Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I got a Cape York Baby 4 days ago, and for the first day I housed him in a 60 gallon tank and the next day in a 20 gal. He's 14 inches long and IS VERY FIESTY. He was fed at the store I bought him at(Chicago Rptile House) and I know that it was CB. He always cocks his head back when I stick my hand in and jumps when it tough him a all. Maybe thats his way of saying hello and checking what my hand is. I own JCP babies and their notorious biters as babies. The Cape York hasn't bitten me yet but has kind of startled me.

Give me your input.

Flyhigh

My baby spotted python was very touchy for the first week or so after I got her. After that she calmed down a bit and I was able to go in the tank to get her without getting that cocked head look. She has struck me once, but it was very much my fault. Yours should calm down after a bit.

Idiotshot

Um. . .you're startling her too, if not freaking her out. Young snakes believe everything including you, is out to eat them. Think of all the changes that have happened to her in the past few days--give her a tight hide and some time to acclimate. Once she trusts that she's not on the menu, she'll be much more social.

regards,
althea

Did you leave the snake alone for a few days when you first moved it into the new tank?

I have a 5 month old Cape York spotted and she was the same way at first. After much advice from this forum, I continued handling her everyday anyway, and she did calm down after about 2 weeks. If it makes you feel better, put on a pair of thin gloves when you pick it up. This is more psychological than anything because it you do get bit, you won't even feel it much, gloves or not. With mine, once I would get her out of the cage, she was much better. It's just that initial removal from their safe spot that seems to trigger them. Good luck and don't give up!

Thanks guys for all the advice

Don't worry. I experienced the same with my new youngster. She was very head shy and flightly. So, don't think you've gotten a nasty snake. After two weeks mine is calming down nicely. I handle her gently for a few minutes in the morning and at night. I can even touch her head now. I see improvement each day. (Thanks to Althea for encouraging me to be patient.)

Thanks. one other thing, I fed my Spotted on Tuesday and it now being Thursday makes me wonder how long it will be ntil I can pick him up again? (He moves quite fast from me) Will I see if he has done his business? (Aspen Bedding)

Thanks for all of the other info.

Flyhigh

Its generally wise to leave a boid for at least 24 hours after feeding. If you have to pick it up prior to that, it is unlikely to result in a problem, just good sense to avoid regurgitation from stress. If your specimen is particularly flighty, waiting another day or two certainly will not hurt.

The single best way to monitor your snakes urates and feces is with your nose. Both the smell of snake urine and excreta will fast become familiar to you, which should save you rooting about in the bedding unnecessarily. (You will also become adept at smelling mice or rats, so much so, that you may notice their presence in unlikely places).