - Page 10

Captain837 · 10-21-16, 05:47 PM

Not sure if this is exactly how it works but this has been my observation. Over time the snake will associate your smell with what ever experience is has with you. As long as you are never a threat she should eventually calm down. I say should because they all have their own personality, some mellow out rather quickly, some take a while and some never truly trust anything and simply tolerate interactions and can never be 100% trusted. Combine that with the individual feeding responses (which can be misinterpreted as agression) and you end up with a very wide range of possibilities when it comes to attitude.
With all that said, for us to interprete or put meaning to your snakes behavior is nothing but a shot in the dark. My suggestion is just be patient and calm with her. Let her adjust at her pace and be ok with it. As long as she is eating get and shedding normally she is healthy and that is about the most you should expect. Anything beyond that is a bonus.

REM955 · 11-05-16, 06:14 PM

Understood. I just wish I got more feedback.

Other news, she has been more docile and open to handling. I have gotten a bit ambitious in getting her to tone down a bit so I have been placing her on a low box and approaching her. Slightly repulsed, but she eventually seems to be getting that it is me. No defensive actions made.

Measured again. My first measurement was by eye, so not considering it.
Second was ~23". Third (today) is 23.75"

Considering trying a fuzzy rat on her. Any reason I shouldn't?
Above View

Derek Roddy · 11-06-16, 01:39 PM

Most Womas are jumpy before maturity...and most calm down with age. No worries.

D

REM955 · 11-10-16, 07:01 PM

Still concerned over size though. Is this a typical rate for her age?
Also, I think only now she is working on her third shed in total. I thought at young age you would see one shed a month.

Derek Roddy · 11-12-16, 06:04 PM

Shedding frequency depends on feeding rate....fed more, shed more....fed less, shed less.

That being said, Womas in the wild eat fairly frequently. I don't where the myth comes from that these animals "rarely eat in the wild" or that "they don't eat as often" as they are VERY successful hunters.
Womas have a fast metabolism and a good average for feeding them is small meals every 4 days or so, as opposed to a larger one in 7.

Cheers,
D

REM955 · 11-12-16, 06:20 PM

Hmm. I just assumed the standard, but I will change accordingly.
So her being able to handle a rat pinkie now, she should get one every four days for the time being?

Derek Roddy · 11-13-16, 12:15 PM

Id move more with weaned/adult mice than pup rats. Pups/Pinks are loaded with milk and fatty proteins. Mice are much more lean and trim. Feed those until she grows up enough to take weaned rats. Food size appropriation for a woma shouldn't leave a bulge. Just enough to tell it has eaten.

Aspidities are really easy in the fact that if they're moving....they're looking for food. A lot of time keepers overfeed them by giving them large food items...as long as you're under feeding the size and offering the day after she starts looking for food again....you'll be golden.

D

REM955 · 11-13-16, 12:29 PM

A considerably change from the norm.
So something like hopper mice to re-start with and test for this behavior. Today is feeding day anyway. Though while in shed I have been able to leave food on her and it gets eaten.

One thing you mentioned, that they only come out to hunt. She really hasn't come out on her own. Is this an indication that I am overfeeding then?

Derek Roddy · 11-15-16, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by REM955

One thing you mentioned, that they only come out to hunt. She really hasn't come out on her own. Is this an indication that I am overfeeding then?

Maybe, larger meals will take longer to digest (which their systems aren't really set up for that as they don't have access to large food items in the bush...and if it is a large item, has almost no fat...like dragons or skinks)

So, they will hide and digest until they're ready again.

Better for them to have small items so they're out looking in a few days....thats how they operate in the wild. Keeps em lean and active.

D

REM955 · 12-09-16, 06:51 PM

Just an update.
Front View

She has mellowed out quite a bit. The picture is her on top of her cage where she will go around, checking to see if she can drop herself off the edge safely.
For a while I have been setting her there and interacting with her (extending hand, pacing, slow but large movements) and she has gotten to the point where it doesn't phase unless surprised. Fortunately, she falls out of that once you gets fixated on the moving thing and "figures" it out (me).

More amusing, last night I walked in and found her in the "cobra pose" for the first time, looking at me. Did not allow for me to get a picture though.

Trollbie · 12-10-16, 09:23 AM

She is adorable!!!!!

REM955 · 12-23-16, 07:58 PM

Pulled her out today from her hot side.
Thought I would give it a shot: No reaction to me petting her on the head. I was gentle of course, but still. =)

Captain837 · 12-24-16, 09:25 AM

Nice to see you are making progress with her. Two of ours are still really chill the third still wants to eat everything she sees (including the snake hook).

REM955 · 12-24-16, 10:28 AM

The hook? I always thought they would be put off by the cold metal, but apparently not. Though I do recall I once posted some news article about a woma who did swallow what looked like food tongs...

Captain837 · 12-24-16, 04:47 PM

Ya she grabs anything and everything that passes by her face. Not defensive strikes either. Bite and wraps. She is relentless.