Malaki; our new/old Burm - Page 3

jaleely · 01-25-12, 07:22 PM

Cool, and congrats! Let us know how the feeding goes!!

Norm66 · 01-25-12, 08:03 PM

Well, the feeding actually went really well. When I popped the top of the tub he immediately got the smell of rat and started coming out. I actually had to grab about 2' behind his head and put him back into the tub but when I showed him the rat I swear I saw a glint in his eye and a smirk on his lips. He took it without hesitation and spent about 5 minutes getting it down. Then he came looking for more. LOL.

I quickly obliged him and he repeated his earlier performance. This time took a little longer to get it down because at first he tried eating it shoulder first which was never going to work. Eventually he sucked it down and has a nice size lump to show for his trouble.

Obviously we're really pleased. I have some pics to post but I'm working overtime this week and I'm really tired. I'll try and get them posted tomorrow sometime.

Swany · 01-25-12, 08:06 PM

That's great Norm, long may it continue ;-)

I upped Princess to two fluffs last night, she gobbled them one after the other no problem.

Norm66 · 01-25-12, 08:14 PM

Thanks.

It's remarkable th size of prey these guys can take.

Swany · 01-25-12, 08:22 PM

Yeah it's pretty amazing when you look at them and then their food item you wonder how they manage :-)

**millertime89** · 01-26-12, 02:37 AM

be careful during feeding time. You might be surprised how quickly they can whip around and grab a hand when in feed mode. I would suggest having the rats ready for him the moment you open his enclosure.

Becky, I followed the happenings of Malaki in the other thread, but to my knowledge this severe of a case of underfeeding has never happened before. I think it will be very interesting to see how he grows under a proper feeding regiment.

Norm66 · 01-26-12, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by millertime89

be careful during feeding time. You might be surprised how quickly they can whip around and grab a hand when in feed mode. I would suggest having the rats ready for him the moment you open his enclosure.

Becky, I followed the happenings of Malaki in the other thread, but to my knowledge this severe of a case of underfeeding has never happened before. I think it will be very interesting to see how he grows under a proper feeding regiment.

Kyle, I agree. Call it a rookie mistake. We're still working out the details of dealing with a big guy. It was easy at his former home as it was set up and Shannon had a procedure that worked but we're not quite there yet. Next time will be safer.

What I forgot to say last night was that he wanted another one after the 2nd. He came right out of the tub at me looking for more. Kind of dangerous actually but cute too.

Rogue628 · 01-26-12, 06:47 AM

Mine do that. They'll look for food as long as they're in feed mode. Once they realize they're not getting anymore, they settle down lol.

Caylan · 01-26-12, 07:02 AM

Which is perfect timing for getting that rabbit switch in, I'm telling yuh. Congrats on the successful feeding. Malaki is a really cool snake, and lucky to be in your care. I still see a mini giant in this ones future too... Caylan.S.

Norm66 · 01-26-12, 07:08 AM

I kind of hope he does get big. It would be a little sad if he didn't, but we just want to make him happy so it doesn't matter really.

I'm getting rabbits at the next expo (Feb 4) so we'll definitely give it a go.

Nismo89 · 01-26-12, 10:30 PM

Thats a nice new pick up I love the giants especially albinos but am not ready for one yet. On a side note I saw on the first page you were thinking about getting a boaphile for this guy. Thats not the best idea they aren't made with strong enough material to handle a retic IIRC. I actually talked to Jeff (the boaphile) a few months back when I was thinking about ordering a few cages and I don't remember the exact weight limits on what he sells was but it wasn't much more than the weight of a full grown boa. I'd suggest just giving him a call (it's the easiest way to get ahold of him) and see what he says about it before you spend all that money.

**millertime89** · 01-27-12, 02:17 AM

yes, boaphiles aren't the most popular in the retic community. Sentec is extremely popular but pretty pricey. Join Retic Keepers and Retic Nation on facebook (if you have one) and join the corresponding forum to read up on what they keepers of the big guys love. I've also seen mention of visions, boa masters, and neodeshas.

edit: basically anything that is solid PVC

Norm66 · 01-27-12, 06:14 AM

Thanks for the info guys. I'm not locked into boaphiles actually I just meant them as a generic term for PVC cages. Bad habit I know. Like calling all tissues Kleenex.

Of course you guys are talking about full-size retics and I'm talking about a smallish Burm that at 9 years old isn't as big as most boas. I had in mind starting him out in a 4x2 cage and moving him up if/when he needed it. Then I'd have a 4x2 for my boa or a future snake. I'll look into cages here in the next couple weeks.

Again, thanks.

Norm66 · 01-27-12, 12:09 PM

Feeding pics as promised...just a day later than promised.

Norm66 · 01-27-12, 12:09 PM

And finally, this is right before he came after me looking for another rat.