Posted by:
HappyHillbilly
at Sun Apr 13 21:56:21 2008 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by HappyHillbilly ]
For the most part the "...immediately turned the opposite way and tried forcing herself out of the cage, slithering up my arm." actions are a natural instinct. It's actually deeper than that but I'll not get into it now as I don't feel this is a key to the problem even though it can be related.
In short, I suspect that your Burmese Python isn't getting enough to eat.
You didn't mention the cage temperatures and humidity level but hopefully these are one of the first things you've looked into, as well as mites, which can make snakes antsy, and other health issues.
Cage roaming, if it's done like a stroll through the park, isn't an issue. "...becoming extremely anxious to get outside of her cage..." is an issue. This could be a desire to hunt for food or to get exercise (providing that cage temps & humidity has been ruled out).
"...her cage, which isn't necessarily small." This tells me that deep down you suspect that it could be a factor. Hold onto that thought and consider it long & hard. It's possible to keep Burmese Pythons somewhat content in small cages but it requires a lot of time out of the cage for exercise. And because most of us, if not all of us, at some point or another don't give our captives the time, care, they need, I strongly suggest the largest cage possible so the snakes don't have to wait on us to get the exercise they need for their physical & mental well-being.
Moods? Yes, some Burmese Pythons can be considered moody, actually, temperemental. Some don't like to be bothered during the first few days of digesting a meal, and I've heard of some that seemingly don't need a reason to be tmeperemental. Personally, I believe this falls back on conditioning. Snakes handled soon after meals when they're young & impressionable are more tolerant of it when they get older. In other words, they will do what we allow them to do. With a little bit of time & effort you should be able to work the moodiness out of your burmese.
Try increasing the amount you feed your Burmese Python and see if it's behavior improves over the next several feedings. You may find that you need to increase the amount per feeding or decrease the days between feedings, or both.
How old is she?
Later!
HH
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Due to political correctness run amuck,
this ol' hillbilly is now referred to as an:
Appalachian American
www.natures-signature.com
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RE: Strange and hyperactive snake? - HappyHillbilly, Sun Apr 13 21:56:21 2008