Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I recently acquired a young (about 2.5 feet in length) african rock python from a pet store where I discovered him in very poor condition. The store owner was happy to give him to me at a reasonable discount after I expressed my concern over the snake's condition, and also my concern that they were selling a snake like that when they really had no idea what they had there- the sign on the cage recommended this snake as a "good eater" and "great starter snake".
Anyway- I've gotten him home and he's had a shed and 3 good meals (they fed him only once per "month or two" at the store) and he's clearly feeling better- I've got the marks on my arm to prove it!
He does seem to have the reputed nasty temperament of a rock python, and I'm used to large constrictors with more mellow personalities- so I guess that's something that can be worked on- although from what I've heard he's never going to be completely trustworthy- is this correct?
Does anyone have any tips on helping him gain some trust and submit to handling?
He also seems to have a medical issue (which may not help his attitude about being handled). It seems like his vent is slightly open, with some of the pink inner tissue exposed. He's had regular bowel movements, and seems to be okay otherwise (except for being a little thin). I've made an appointment for him with the vet, but it's not for a couple of weeks and I was wondering if anyone would have any ideas or have seen something like this before.
Thanks for any help!

I'm glad you got him out of the conditions he was in, can't believe they had him labeled as a good starter!

I have 3 african rocks right now, all of them are very calm, so its definately possible. Since he is a baby, handling him calmy, and gently will probably calm him down. But as for him ever being trustworthy, I think you'll have to decide that for yourself, some people believe that snakes regardless of species cannot be trusted. But I do think he will become calm with handling, in my expereince afrock babies are nippier than burms and retics when young, and take longer to calm down, but it can happen, and is very rewarding when it does.

His vent is probably open because he is musking you, emitting a foul odor to try to get you to leave him alone. Can you tell if he closes his vent after being left alone for awhile?
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-Steve Ray

In my experience, persistence is the key... just keep handling, despite the bites.

Also, i'd find another vet that can fit you in as soon as possible. Or, tell your current vet the condition over the phone and he/she might squeeze you in earlier.

Cheers, and well done.

Thanks for the advice- his vent does stay open all the time, and it is concerning me. I just woke up this morning to find him trying to pass a bowel movement, and it seems like he is unable to pass it, and his vent is turned almost completely "inside out" if you can picture that. Anyway, I've called and gotten myself an emergency opening for this morning so we'll hopefully get some answers.
As far as handling him, I came up with this idea last night- you tell me if it's dumb or not. Since snakes are "creatures of smell" I cut up the t-shirt I slept in last night to place in his cage- getting him used to my scent was the idea behind it.
Otherwise I'll keep plugging away with my snake hook and play connect the dots on my arms. LOL

Your idea is not dumb. I would do the t-shirt thing and keep handling him, good luck!

jeff
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The Voices have won!

jeff pfeifer

That is a very good idea and not dumb in any way. Shows good thinking. I took an old t-shirt that is unwashed from jogging and for the past two years I put a strip of it in with every new snake. I am blessed with many calm snakes and i think the T-shirt has a lot to do with tamming/acclimation. Bill
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...three years ago it was just another snake cult...
The Retic is King.
Anacondas-the other Dark Side.
Afrocks-the dark side of the Dark Side.