| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| james |
Posted - 09/07/2011 : 22:52:23
My Florida King, Indiana, vibrated her tail against the floor of the viv the other day. I think she was a bit upset with me as she can no longer escape behind the foam background at the back of her viv (I have just about worked out how to prevent her from getting behind it and just prior to this episode she had been trying, but failed). She has never vibrated her tail before.
Am I right in thinking she was a bit upset about this development and therefore showed her displeasure?
She never bits, eats very well and has a rather nice viv (4ft by 1.5ft).
I am looking to add another feature or two to her viv. This will hopefully keep her occupied.
James |
| 2 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| sauceman |
Posted - 19/08/2011 : 19:48:22
Tail vibrating is certainly a sign that the snake feels threatened or unsafe. This is an inherent behavior for most Lampropeltis, even captive-bred animals. I have found that even very calm animals that have never bitten may vibrate their tail if they are startled by something... a sudden unexpected movement for instance.
That is great that you have given her a large enclosure to enjoy. Does she have enough hides provided? Kingsnakes that do not have enough hides will often become stressed and cranky, and this can also lead to more severe health conditions. Kingsnakes also tend to like hides that are tight, with just enough room for them to squeeze into. Many times they can be offered what seem like perfect hiding places but these are too open and cavernous for them to feel safe. If you have an upside-down-bowl style of hide that an animal doesn't seem to use, try filling it mostly in with a mound of bark or moss so that there is less space and you may find that they love it. This may have something to do with her trying to get behind the cage background, it may be the tightest space she could find to squeeze into.
In any case, I don't think you should be worried. If she is feeding well and shedding well she is probably healthy. Maybe she was just in a mood that day or felt vulnerable at that moment for whatever reason. |
| Gmac |
Posted - 10/07/2011 : 03:07:55
yes tail rattling is a sign of leave me alone  is an attempt to scare you |
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