Help with new snappy python

[austnik]

Hi Everyone,
I have a bit of a problem i hope someone can help with. I have a really new snappy darwin python that has placed itself on a ledge inside my enclosure. The ledge is really hard to get too (the top of the front of the enclosure above the glass) and I need to get the python down so that I can fix the ledge so she cant get onto it again - really hard to feed her there etc.. Each time i try and hook the python it snaps at me. Is there a method to easily get her down without being tagged? Any help would be fantastic. Thanks.

[Rosemary]

How big is she?

[MrBredli]

Feed the snake, as soon as it grabs the mouse/rat pick the snake up and remove it from the cage whilst it has its mouth full (can't bite you then).

[austnik]

Hi Rosemary, She is only a yearling and about 2 foot long.

[Rosemary]

I would definitely go with Mr Bredli's advice. It is unusual for them to even think about anything else whilst they have a rodent in their clutches.

[austnik]

Thanks Mr Bredli, but being a new snake she doesn't want to eat - i have tried to feed her twice in the past week and a half.

[AnteUp]

Just wait it out, when she eventually feeds you can get her down.

Also, how many hides do you have? She might be feeling insecure.

[austnik]

Hi AnteUp, She has 2 hides. One as an upside down terracotta pot with a hole in the top (big enough for her to easily get through) and a branch area with plants etc all over it for her to hide in. I would have thought the pot would have been good enough though - it has been fine for my others. Thanks.

[jnglgrl]

I would just grab her out carefully with my hand, put a glove on (or just the sleeve of your jumper) if your scared of being tagged. It would be stressful trying to hook her out of an awkward place.

[austnik]

Hi Jnglgrl, Thanks for that - i think that may be the best option although i am a bit of a woose when it comes to snappy pythons. Will give it a try

[zulu]

You may consider leaving the snake be without handling it at all,it obviously likes the position its in,just leave it in peace for a while,that will reduce stress and it may eat then also

[austnik]

Thanks everyone for your responses. She is out now - I used gloves and she came out fine.