JCam99
02-03-2004, 09:41 PM
Hey guys
This is the first time I have ever owned a hatchling bloodred and I'm noticing several things that are just weird with this snake. I was wondering if maybe you all had answers. So, here's what's going on with her right now.
First, she has to be the most finicky feeder I have ever seen (besides local black king hatchlings). She only feeds for me occasionally (like maybe once every week and a half), and even then you can't so much as look at this snake or it will regurge! I never handle her, besides moving her when her cage is cleaned. she does defecate so that's good at least. Let's see I've had the snake for a little over a month now and for the first few weeks it NEVER left it's hot area (the area where the heat tape is located), just sat there coiled. I fed it in the cage at first but wasnt too thrilled with the feeding response so I started feeding her in a small deli cup...some improvement there. Still, I can't understand why she only eats every week and a half.
Shedding is another big issue. She went blue about a week after I got her, cleared up, and then never shed. So, I assumed the humidity was inadequate (even though there are other snakes on the same heat tape with the exact same conditions who shed just fine), and I did the soaking thing overnight. That made the skin come off, except the part over her head. It never budged. Still, she seemed okay and continued to eat somewhat. Now, she is attempting to shed again. So i guess I'm just trying to figure out what the crap is up wiht this snake? Growth is very minute, almost undistinguishable (not surprising for a snake that feeds so erratically). The snake appears healthy, maybe a bit thin for my tastes, but then again all hatchlings are pretty thin and delicate looking. Is it a bloodred thing for them to be so err....odd. Or is there something I'm missing about its care. I can't figure this one out.
Sorry this is so long. I just wanted to provide as detailed info as I could. Temps are mid 70's in the cage, with 84 at heated area of cage (takes up 1/3 of cage).
Thanks for any help. I'd post pics of the thing (it is a gorgeous hatchling!) but I try and leave it alone as much as possible, trying to let it relax. I have my big corns to handle when it strikes my fancy :)
Later
JCam99
This is the first time I have ever owned a hatchling bloodred and I'm noticing several things that are just weird with this snake. I was wondering if maybe you all had answers. So, here's what's going on with her right now.
First, she has to be the most finicky feeder I have ever seen (besides local black king hatchlings). She only feeds for me occasionally (like maybe once every week and a half), and even then you can't so much as look at this snake or it will regurge! I never handle her, besides moving her when her cage is cleaned. she does defecate so that's good at least. Let's see I've had the snake for a little over a month now and for the first few weeks it NEVER left it's hot area (the area where the heat tape is located), just sat there coiled. I fed it in the cage at first but wasnt too thrilled with the feeding response so I started feeding her in a small deli cup...some improvement there. Still, I can't understand why she only eats every week and a half.
Shedding is another big issue. She went blue about a week after I got her, cleared up, and then never shed. So, I assumed the humidity was inadequate (even though there are other snakes on the same heat tape with the exact same conditions who shed just fine), and I did the soaking thing overnight. That made the skin come off, except the part over her head. It never budged. Still, she seemed okay and continued to eat somewhat. Now, she is attempting to shed again. So i guess I'm just trying to figure out what the crap is up wiht this snake? Growth is very minute, almost undistinguishable (not surprising for a snake that feeds so erratically). The snake appears healthy, maybe a bit thin for my tastes, but then again all hatchlings are pretty thin and delicate looking. Is it a bloodred thing for them to be so err....odd. Or is there something I'm missing about its care. I can't figure this one out.
Sorry this is so long. I just wanted to provide as detailed info as I could. Temps are mid 70's in the cage, with 84 at heated area of cage (takes up 1/3 of cage).
Thanks for any help. I'd post pics of the thing (it is a gorgeous hatchling!) but I try and leave it alone as much as possible, trying to let it relax. I have my big corns to handle when it strikes my fancy :)
Later
JCam99