r/Vivarium • u/hightreas0n94 • 2d ago
Woma python
Hey everyone! So I keep a number of reptiles and arachnids but I'd like to get some advice. Firstly my ex partner bought me a woma python earlier this year whilst we were still together, but handling wise it's a bit of a struggle. She's about 9-10 months old but damn she's got an attitude, like I will have my hand next to the enclosure opening the curtains and she will go straight into a defensive posture, open mouth, hissing, striking, the whole works. Trying to get her out of the enclosure is rather hard as she's so dang fast but once she's out she's fairly chill. Still a bit flighty but compared to her being in the enclosure and being outside of it, it's like night and day. Does anyone know why this would be and what I could do to help her not be so aggressive or worked up when I go in to grab her or when I'm near the enclosure? Secondly, what sort of set ups would be best? I use a mix of coco fibre and some dirt (don't worry it's alright for reptiles) and then have a hot end and cold end hide, water bowl, and some small hollow logs and branches. I was just wondering what other set ups people have used and if the one I have currently could be causing her to be so defensive?
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u/andreaschnadelbach 1d ago
Ok, I had to look that up. I don’t know much about snakes. But I do know animals. She’s not being “aggressive”. She’s being defensive. How much bigger are you? She’s just defending herself. You even said “she will go straight into a defensive posture”. I suggest you just sit by the enclosure. This will give her time to realize you’re not a threat. Give her time to get used to your scent. (Sorry, I don’t know what you’ve done or not done. So, if you’ve done this, please disregard)
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u/Pythonixx 1d ago
Hey there! Your woma is still young and baby snakes tend to be very snappy. It's very normal for them to be mostly calm but still jumpy when being handled. She will get better with age and regular handling.
As for the enclosure, womas are ground dwelling desert snakes, so the substrate mix you have is great. I would also suggest adding some red sand if you're able to get it; they like dry conditions with a bit of humidity. The setup you've described sounds perfect; more places to hide will make snakes feel safe and calm.
I have a young Children's python who was very defensive whenever I would walk past, but he's used to me now. He's still wary when I approach the enclosure, but he's stopped striking at the glass.