First retic to raise! ...but I have some questions..

[dastefster]

Hey guys! I just got my new purple motley male, and boy is he gorgeous But I have some concerns.....I've owned snakes for 9 years now (GTP, boas, king snakes, etc) but never a retic. I've always liked them..and did a lot of research before deciding to buy one. I definitely "know what I'm getting myself into" as much as any other new retic owner...but I've been surfing around on some forums and cam across a few "bite posts" ..I understand the risk of owning these animals, but from the comments I was reading ..male retics weren't gaining the best reputation lol.. and I kinda started to freak out a little (don't judge!). I had read about males getting cranky during breeding season...but didn't think it was a definitely thing, which it isn't. But my question is...how do you best avoid it? I won't be breeding for a LONG time if ever. I always go into any of my animals cages hook first, to asses mood/turn off feeding response etc. But how do you know your male is about to rip your hand off? Do they give signs BEFORE you take them out? (like when you first go in and start messing with them) or do they let you take them out and then totally turn on you? What are some popular indications? I basically want to learn by your mistakes (haha) so I can avoid getting my hand or arm ripped to shreds...any advice would be awesome and (hopefully) calming...

on a happier note: here's my beautiful male!


THANKS!

[SnoopySnake]

Can't answer your question but that is one gorgeous retic!

[Tsubaki]

First of all, beautiful snake! I had several adult males and female retics, one of my males always acted like satans spawn so it did not make a big difference. But for the others it did.

During the breeding season the others would act up, they did have some clear tells at times but other times more subtle. It is very clear what their mood is, if as soon as you step in front of the tub they start to stare you down intensely. Sometimes going as far as hissing, and rising up to size you up. The more subtle tells are nervous behavior (Even more than normally), and if you hook trained them (which i strongly advise) pushing against the hook and being overly agitated by its (or any) touch. Also searching but not seeming interested in food, is a tell the hormones are starting to rage.

Best thing is to leave them alone during the breeding season, but you will probably still have to touch them at some point. Always use hooks, maybe even gloves if you like those. Even if it is an animal you usually 'trust' to a certain degree and seems to be relatively normal, always keep their head away from your body. Don't handle them alone, and always have something like a bottle of strong alcohol with cotton balls present. Pressing soaked alcohol cotton balls against their nose, makes it easier to get them to let go without physically harming the snake too much (It does hurt their nose) If they still won't let go, pour it in their mouth.

Lone males are less likely to get overly aggressive, smelling a female or other males can trigger the behavior even more easily. However some don't need a trigger, and will act up either way. But the ones that are most dangerous, are the snakes that seem completely not bothered by their hormones.. Some owners will treat them as they usually do, letting their heads get close to their body's. And thats when 'accidents' happen.

Never trust a retic, especially not a male during breeding season. And always keep their head away from you like they might bite. That is the way you don't get bitten as easily. My retics tried, and even surprised me at some times. They never got me because i don't like to let my guard down, not because of a lack of trying.

[dave himself]

Sorry mate I'm of no help what so ever, I've only had my girl just over a year so I'm a complete novice. But I can tell you this that boy of yours is stunning

[dastefster]

Originally Posted by SnoopySnake

Can't answer your question but that is one gorgeous retic!

Thanks! I fell in love with him, for obvious reasons. HE's a looker for sure, just hope he doesn't try to kill me

Originally Posted by Tsubaki

First of all, beautiful snake! I had several adult males and female retics, one of my males always acted like satans spawn so it did not make a big difference. But for the others it did.

During the breeding season the others would act up, they did have some clear tells at times but other times more subtle. It is very clear what their mood is, if as soon as you step in front of the tub they start to stare you down intensely. Sometimes going as far as hissing, and rising up to size you up. The more subtle tells are nervous behavior (Even more than normally), and if you hook trained them (which i strongly advise) pushing against the hook and being overly agitated by its (or any) touch. Also searching but not seeming interested in food, is a tell the hormones are starting to rage.

Best thing is to leave them alone during the breeding season, but you will probably still have to touch them at some point. Always use hooks, maybe even gloves if you like those. Even if it is an animal you usually 'trust' to a certain degree and seems to be relatively normal, always keep their head away from your body. Don't handle them alone, and always have something like a bottle of strong alcohol with cotton balls present. Pressing soaked alcohol cotton balls against their nose, makes it easier to get them to let go without physically harming the snake too much (It does hurt their nose) If they still won't let go, pour it in their mouth.

Lone males are less likely to get overly aggressive, smelling a female or other males can trigger the behavior even more easily. However some don't need a trigger, and will act up either way. But the ones that are most dangerous, are the snakes that seem completely not bothered by their hormones.. Some owners will treat them as they usually do, letting their heads get close to their body's. And thats when 'accidents' happen.

Never trust a retic, especially not a male during breeding season. And always keep their head away from you like they might bite. That is the way you don't get bitten as easily. My retics tried, and even surprised me at some times. They never got me because i don't like to let my guard down, not because of a lack of trying.

Thank you for the advice!!! I hook train all of my snakes, so that has already been started! What are the months (breeding season) you suggest "being extra cautious/leaving them the hell alone"?

Originally Posted by dave himself

Sorry mate I'm of no help what so ever, I've only had my girl just over a year so I'm a complete novice. But I can tell you this that boy of yours is stunning

Thanks!

[jpsteele80]

That is one beautiful retic, Tsubaki pretty much covered it, just be super careful and never let your guard down, retics watch everything you do and will learn your behavior and the day that something is different they will probably test it.

[Tsubaki]

Well their natural breeding period is around September through November, these are the times even lone males can get hormonal. However (especially in captivity) it can continue up to march if the conditions are right, or for as long as they can smell willing females.

[sharthun]

Beautiful retic!

[dastefster]

Originally Posted by jpsteele80

That is one beautiful retic, Tsubaki pretty much covered it, just be super careful and never let your guard down, retics watch everything you do and will learn your behavior and the day that something is different they will probably test it.

Thanks I love him!

Originally Posted by Tsubaki

Well their natural breeding period is around September through November, these are the times even lone males can get hormonal. However (especially in captivity) it can continue up to march if the conditions are right, or for as long as they can smell willing females.

Ok, cool. About how big/what age do they usually reach sexual maturity?

Originally Posted by sharthun

Beautiful retic!

Agreed!

[dastefster]

An added question: So the scent of a female will extend breeding time and possibly trigger aggression, male scent will do this too...but does this occur if another male is in the same room? Or only if you have come in contact with another male and you smell like that other male?

[Tsubaki]

They can breed as early as 2 years (Some even say 18 months), real sexual maturity for males lies around 3 years though. Females reach sexual maturity around 4 years, they shouldn't be bred before the age of 5 if you ask me (not of importance right now but still).

Edit: if they can smell another male during the mating season it can make them more on edge

[dastefster]

Originally Posted by Tsubaki

They can breed as early as 2 years (Some even say 18 months), real sexual maturity for males lies around 3 years though. Females reach sexual maturity around 4 years, they shouldn't be bred before the age of 5 if you ask me (not of importance right now but still).

Edit: if they can smell another male during the mating season it can make them more on edge

Good to know. Thank you!

[millertime89]

Tsubaki hit the nail on the head. I couldn't have said it better myself. That's a gorgeous purple motley, who produced him if you don't mind my asking? I got a white motley poss het titanim male a few months back and he's probably the most visually stunning animal I have.

[dastefster]

Originally Posted by millertime89

Tsubaki hit the nail on the head. I couldn't have said it better myself. That's a gorgeous purple motley, who produced him if you don't mind my asking? I got a white motley poss het titanim male a few months back and he's probably the most visually stunning animal I have.

Thanks! I love the purples and motleys. He was produced by Robert Euvino, awesome breeder with stunning animals, as you can see. (Sells from a Facebook page Called "Slithering Succotash")

[millertime89]

No kidding, Rob is a great guy and an amazing breeder. He has some of the nicest animals I've ever seen. I would buy from him in a heartbeat.