Reptile & Amphibian Forums

We recently acquired a beautiful pair of 7 year old black headed pythons. After a brief cooling period (at night) with optimal day temps, we introduced the male into the female's cage. Prior to this, both snakes were very easy going and showed no signs of aggression. For 2 1/2 days straight, these animals were locked. Once completed, I put the male back into his cage but noticed that the female became increasingly agitated. She now hisses, lunges, and goes a bit balistic when approaching her cage (which is now covered to avoid more strikes on the glass). There is even a lot of "tail flagging" (tail wiggles from side to side in a threatening manner). A week has gone by and she shows no signs of settling down. She does feed and behaves normally when no one is looking at her. Thoughts? Did the copulation bring out the worst in her? Anyone else ever observe this with this particular species? I'm sure she will mellow out but I just find this behavior very interesting.

Thanks in advance,

Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center
Lake Forest, IL
-----
Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL

I have noticed that any time I aquire a new BHP that they act like this for about a month or two. I personally think it has to do with the sent from the male or another animal that was in the cage prior. They are reptile eaters and are eaten by reptiles as well. This (I think) would be enough for a BHP to be on guard. They usually are on guard.... up to 3 to 4 months in a new cage.I have noticed as well that all the hissing and tail wagging is a bluff and will rarely bite.

Thanks for the great info; I will give that a try.

>>I have noticed that any time I aquire a new BHP that they act like this for about a month or two. I personally think it has to do with the sent from the male or another animal that was in the cage prior. They are reptile eaters and are eaten by reptiles as well. This (I think) would be enough for a BHP to be on guard. They usually are on guard.... up to 3 to 4 months in a new cage.I have noticed as well that all the hissing and tail wagging is a bluff and will rarely bite.
-----
Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL

Both my BHs are tame as kittens, however..... I had an adult Woma that underwent the same change after laying eggs. It was not mine at the time. I purchased it and the male, who is also kitten tame, but the female required black plastic over the front of the cage, also. She eventually refused all food, got a severe resp problem and died. I replaced her with a small female who is now over 1Kilo, but has a similar attitude, and hates to be touched. All Aspidites are very tactile animals and it seems like a few carry it to the extremes.
-----
1.1 Blackheaded pythons
1.1 Woma (Juvie female)
2.1 Aussie Olives
1.1 Timors
1.0 Angolan Juvie
1.1 Savu
1.1 Juvie Bloods
1.1 Juvie Balls
1.1 IJ Carpets
1.1 Coastal Carpets
1.2 Macklotts
1.1 Papuan Olives
1.0 Jungle Carpet
2.2 Scrubs (on breeding loan)
0.1 Jungle/Diamond cross
0.1 child, CB
0.1 wife, WC

I guess time will tell how this particular animal behaves. She is quite easy going until I open the cage; any contact and she goes berserk (you are right about the tactile stimulants). Thanks, Rob

>>Both my BHs are tame as kittens, however..... I had an adult Woma that underwent the same change after laying eggs. It was not mine at the time. I purchased it and the male, who is also kitten tame, but the female required black plastic over the front of the cage, also. She eventually refused all food, got a severe resp problem and died. I replaced her with a small female who is now over 1Kilo, but has a similar attitude, and hates to be touched. All Aspidites are very tactile animals and it seems like a few carry it to the extremes.
>>-----
>>1.1 Blackheaded pythons
>>1.1 Woma (Juvie female)
>>2.1 Aussie Olives
>>1.1 Timors
>>1.0 Angolan Juvie
>>1.1 Savu
>>1.1 Juvie Bloods
>>1.1 Juvie Balls
>>1.1 IJ Carpets
>>1.1 Coastal Carpets
>>1.2 Macklotts
>>1.1 Papuan Olives
>>1.0 Jungle Carpet
>>2.2 Scrubs (on breeding loan)
>>0.1 Jungle/Diamond cross
>>0.1 child, CB
>>0.1 wife, WC
-----
Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL

Did you buy the ones from Tom at Cypress creek? Nice animals and good price. Hope they produce for you.

Yes, those were the animals I purchased....fantastic pair (the male is one of the nicest I have seen). Tom was a great guy to deal with and I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for an honest, reputable dealer who sells top quality animals.

Rob

Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center
Lake Forest, IL

>>Did you buy the ones from Tom at Cypress creek? Nice animals and good price. Hope they produce for you.
-----
Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL

I bought mine from the Bells at Daytona '04 as babies. Both are now over 7' and weigh over 8lbs each. Male is off feed right now, female is stuffed with a rabbit I haven't seen any breeding action, although they have been together in the hide box and under the paper. I know they can breed at 18mos, so I'm going to try in Jan/Feb. I think they were hatched in July of 04. Super animals.

The tactile part of both species is important since they spend a lot of time underground.
-----
1.1 Blackheaded pythons
1.1 Woma (Juvie female)
2.1 Aussie Olives
1.1 Timors
1.0 Angolan Juvie
1.1 Savu
1.1 Juvie Bloods
1.1 Juvie Balls
1.1 IJ Carpets
1.1 Coastal Carpets
1.2 Macklotts
1.1 Papuan Olives
1.0 Jungle Carpet
2.2 Scrubs (on breeding loan)
0.1 Jungle/Diamond cross
0.1 child, CB
0.1 wife, WC