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My RTB deserves a hand!

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Posted by IndyShark on May 03, 2003 at 16:56:40:

I've recently switched my red tailed boa over to f/t rats. It usually takes her about 10 minutes to get interested in the rat and about 10 to 20 minutes to swallow it.

Last night the funniest thing happened. I put her in with the rat and she went after it right away. She bit the snake in the middle without constricting and could not find the head. This went on for a few minutes and the snake got progressively more impatient. She kept shifting her mouth, but could not locate the head. Finally, she constricted the rat like a live one and "killed" it. With the rat sitting handily in her coils, she found the head and happily chowed down.

I've never seen her constrict a frozen rat before. I burst out laughing at her enthusiasm. She's really a nice snake, and has only bitten me twice. Both times were my fault. She bit me in feeding mode and I've since recognized when she's still hungry and looking for a tasty rat, mouse or finger. Now when she is done feeding, I throw a small towel over her and pick her up. It has never failed to calm her down and I can put her away without any problems.


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