| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
hayes
Yearling
United Kingdom
115 Posts |
 Posted - 24/01/2012 : 22:18:16
|
hi, i have had my royal for about 2 weeks now. he is a 4 month old male normal (september 2011 hatch) and he's called caesar. i am keeping him in a terrarium until he's big enough for a viv. i fed him for the first time last saturday and he took it first time with no problems and he seems to be settled in fine. i am after some advice because when i try to take him out of the tank to handle him he just seems really aggressive and goes into striking position and strikes at me non stop. even if i hover my hand above the tank he goes mad and head buts the side of the tank. i can't pick him up because of this and am scared he will never become tame. i handled him in the shop and he was fine but ever since he's been home he just seems to hate me lol. my temperatures are perfect and i am using a digital thermometer with a thermostat so it doesn't get too hot (which is set to a maximum of 90f in the hot side). i even have 2 hides for him and change his water every day. i would be grateful for any advice because i am new to this and i want him to be comfortable with me handling him.
thanks in advance,
oli  |
|
|
n/a
deleted
7384 Posts |
Posted - 24/01/2012 : 23:25:22
|
Hi and welcome and congrats on getting Caesar, sorry to hear he's being such a pain though.
The general guide is, let the royal settle and it's a good idea not to handle until after three consecutive feeds, so you don't need to worry about handling just yet, and he may settle by himself.
I've had colubrids carrying on like this, especially Ziska, my gopher snake, and although there are differing views on handling aggressive snakes, I'd personally just go in there and pick the little guy up, although I realise this is difficult to do when you're not used to him yet. An aggressive/nervous/defensive snake will often calm right down when the handler ignores the fireworks, but I realise that doing this for the first time could be nerve-wracking.
Do you know anyone who could come round and pick him up for you and get you accustomed to handling?
Also something else you could try is to provide hides with a floor (say kitchen roll inners or food boxes such as breadstick boxes (nothing with any sticky tape of course. Then when he's snuggled up in one of these, try picking up the hide with him in and sitting snake and hide on your knee, and let him come out in his own time, that way you will both get used to each other and gain confidence and you may well find he's totally different and calmer once the obstacle of getting him out of his enclosure is over.
All the very best with him; I hope this is just due to him still settling in and that he improves for you. Keep us posted. |
|
Edited by - n/a on 24/01/2012 23:28:53 |
 |
|
|
hayes
Yearling
United Kingdom
115 Posts |
Posted - 24/01/2012 : 23:36:48
|
| thanks a lot for the response. to be honest i don't have any1 who could help me lol but I'm just going to have to man up and handle the feisty little thing ! ill let him settle in a bit longer and see how he goes. would wearing gloves freak him out? its just the general shock of when he strikes which makes me jumpy as well as him. I'm sure we'll get on well soon and he will eventually stop striking. he seems to get very nervous even if i watch him from the top of the tank, he freezes and slowly winds his neck into the striking position. also this sounds like a stupid question but how often do they poo? haha its just that I've not noticed any evidence of it. cheers! |
|
|
|
hayes
Yearling
United Kingdom
115 Posts |
Posted - 24/01/2012 : 23:40:21
|
| oh i forgot to say... I've had to put his terrarium in a open top cardboard box because my flat is quite cold and this seems to insulate it very well and i was wondering if because he can't really see whats going on in the room that he becomes threatened when he sees me coming from above if you know what i mean? maybe i should cut out the section at the front so he can see the activity of the room and whats going on... sorry for all the questions i just want the best for the lil fella |
|
|
|
JanieW
Old Royal - I Post too much!
United Kingdom
2279 Posts |
Posted - 25/01/2012 : 00:24:41
|
Hi Oli, welcome to the forum :)
Your lad is around the same age as my Slinky, so i'll see if I can help.
What size is the terranium, but what I noticed from your first post is the stat setting. It is a little high, around 82 is ideal, its maybe too hot for him to comfortably rest in his warm hide.
It could be stress not seeing your approach, and really as long as the heaters are working the room temperature isn't an issue.
What heating are you using?
Temperature at the cool end?
Its good that you are asking questions :) I did and still do. |
Peoples Of Middle Earth:
Bert (Staffy) , named after Tolkien's stone Troll
Popeye, African Grey
Gimli (Son Of Gloin), Baby Beardie
Slinky, Baby Royal Python
Fëanor..Baby Mexican Common Boa
Casper 2011 Male Ghost Corn Snake **RIP**
Hoard of Orcs (Dubia Roach Colony)
Pearl & Ivory--African Giant Albino Land Snails
Ra, Taiwanese Beauty Snake
Henry, Western Hognose *Missing*
Pippin, Coastal X Diamond Carpet Python
Elanor, Pastel Royal
Timmy, Western Hognose
Flake, Calico male royal, Eowyn, Arabesque Boa |
|
|
|
n/a
deleted
7384 Posts |
Posted - 25/01/2012 : 00:35:02
|
Hi again - yes, that's a good point about the box. Royals love dimness but they can be curious and he might like an observation hole. Also he might be nervous of being loomed over, although he'll become accustomed to your presence with time, and he may prefer being looked at through the side of the box and to feel more private and enclosed.
Royals are incredible - they hardly ever defecate. Many of them only go when they've shed, although they can surprise you in between sometimes. You can expect a 'log' of faeces, small round white things like mint imperials which are urates (solid wee) and usually a puddle too. So don't worry if you don't see anything for weeks.
I don't see anything wrong in wearing gloves to handle him - nice thick soft clean ones of course - and it will give you more confidence too.
Don't worry about the questions, we're all on a learning curve.
Again all the very best, do hope he calms down. It's good that he's feeding; he's obviously settling in with you. Good luck! |
|
|
|
|
markmifsud
Sub Adult
United Kingdom
534 Posts |
Posted - 25/01/2012 : 13:19:14
|
| where about are you? there maybe members here near you who would be willing to put a hand in your viv :) 90f is about perfect, with 80's for the cool end. |
1.1.0 Pastal Ball
1.0.0 Normal Ball aged 7(ish)
0.1.0 Normal Ball aged 7(ish)
Bromley. SE London |
|
|
|
Evolution Morphs
Old Royal - I Post too much!
United Kingdom
2265 Posts |
|
|
hayes
Yearling
United Kingdom
115 Posts |
Posted - 25/01/2012 : 20:03:50
|
thanks for making me welcome! :) i am using a terrarium which was bought as part of a starter kit from warrington pets and exotics which is around 1.5 feet in length and about a foot in width and roughly 6inches in height. i am going to cut the cardboard box so that he can see out of one side. my hot side temp is about 89f and cool side is about 75f? is this ok? the heat mat is a pro rep and seems to be doing great now that I've fitted my thermostat (as it was getting far too hot before) the only reason i use the cardboard box is because in the day when I'm at work the heating is off and it would cause the hot side of his tank to get a bit too low (high 70's) so it just help insulate him in the day. i am going to try and handle him tonight with gloves and see if he is ready to be nice lol. i will take some pictures as soon as i can because he is such a lovely colouring for a normal. thanks for clearing up the excrement issues as i was worried he was constipated or something lol. i am about 2 minutes from manchester airport so if any members are nearby i would love advice.
JanieW - do you have a link for pics of your slinky ? i have the choice out of 4 males and caesar was the best looking which is why i picked him :)
|
|
|
|
JanieW
Old Royal - I Post too much!
United Kingdom
2279 Posts |
Posted - 25/01/2012 : 20:20:39
|
While I search posts for a link or two :) here's a pic of Slinky
 |
Peoples Of Middle Earth:
Bert (Staffy) , named after Tolkien's stone Troll
Popeye, African Grey
Gimli (Son Of Gloin), Baby Beardie
Slinky, Baby Royal Python
Fëanor..Baby Mexican Common Boa
Casper 2011 Male Ghost Corn Snake **RIP**
Hoard of Orcs (Dubia Roach Colony)
Pearl & Ivory--African Giant Albino Land Snails
Ra, Taiwanese Beauty Snake
Henry, Western Hognose *Missing*
Pippin, Coastal X Diamond Carpet Python
Elanor, Pastel Royal
Timmy, Western Hognose
Flake, Calico male royal, Eowyn, Arabesque Boa |
|
|
|
hayes
Yearling
United Kingdom
115 Posts |
Posted - 25/01/2012 : 20:25:56
|
| he looks very similar to mine. ill try get some pics later. |
|
|
|
JanieW
Old Royal - I Post too much!
United Kingdom
2279 Posts |
Posted - 25/01/2012 : 20:40:32
|
Oh yes wanna see a pic of your baby boy!
Never too many pics of Royals.
Had a look and there are a couple of threads of Slinky, but after searching I have posted more of Feanor my Boa and Gimli my Bearded Dragon lol
On of my favs of Slinky is in the photo comp thread where he's curled up my sleeve |
Peoples Of Middle Earth:
Bert (Staffy) , named after Tolkien's stone Troll
Popeye, African Grey
Gimli (Son Of Gloin), Baby Beardie
Slinky, Baby Royal Python
Fëanor..Baby Mexican Common Boa
Casper 2011 Male Ghost Corn Snake **RIP**
Hoard of Orcs (Dubia Roach Colony)
Pearl & Ivory--African Giant Albino Land Snails
Ra, Taiwanese Beauty Snake
Henry, Western Hognose *Missing*
Pippin, Coastal X Diamond Carpet Python
Elanor, Pastel Royal
Timmy, Western Hognose
Flake, Calico male royal, Eowyn, Arabesque Boa |
|
|
|
hayes
Yearling
United Kingdom
115 Posts |
Posted - 28/01/2012 : 01:11:42
|
i finally plucked up the courage to handle him tonight and he was fine. i left a piece of a t shirt with my scent on it overnight in his hide and he wasn't so aggressive this time. its also made me a lot more easy around him and less nervous to pick him up. so here he is: 
|
|
|
|
Lotabob
Royal Python Moderator
United Kingdom
5008 Posts |
Posted - 28/01/2012 : 14:40:51
|
| Awww a little hatchie. They are so cute when they are small. They dont stay that way for long. Good to see you plucked up the courage I do believe 99.99% of all snake aggression is just them been nervous about the handler been a bit hesitant. I have had a few run ins with a grumpy snake, it does happen from time to time but if you just do what you were going to do anyway they seem to just accept you are dominant and calm down. Good practice getting used to them when they are little because when they are 1.5kg and 4 foot long they have strength on their side lol. |
 |
|
|
|
JanieW
Old Royal - I Post too much!
United Kingdom
2279 Posts |
Posted - 28/01/2012 : 14:50:37
|
*smiles* Congrats Oli, now there'll be no stopping either of you :)
Lovely pics and gorgeous snake btw. |
Peoples Of Middle Earth:
Bert (Staffy) , named after Tolkien's stone Troll
Popeye, African Grey
Gimli (Son Of Gloin), Baby Beardie
Slinky, Baby Royal Python
Fëanor..Baby Mexican Common Boa
Casper 2011 Male Ghost Corn Snake **RIP**
Hoard of Orcs (Dubia Roach Colony)
Pearl & Ivory--African Giant Albino Land Snails
Ra, Taiwanese Beauty Snake
Henry, Western Hognose *Missing*
Pippin, Coastal X Diamond Carpet Python
Elanor, Pastel Royal
Timmy, Western Hognose
Flake, Calico male royal, Eowyn, Arabesque Boa |
|
|
|
hayes
Yearling
United Kingdom
115 Posts |
Posted - 28/01/2012 : 23:17:31
|
| thanks! :) i cleaned out his terrarium today and re-arranged his furniture lol. he loves it in there and he also took his 2nd feed today with no problems. ill leave him alone for 48 hours and then handle him again. its kind of addictive all this snake stuff :-P |
|
|
|
sultanheart
Yearling
United Arab Emirates
182 Posts |
Posted - 29/01/2012 : 10:19:39
|
welcome both oli and caesar this is my slinky .. around the same age too
 |
1.1.0 royal python(Rasha & slinky)
0.0.1 box turtle
0.0.1 water turtle
2.1.0 canary birds
1.1.0 budgies birds
|
Edited by - sultanheart on 29/01/2012 10:21:06 |
|
|
|
hayes
Yearling
United Kingdom
115 Posts |
Posted - 29/01/2012 : 12:09:33
|
| slinky looks like he is enjoying that meal lol. are you feeding him mice? when should i start feeding caesar rats? |
|
|
|
blackskull
Fully Grown Royal
United Kingdom
1278 Posts |
Posted - 29/01/2012 : 13:06:07
|
| your better off getting them onto rats as soon as possible. royals can food imprint and it can be difficult getting them onto rats the older they get |
1.1 normal royal, sully, silver
0.1 pinstripe royal, penny
1.1 pastel royal, lars, clover
0.1 lesser royal, serenity
0.1 black pastel royal, betty
0.1 mojave royal, mavis
0.1 normal het clown
1.0 pastel het clown
1.0 nuclear, ned
1.0 super phantom
1.0 childrens python, myles
0.1 hog island boa
0.1 sonoran x boa, grace
0.0.1 mack snow leopard gecko, munchkin
4.1 cats, stan, dave, marble, binx, daisy
4.1 rabbits, mol, ted, bill, spud, alice
0.1 crazy cat/bunny lady of bridgwater, lucy |
|
|
|
daz2708
Snake Mite
United Kingdom
33 Posts |
Posted - 19/02/2012 : 10:13:34
|
| Hi i'm still quite new royals aswell my girl as had her 4th feed with me the other day! i switched her to rat pups on 3rd feed without any probs! but changin to rat fluffs next feed cos pups a bit small! she looks similier size but think mine mayb is a little bigger 5/6 months old! good luck!! |
0.1.0 normal royal (Cleo)
1.0.0 het lavenda royal (hector)
Staffie (Boo)
And 67 Tarantula's :) |
|
|
|
n/a
deleted
7384 Posts |
Posted - 19/02/2012 : 11:47:40
|
Brilliant pics and congrats on the handling - looks like you've both bonded, cool! |
|
|
|
| |
Topic |
|
hi.. new inexperienced royal owner
