Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Just a quick question

I have a small yellow (well she's about 3.5 ft and I've had her for about 6 weeks) anaconda - when I first got her she was incredibly fiesty and would strike repeatedly - this has now stopped, however she continues to urinate everywhere whenever I get her out and handle her - any ideas as to how long this is likely to go on for?

It stinks and she makes a right mess - just wondered if this is something quite common, any hints for stopping it? Any idea how long she will continue to do this for?

cheers

carl

` Young Anacondas stress easily. It is usually from fright. Watch her lung, about 1/3 the length of her body from her head. Anacondas, when at rest, take slow, full breaths, hold it for a moment, then exhale slowly and fully. When the animal is stressed, it will breathe more shallowly and quickly. Hyperventilation usually means high stress, fright, or terror. If you can sit at the cage, put one hand inside, and just lay it there, not moving for 10 minutes, then go away, without handling her, this will get her used to you. Also, put a shirt you have worn into the cage, let her sleep with it. Put a new one in often, to keep your scent strong.

` If an animal 50 times your size picked you up, you'd pee, too!

`
` If you can get her to gargle in front of you, you've got it made!

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Stop the world-I want to get off!

thanks - i'll try that .

I can already see a real difference in her and she will sit quite comfortably in my hands for a short period - usually after she's peed though.

Shall try the shirt thing too.

And you have given me a snake keeping aim - to get my snakes to pose like the one in your pic !!!!

cheers

carl