angry dumeril

[justink]

I am new to keeping snakes and just bought a dumeril. She is about 24-36". I just got her shipped in this morning and put her into her new tank i set up. I tried to handle her tonight after she appeared to relax and she tried to strike me. Is she just adapting to her new environment or should i be worried that i got an angry snake who wont be handleable?? Also, the breeder i got her from said he wasfeeding her rat pups every thursday, should i try to feed her this week or give her more time?

[t-dot]

give ur snake some time to adapt to the environment cus my salmon island ground baos are like that too and it was a pain feeding them ~!

[Pontus]

give her 2 weeks or something i no its hard but it will help atleast till shes eaten for u 2 times

[Big_V]

Leave the snake alone for at least a week. They need time to adjust to their new environments. The snake is just scared, understandibly of course. You can try to feed this thursday but its probably a better idea to wait a full week or so then attempt feeding. IMO I would get at least 2 feedings in before handling the snake alot. I know its hard to resist the temptation but the faster the snake is comfortable the less chance there will be of a defensive strike from stress.
Cheers,
Ryan

[ssscales]

Like everyone else wrote, give her some time. 1-2 weeks should be enough time, try and feed her and then wait another few days befor handling. Dum's are usually calm and docile.

[jungleguy]

i live in michigan and recieved a 100% het male boa from cali. and i fed him 5 hours after i recieved him from next day air.

[Ryan and Katie]

Dumerils tend to be a bit shy compared to a common boa and may take more time to acclimatize to a new home. What are you keeping your Dumeril in??

[justink]

she is in a 20 gallon long glass tank with cypress mulch. she spends most of her time under the hide log that i got for her.

[Ryan and Katie]

I have found dumerils to be a little sensitive when touching their backs. I would assume this is due to them being a leaf litter ambush predator. If you can pick her up without bumping her back she may be a bit more relaxed for handling. I agree with eveyone saying to leave her alone for a while before you handle her to much. As for feeding her, I would give it a shot but if she refuses leave her for a few days then try again...
P.S. I am assuming you have the right temps???

[justink]

I posted my temps on a different thread. Hot end is at 85 and the cool end at 74. I have an undertank heat pad and dont think i can adjust the amount of heat it gives. AS far as feeding, I was planning on attempting it tomorrow. The place i got it from said they were feeding her every thursday live ratpups. I have read that dead is better, so should i try to give her what she is used to for now and then work her into dead food, or just try to get her started the right way? also, should i try the frozen feeders or kill them myself?? thanks

[Ryan and Katie]

You might want to up those temps a bit 76-78 cool 88-92 warm. Most heat pads are warmer than 85 i would check the temps again. As long as you are feeding fairly young rat pups you shouldn't have to worry but i would switch her over to pre-killed shortly after you get her feeding for you. Frozen or fresh killed use either, I prefer frozen as they are far easier to store.
Best of luck...

[justink]

She ate a rat pup with no hesitations for me today. Cant wait till I can try to handle her.

[newtosnakes]

That is so not fair. We've had our dumeril for about 3wks and we tried to feed him again yesterday and he still wont eat! The fuzzy ended up drowning b/c he got in the water bowl while we were sleeping.

[Ryan and Katie]

Very glad to hear she is doing well. If you ever get a chance post some pics!

[justink]

i tried to post some pics and it says my file attachment is too big