Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My Calico Rat (P. obsoletus morph) does a wierd thing that at first worried me but I've come to accept as some sort of defensive behavior perhaps related to the "play dead" routine.

When held he often becomes rather limp and floppy ...seriously , don't laugh But, then seemingly at will, he will demonstrate strong contractions and even become "clingy".

Anyone else experience this in rats or other species?

Brad
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See all my snakes at SerpenTrack.com

Brad, I've never had a ratsnake go limp on me that I can remember - but I have had a few which would defensively constrict...
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-Toby Brock
Southwestern Center for Herpetological Research

That is not normal for the ones that I have seen. Does the snake do it every time you pick him up? Do it respond in a "limp" state when you put him down (stop holding him)?

All the Eastern Rat Snakes would first stiffen up when you came apon it. Then they would strike. If you then picked the animal up it would constrict and musk.

It would be great to see if it came around faster if you put him down and left the room vs put him down and stayed. (This might tell you if it is a defensize act, or the snake has fainted in fear.)

I would like to know what you find.

Thanks for telling us about it.

Well, it's not like he goes totally limp, just somewhat flacid, and not everytime either. But yeah, once you let him crawl around he demonstrates healthy muscle control, extension etc. At first I thought he may have some neurological issue but have since assumed it's just a wierd thing he does. Anyway, feeds great, handles well and does get "clingy" too. ...everything else appears fine.
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See all my snakes at SerpenTrack.com