He seems very good. I have a couple questions. Because he was not handled in a year, I am wondering if opening his mouth is more of a defense method rather than attempt at breathing. The reason why I ask is that he was out of his hide last night and soaking in the water dish. When he did not know I was standing there looking at him, his mouth was closed. No slime, no bubbles. As soon as he realized I was near, he opened his mouth. I continued watching him, and after a bit, he went into his hide. It made me wonder if he is doing the mouth opening in an attempt to scare me off.
The partial shed is off now- except for the eye cap. How long should I let that go? As I said before, he really resists handling, and I haven't attempted that again- because I focused on letting him settle in, and didn't want to add stress to a R.I. I will take him out this afternoon to admin. Baytril, and at that time I will see if he starts drooling again. He is not doing that in the cage.No bubbles, no drool. Do they drool as a form of defense to scare off 'would-be' predators? My questioning in this is- if he drools when handled, and not when in his cage- I don't know if the handling causes him to breath harder, making more fluid and congestion, et al, 'come up' , or if it is happening purposely to make me let him go.
As far as him escaping again- he now has a locking lid. No more regular screen top (with Christmas presents to hold it down.) So far, while I am checking on him anyhow- he seems content to be where he is. I am surprised, because I really thought he would be hell-bent on escaping after a year of free run of the house. (My humidity was not good before his escape- maybe that is why he left at his first opportunity. Poor snake.)
Thanks.
