GliderCENTRAL

Summoned...

Posted By: TwoDog

Summoned... - 03/18/16 02:12 PM

Hey all...
Bonding has been my ongoing challenge, like everyone, I suppose.
I feel I have taken a step back since going on a trip and having little time to spare for them once I came back.

But this morning I was awakened to Harley barking. These guys don't make too much noise, so it's always neat to hear them make sounds.
But when I hear strange sounds coming from the cage I like to sneak up sometimes and try and find out what is going on to make the strange sounds.
There was no sneaking up though. She was at the door waiting for me, and when I opened the door she jumped up enthusiastically.
Through pantomime and crude sign language she instructed me, to carry her about the house. (That and the fact that she didn't want to go back in the cage)
She was running up and down my back and over my shoulders, down my arms...
Still doesn't trust the hands yet. Unless she is pooping in my coffee.

The other day I was feeling selfish and so I woke them up in the day to play. They groggily submitted to this until about an hour later, when I was putting them back in the cage, Harley climbed up out of the pouch as I was putting it into the cage and bit the hell out of me. No other signs of nervousness or aggression until that moment. But one good bite at the end of the hour to let me know she was mad.
I have heard some animals do things like this. The cat that poops in your shoes when he's not allowed on the table...or whatever.

It feels good that she seemed to call to me. I hope that I am interpreting that right.
I need to start Sleepovers again, since I discovered the FIST, they are possible. I have actually defeated Gizmo, once, in a contest of wills. A hollow victory though. Instead of snuggling up to me, he jumped back into the cage and went to sleep in the Coconut. (FINE!)
Funny, it started out the Gizmo was more friendly to me, and Harley was the nervous biter. Now it's the other way around.

Oh..oh...cleaning the cage and got a man overboard into the reef tank! Film at 11...
Posted By: Hutch

Re: Summoned... - 03/18/16 06:13 PM

That's about the same commands Gwyn & Morgana give me, LOL. Don't worry about the bite, they were probably just tired & grumpy, but I doubt mad if they submitted to playtime.

Glad to hear they're seeking YOU out. That's such a great feeling, isn't it?
Posted By: TwoDog

Re: Summoned... - 03/18/16 06:49 PM

It is a great feeling, yes.

Do you have experience with other small mammals like hamsters, rabbits, etc? What makes the gliders so much more engaging? I can't put my finger on it, because I haven't ever kept any small mammal before. Wondering how it's different from the glider experience. They just seem smarter to me...and that extra intelligence opens up the possibility of engaging little personalities.

I'm known to be a nut for animals, and I have some friends who keep snakes and scorpions and the like. For some reason, they and the crowd they run with, think these animals are cool because they pose a perceived level of danger--and keeping such an animal makes them seem "dangerous". Chicks dig that...I guess.

But when the rubber meets the road--none of the tough guys would put their hand in the pouch.

HA!
Posted By: Hutch

Re: Summoned... - 03/19/16 12:56 AM

I have kept several other 'critters' in the past, including hamsters, rabbits, many snakes, mice, dogs, various boards, cats, various fish... you get the idea. Gliders stand out to me due to their personalities, intelligence, & interactivity. Really, they're some weird cross between a cat & a dog, but pocket sized & way cuter. They fit a very narrow list of animals I would do all over again & have earned that distinction in only a couple months (dogs & California king snakes being the only other animals to make that list). It is a very different experience from any other animal I've lived with & I'm so glad I decided to take up the responsibility for them.

I don't know, animals & chicks I've know have been hit or miss... maybe I'm running with the wrong crowd. I'll back up your last thought though... how many dudes will put their hand someplace KNOWING they'll get bit by sharp teeth & consider it par of the course? Hehehe... only real men! (& real women, of course)
Posted By: TwoDog

Re: Summoned... - 03/19/16 05:50 AM

Interesting...
I have not kept snakes before. What is it about the california king snake that makes it stand out? (other than being 4" wider than a conventional king snake?)
Posted By: Hutch

Re: Summoned... - 03/19/16 11:12 AM

My top three reasons for CA King vs other snakes:
1. Personality... they actually have one. Most others I've kept had certain traits, but were largely interchangeable with each other beyond that. They like to climb & burrow, & are generally fairly active. They are intelligent, having a reputation for being escape artists & easily learn patterns.

2. Adaptability... While there are optimal environments to keep them in, they're proven to be extremely hardy, even more so than the only other version of a King I've kept (he'd get grumpy if temp/humidity wasn't perfect). Makes it easy to prove a healthy home & keep them happy. Grump snakes are not fun!

3. Great pets... CA Kings adjust easily to being handled, & are good eaters. They're readily available. They get large enough to be a respectable but safe animal to non-snake keepers (average full-grown is around 60" with a 5" body circumference) & have several patterns that are quite handsome. They're also the only type of snake I've owned that would recognize my scent versus guests & act differently towards it.

The biggest downside is EVERYTHING is food to them, even each other. If you want a collection, it is one per cage... or it soon will be one per cage shock
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