Reptile & Amphibian Forums

So I've had my new albino kaouthia for about 1 1/2 or 2 months now. She's feeding great, almost psychotically now! This question is to get advice from someone who has experienced similar things.

1: Nose rub. This is the first snake I have ever had shipped that got nose rub from the bag they were shipped in. It seems to be getting better, but still sort of looks like a pinkish open wound (it is not bleeding however). Do I need to be doing anything extra to help this heal? Will this marking go away with the next shed? I will post a picture today or tomorrow to let you have an idea of what this looks like.

2: Handling: Wow! she is quite a runner and an aggressive little beast. I am using a shift box on her, but sometime this weekend need to do some work on the box, and will probably have to remove her from the cage. Last time, I almost crapped my pants with her impressive display of running and then double backing quickly to strike as I pursued. I didn't want to but was forced to use Gentle Giants on her. She will simply not sit on a hook and is almost impossible to get in a tupper-ware box. I ended up tonging her and bagging her, which became an even bigger problem when it was time to put her back in the cage. My goal is to handle her as little as possible, thanks to the shift box, but am curious to know if anyone who keeps this species has had similar experiences starting out? Do you think it's possible this snake will need tonging forever, or will she eventually get used to the hook, or even hook/tailing? Just as a point of refernce, shes about 1 1/2 years and 3 1/2 feet long. Thanks all.

I wouldn't worry too much about the nose rub. It should heal with time. As for the attitude alot of the albinos that I have worked with has this same problem. So I just let them wear them selfs out. When she starts acting up just let her go on the floor. As she starts to try and get away just bring her back with the hook. After a while she with start to calm down. Just try to make slow smooth motions around her. Also yes the more you handle them the better they should (but not always) ride on the hook. I hope this helps you.

Good luck!

Thanks for the advice. Just letting her roam the floor is an interesting idea. I usually don't let any of my snakes do this, just don't like the idea of it. Maybe that will help. I'll keep you posted on how she's doing.