Ouch! Retic Feeding response question

Xanafein · 04-02-12, 04:52 PM

So, I was Feeding The other Day and i had a friend over, My retic was still in her feed box, So i went to go and hook her out, my friend leans over while i open the box (despite countless warnings) Upon Opening the box, My 5 ft dwarf Lunges out of the box and tags her on the cheek After putting her away, I then spent an hour consoling a crying 20 year old telling her that there wouldnt be scarring and her face would stay pretty.

This brings Me to a question that I Probably should have asked a lot sooner.

since Many people Believe that feeding out of the cage for terrestrial snakes helps to improve temperament i was wondering, With a 12' Plus Snake is that even remotely possible?

P.S. I tried to get a picture of her face but she slapped me when i grabbed my camera :|

youngster · 04-02-12, 04:56 PM

Don't bother feeding outside of the enclosure. Retics just have an insane feeding response I don't think there's a way to change that.

BarelyBreathing · 04-02-12, 04:57 PM

Using a separate box to feed is an extremely dangerous endeavor with a reticulated python for that exact reason. You have an animal who is already in feed mode that you have to manually handle and put back in their normal enclosure. It doesn't improve temperament. That is one of the biggest myths in snake keeping. You're more likely to get bitten if you feed in a separate enclosure than if you feed in their normal enclosure.

Squirtle · 04-02-12, 04:57 PM

Feeding outside the enclosure is complete BS, I used to do it with my burm and received the same results when feeding inside the cage. Now that I started to hook train him, he's getting more tame as the days go by.

alessia55 · 04-02-12, 05:04 PM

Everyone before me has basically covered it.

Xanafein · 04-02-12, 05:06 PM

That is What i was Thinking, I feel kinda bad for my friend (although its kinda her fault i warned her repeatedly...)

She probably wont be handling snakes any time soon either, Any ideas on how to reverse that damage?

BarelyBreathing · 04-02-12, 05:13 PM

The damage from the bite? Or what?

Xanafein · 04-02-12, 05:14 PM

I was thinking more the psychological damage, She was cryin like a baby for almost an hour, I think it was her first time getting tagged ever, and it wasn't a pleasant one...

youngster · 04-02-12, 05:15 PM

Show here your jungle Sweetheart, if she lives up to her name that could work.

Xanafein · 04-02-12, 05:19 PM

Yeah sweethearts probably the WORST possible snake to introduce her to now.... her name is a bit of an oxymoron, She was one of the Meanest Carpets i ever bought, shes mellowed out a lot but I dont think she is the best choice, I will probably show her hera My sweetest carpet

Gungirl · 04-02-12, 05:22 PM

Give her a while to get over the bite. Don't ask to take any more pictures and find someone with a small snake like a corn or a royal. Start there and work up.

Freebody · 04-02-12, 05:32 PM

get her holding the snake right away, the longer it takes for her to drop the fear she has now established, the more it will fester, perhaps to the points where she hates snakes all together. and like everyone said, just feed in the cage.

bushsnake · 04-02-12, 05:56 PM

dude your lucky she didnt get hurt worse

Xanafein · 04-02-12, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bushsnake

dude your lucky she didnt get hurt worse

That is both Obvious and not helpful

I am well aware of how nasty things could have been, But they weren't, and I am actively trying to prevent future mishaps, I would appreciate it if next time you respond, its something that can help me in the situation.

BarelyBreathing · 04-02-12, 06:55 PM

I agree, get your friend holding another snake as soon as possible (if possible the same snake during a non feeding day).