| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Mamma |
Posted - 17/07/2011 : 10:49:06
Just wanted some advice from other kingsnake owners.
I rehomed Merlin a month or maybe more ago... he came from one of the members of my husbands airsoft team as he couldnt keep him anymore as well as his monitor lizard.
I went to see him a couple of times. He was fine... I handled him etc. The lad told me his feeding history, shedding etc... said absolutely no problems. I had a look at his viv etc and all seemed well.
I went back to collect him, and again he was fine.. I had another handle of him etc and got him home. I then discovered he was about to shed.. literally when I got him home.
He seemed fine settling in.. he had hissy moments when people went near his viv. This didnt bother me as when I rehomed my adult corn he was the same, but after time and handling he settled down fine and is now the biggest pussycat you will know.
Merlin however has gotten increasingly worse. I cant go near him, or the viv without him striking for me, tail shaking crazily and mad hissing. Im having to wear gloves to go near him. And water changes/spot cleaning is becoming harder as he is actively coming our of his hides and striking me when he senses me in his viv.
I had every confidence that after time and patience he would settle down. Now I'm not so sure. Last night when I tried to weigh him he got that defensive he stuck for me and tail whipped/shook so hard that the weighing rub was covered in blood. He had ended up bursting the end of his tail.
Hubby has said he is very wary and uneasy of him and the kids are scared of him.
Any tips about how to try and diffuse the situation at all? The guys had told me hes fine being handled etc.. and as I said he seemed fine when I visited...but now I realise he was in blue so hence why he was more docile. (Mim is very very docile when in blue too)
Sorry for the long post. Im just tryin to diffuse the situation before hubby has had enough and tells me to rehome him.
Thanks guys xxxx |
| 6 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Mamma |
Posted - 18/07/2011 : 14:17:52
yeah hes stacked with the others. Im going to be moving him through to the bedroom away from the other snakes though. Have ordered a viv for the bedroom today so once it comes I will set it all up for him and move him through there. Then I will start disinfecting and setting up the livingroom viv for Mim  xxxxxxx |
| Kehhlyr |
Posted - 18/07/2011 : 11:06:18
They will gradually. Kings have their own little attitudes, and will use them as well.
Do you have him anywhere near other snakes?? |
| Mamma |
Posted - 17/07/2011 : 11:48:48
Yeah I deffo think hes set in his ways... I been using the same tactics I used to settle Griffin in cos he was a beast when I brought him home too... but every snake is different and kings are more feisty than corns so I guess my efforts just arent workin.  |
| Katie.Dublin |
Posted - 17/07/2011 : 11:38:57
I suppose there's not a whole lot you can do really? Do you think he's set in his ways? He's gorgeous though, it must be annoying not being able to let the kids hold him. The last thing you want is for them to get a bite of a big fellow though and be scared! |
| Mamma |
Posted - 17/07/2011 : 11:29:30
lmao! I know I had a sock in with him etc. He just seems really annoyed all the time. And really doesnt want handled or bothered. Its more really that the kids are scared of him that is bothering me... James doesnt like this. I dont take him out infront of the kids and they dont get to hold or touch him... but they are constantly at the viv stack watchin Griffin (who is under Melrin). But when they go near the stack to see Griffin, Merlin strikes the glass and hisses at them. |
| Katie.Dublin |
Posted - 17/07/2011 : 11:23:56
Oh thats a toughie! None of the usual, ''let him settle, put something smelling like you in the viv'' etc. -really applies here cause you've had him ages! Start beating the aggression out of him??? (i joke.) |
