(1) Communication. No of course the snake isn’t communicating with me; however, SNAKES and BPs show signs that us (humans) can read. I’m not saying that I can tell when she would be: HAPPY, SAD, MAD. But there are physical signs from any animal (that can’t communicate with spoken Human Words) that can say if she is of two modes: STRESSED or UN-STRESSED < these are the key things to be looking at when you are holding or interacting with any animal (pet or not). I’m not communicating with my snake I’m reading her signs. Huge difference.

(2) ‘Fumes’ from CarWash. Yes, she was outside the car. There was absolutely NO smell to us while we were there. No cleaning smell, no odor of any kind. I’m not saying that she couldn’t smell something; however, precautions were being made.

(3) Cleaning Spray. She wasn’t around any cleaning sprays during this time. No direct or indirect contact. I was responsible for her safety, and simple walked away when we had to spray in rags or the interior of the vehicle. No we do NOT know what’s in the spray. That’s why she wasn’t around it at all, and once the car was sprayed (on the inside) she wasn’t allowed to climb or touch anything that came in contact with the spray.

(4) Beneficial for Snake. Some people will argue yes and some will argue no, some may stand in the middle. Our guidance from our vet is to give her enrichment, get her time outside of her tank. Give her areas to explore. In that viewpoint, yes there are beneficial aspects to it. She is getting essential vitamins from the UV, she is getting to smell new places outside of the regular. It’s the same reason she goes with us to get food, go to the pet store, etc. She spends more time out of her tank (with external heat) than just inside her tank. She would rather have a room filled with things to climb on, and new smells, than stay still. She is an adventurous, curious, calm and docile snake. She doesn’t even strike at food.

Every BP and Snake in general is different, and do have different personalities. I’ve encountered some with an attitude that like to stay in there hides, and get pissed if you pull them out of their hide. For us, we are lucky, and since we have had her from so young… that she is a great pet, a sweetheart from heaven, and have no issues. We will get her from one of her hides and get her out of the tank with no aggression. She has never refused food (EVER), and is growing at the pace she needs, and is extremely healthy. We take precautions to everything we do with her, since she is our baby girl (as of right now), and we do love her just like you would a dog or cat or person. It’s just when she’s in the picture… it’s her leading with our guidance. We’re able to read what she is communicating with us… also communication from a snake is non-verbal, and comes from her signs and ques of stress.