Redtail burrowing?

Travis71902 · #1 (**permalink**) 12-20-2005, 02:42 AM

My buddies got a redtail that is constantly burying himself in his substrate. Everything but just the tip of his head. Is this normal or what?

Pork Chops N' Corn Bread · #2 (**permalink**) 12-20-2005, 02:49 AM

Nothing to wory about, Just where s/he feels safe. Not a problem

Travis71902 · #3 (**permalink**) 12-20-2005, 03:18 AM

Thats what I figured. He won't put a hide in the cage,

so It doesn't surprise me too much. Just curious, thanks.

Pork Chops N' Corn Bread · #4 (**permalink**) 12-20-2005, 03:29 AM

Add hides
S/he needs them for well being, they are always another option for a place to hide

Jem_Scout · #5 (**permalink**) 12-20-2005, 03:31 AM

Well no wonder it's burying its self...
Have your friend put some boxes in there at least ok?

Dbutton · #6 (**permalink**) 12-20-2005, 04:00 AM

Mine love to hide in the mulch even when their is a shelter type hide in the cage. It is a natural thing for them to do since they are ambush hunters. Can you imagine being a mouse walking through the leaves and WHACK, a snake comes up out of the ground and grabs you.

Travis71902 · #7 (**permalink**) 12-20-2005, 04:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dbutton

Mine love to hide in the mulch even when their is a shelter type hide in the cage. It is a natural thing for them to do since they are ambush hunters. Can you imagine being a mouse walking through the leaves and WHACK, a snake comes up out of the ground and grabs you.

Thats exactly what his does..

Pork Chops N' Corn Bread · #8 (**permalink**) 12-21-2005, 12:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Travis71902

Thats exactly what his does..

Well you really shouldn't be feeding him on a loose substrate if you can avoid it. The risk of impaction is great and it can kill the snake. Just take the extra time to remove him from the cage to feed or at least feed on top of a paper towel or news paper.

Travis71902 · #9 (**permalink**) 12-21-2005, 12:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pork Chops N' Corn Bread

Well you really shouldn't be feeding him on a loose substrate if you can avoid it. The risk of impaction is great and it can kill the snake. Just take the extra time to remove him from the cage to feed or at least feed on top of a paper towel or news paper.

I know man, not my snake though. Wish I could get through to him.

But while we're on the topic, how should u go about feeding ur snake like that? In terms of taking him out of his cage, feeding him, then putting him back in his cage? I would think that the snake shouldn't be handled right before and right after feeding, soooo, whats the best way to move the snake to a safe feeding enviroment, then move him back once he's fed?

Travis71902 · #10 (**permalink**) 12-21-2005, 02:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lethargiic

feeding on loose substrate isnt all that dangerous as everyone really thinks it is.. the snake has to really swallow mouth fulls of substrate for impaction to even become a concern.. if anything if 1, 2, or 3 pieces of substrate is swallowed.. it will pass thru out the other end.. ive been feeding my snakes on cypress mulch and i have fed them on aspen shavings... theyve swallowed their share of substrate and havent died from it...
what kind of substrate is your buddy using btw?

We both use Repti-Bark and yeah, I've seen his snake take in some pieces( some bigger than this--->o) before and the snake has been fine.

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