Macklotts python

[Rambleonrenae]

Forgive me if I've posted this in the wrong area. I did not see a thread specifically for Macklotts.

I have a question. We have an almost 2 year old who is striking the cage over and over and over again resulting in abuse to his lower jaw. I know they are 'nippy' in the younger ages and he is for sure..and he is quite tame when he is taken out of his cage, but while in it he is out of control with the striking everytime anyone walks by his tank or comes close. We can be a few feet from it and he is striking it. I just don't want him to hurt himself. Any suggestions on what we can do to make him quit? or at least lessen the blow ? I thought about changing him into a plastic tote, but didnt like that idea...Help!

Thanks!
Renae

[infernalis]

http://www.thamfriends.com/mat.jpg

[NennaMeerkat]

Could cover the tank until he calms down. Get a background that you can find for fish aquariums and just wrap it around the sides of the tank...just a suggestion though.

[Reptile_Reptile]

my idea would be best to just cover the sides so he cant see out, and move him to a quite room.

[kenchenzo]

As said first I would move him somewhere quite And c

[Rambleonrenae]

Thanks :) Will do.

[blindfireak40]

Once he calms down, we'd love to see some pictures :)

[Aaron_S]

Why didn't you like the idea of moving him to a plastic tote?

[totheend]

Why didn't you like the idea of moving him to a plastic tote?

A plastic tote maybe okay while he is younger and smaller but macklotts aren't a small snake and they are pretty active....totes just won't do for an adult...

[Aaron_S]

I know what a macklott's python is and how large they get. I'm aware of their needs. I was curious as to why this person didn't like the idea. It may be two years old but we have no idea how large it is or what kind of enclosure it's in. Something in between a tote and a fish cage would be a pvc enclosure. Enclosed on all sides but one with a viewing side/door. If it was black it would also maintain more privacy for the animal.

[totheend]

I know what a macklott's python is and how large they get. I'm aware of their needs.

Wow......I apologize.......

[Rambleonrenae]

I didnt like the idea of a tote because I could not see him clearly with out taking off the lid. I take off the lid and Wammo, hes flying out and attacking my face...lol...I like for 'Freckles' to see me coming and I like to see him when hes about to strike me so I can beware. He is VERY fast and does not hesitate in the least. He sees heat, hes on it.

As to the striking problem, I gave him a better heat source and moved him and he is much much happier. His jaw also looks a lot better now that hes not beating it against the glass. He is approx 3 feet long and about 1 3/4" around at his biggest. He's almost 2 yrs.

We love him. I got to meet the owners of his parents and 7' (male) and 8' (female) and he tells me they are wonderful as adults and very docile/tame.

Freckles is very nice natured when he is out of his tank and likes to crawl around on our heads. He is a roamer right now.
His color is amazing...greenish brown with yellowish 'freckles'. He also shines like a rainbow in the light. Very smooth to touch.
I think we made a good choice in our newest reptile.

Thanks for all the replies, ya'll certainly helped.

[Rambleonrenae]

A picture of Freckles really happy to be eating his F/T jumbo mouse. He has been doing really good too. No more problems. Not even sure why they started in the first place.