Ribbon on the Ranch

[ProXimuS]

I'm glad she seems to be getting more comfortable(even if it's not with you yet).

[guidofatherof5]

Shyblue is becoming very competitive for her food. She won't back down from any of those big concinnus girls. The last couple feeding times she was the first to come out and eat. The move to the bigger of the enclosures was a good one.

[guidofatherof5]

The move to the the larger enclosure has been a good/bad situation for me. The larger enclosure has made Shyblue (T.proximus orarius) feel more comfortable and enabled her to be more bold especially when it comes to food time. She is first out to eat and doesn't let those big T.concinnus girls push her around. The bad is that she has moved farther away from being handled.
I say this is a bad thing but to be honest it's probably best for her. I want what is best for her even if I miss out on a up close relationship.

P.S.
Chris,
I don't think you have to worry about eating that hat buddy.

[ProXimuS]

Glad she's at least comfortable in her enclosure and snake friends.

[chris-uk]

If Shyblue is more comfortable overall I'd say that's a good thing. Regular, enthusiastic eating is a more natural state than regular handling. It's a shame you haven't got both with her. But if it means my hat is safe then the selfish side of me says it is great .

[guidofatherof5]

I love watching this snake. The way she moves and observes every moment shows me how they behave in the wild. Those big eyes remind me of a hawk's eyes. I think she knows I won't hurt he but she's driven by those instincts that keep her safe.

[guidofatherof5]

Shyblue eats unscented turkey heart which is a good thing. That's a good thing as I can us it for scenting other items and don't have to mess with fish.
My days of hoping to be able to hold a calm Shyblue are done. I just want her to be comfortable in her home.

[ProXimuS]

Time will tell. As long as she is happy

[guidofatherof5]

Shyblue gave me a late Christmas gift. She took unscented pinkies from me.
Usually she would take them scented with tilapia.
Good girl Shy.

[Greg'sGarters]

Steve, after reading this, I actually have a much easier way to tell whether it's an Eastern or Western Ribbon snake. Very simple. Once you have determined that it is a ribbon snake, just look on top of it's head. Western Ribbons have 2 dots, Eastern Ribbons don't. That's also my main way to tell Eastern Garters from Eastern Ribbons. And you do indeed have a Thamnophis proximus.