I had a near death experience today…

You see.. I was minding my own business, replenishing Proxima’s water and misting her humid hide when out of no where this fierce serpent struck suddenly at my hand! Caught off guard, I quickly withdrew, cowering from this mighty snake! Her dark scales glossy in the morning light as she gazed disapprovingly at me. I took a breath and stood tall, realizing what I had to do. I stepped forth once again, bravely reaching back in to give this untamed creature the humidity she so requires! I pushed forth with my frightful task, the serpent rising only to strike me like lighting! Again and again she hissed and bit! I however did not waver in the face of this untamed and ferocious beauty! I was to be victorious in my quest, and soon the beast withdrew, slithering away into her leafy abyss… leaving me triumphant, to return to the land of Reddit with this harrowing tale! 🐍🌶️

Hello,

I am interested in creating a range of high quality vivariums. I personally find that some of the common styles of vivarium can have some design features that are not very useful, or are unpleasant to use long-term. Similarly, there are some features that I use and appreciate massively.

I would like to know others thoughts and opinions on the subject, including any features you dislike in other designs, or that you wish were more commonplace.

For example, I prefer designs with deep substrate layers, or with the possibility to add a substrate barrier, as I keep fossorial species, as well as some bioactive set-ups.

Opinions and personal experiences are useful during the early design phase, and I appreciate any feedback you can provide.

Also any personal experiences and anecdotes as to how your animals interact with their environments and the vivarium specifically may also allow me to include other features to improve animal welfare and create a suitably stimulating environment which can mimic the natural habitat and behaviours.

Thank you for your time, and for any answers you are able to provide.

🐍 Hisses: 1

🐍 False Strikes: 1

🐍 Actual Bites: 0

🐍 Attempts To Flee: 2

On Sunday I picked her up at night (way later than normal) and she was very flinchy, tense, and unhappy to be handled. 😂 - No bites or aggressive behavior, however there were some S’s! - Hoping for better days ahead this week!

On Monday she was quite flighty and defensive when I went to scoop her up, and even hissed into/at the entrance of her hide (not at me). (My fault I was rearranging her tank). She did however calm down after a few moments in my hands, (or perhaps when she realized she wasn’t successfully wiggling her way out of this session!) 😂 - She spent the duration of our session actively, yet calmly (for Proxima at least) slithering through my hands and over my arms. She’s so tiny but has aspirations matched with a fully grown corn snake who is capable of supporting themselves fully while exploring. Unlike Proxima… for now! 🤣

On Tuesday she was a good girl! No issue picking her up, she was very active, and although she doesn’t particularly like my hands (😂 convenient right?) she slithered through them without issue. (Aside from the occasional tense moments when I have to bring my hand up underneath her neck in order to guide and support her as she explores). All in all it was a lovely session. I will say, with Proxima they tend to be fast paced, because that’s just how Proxima slithers. Then I have Harleen who thinks before she makes every move haha.

On Wednesday (feeding day) she was very chill! She slithered calmly for the entire duration of our session without being tense or flinchy! - Even with an ((attempted)) false strike when I saw her “slip” from my (right) wrist into my other (left) hand when I was bringing it up to support her 🤣 - Literally the most half assed strike I’ve ever seen. I assume it was in protest to my free hand approaching her as she began to slither/slip over my wrist. She’ll learn in time that my hands aren’t something to be defensive towards, especially when she lacks the strength to slither up my arms on her own. In the mean time, yes Proxi, I am truly terrified of your fearsome wrath! So very terrified indeed! 🐍🌶️ 😱

She is fed every five days currently which is why these updates occur twice a week instead of every seven days.

I accidentally fell asleep watching my favorite show, and woke up to my Nagini… who has been MISSING for 2 days laying on my chest….dont come at me for my raggedy tank top 😂

I loves helping Human shop ♥️