Angry or still warming up to me?

[ksaul]

I bought my norm ball python 2 weeks ago and he turns 1 next week. He seems to love his habibit and has ate 2 baby rats. But every time I try to handle him or pick him up to play he pulls back and looks like he wants to strike..
He has only bit me once so far, but i am worried that he wont be a playful friend..

is he still warming up to his new environment and under some stress? I have switched up his tank and added a few things for him to climb 2x since Ive had him if that makes a difference.

[Lolo76]

Sometimes it does take a while for them to warm up, so give it more time... did you leave him alone for the first week, to get acquainted with everything? Just keep at it, and he should calm down for you soon - even my SUPER cranky het Albino is coming around, after a month of regular (about every other day) handling. He "hung out" on my lap the other night for like 10 minutes, with no attempts to strike or ball up. When I first got him, I actually had to use barriers (like a plastic hide or newspaper) whenever I got near, or he'd lunge and strike. So that is some real progress!

Then again, some BPs are just permanently pissy... LOL.

[ksaul]

Sometimes it does take a while for them to warm up, so give it more time... did you leave him alone for the first week, to get acquainted with everything? Just keep at it, and he should calm down for you soon - even my SUPER cranky het Albino is coming around, after a month of regular (about every other day) handling. He "hung out" on my lap the other night for like 10 minutes, with no attempts to strike or ball up. When I first got him, I actually had to use barriers (like a plastic hide or newspaper) whenever I got near, or he'd lunge and strike. So that is some real progress!

Then again, some BPs are just permanently pissy... LOL.

Well I try to handle him daily, ever since I got him. I got him right from the breeder and the breeder played with him for about 15minutes before I made my choice so I know he has a good heart in there.. somewhere lol

But no I didnt give him a week to himself, I pet him and picked him up all the time. Right now he is in the tank next to me and just staring at me

He also hiss's at me sometimes when I go to pick him up

[seeya205]

He may need a little larger rat. Get one rat that is the size of him width wise! He may be just hungry! It is worth a try!

[Lolo76]

But no I didnt give him a week to himself, I pet him and picked him up all the time.

That could be one of the issues, since most people recommend leaving them completely alone for at least a week - sometimes 2 or 3. I admit I didn't follow that rule with every snake, but only broke it when he/she "invited" themselves onto my hand (as Toby did after a day or two).

Not sure if it matters now, but maybe you could re-start the clock - give him a week alone starting tomorrow? Maybe then he'll be more relaxed, and ready to accept your affection. Don't worry, I would guess that 9/10 times a BP will eventually become gentle and easy to handle... they are often called "lap-snakes," which has been true with most of mine.

[Lolo76]

He may need a little larger rat. Get one rat that is the size of him width wise! He may be just hungry! It is worth a try!

Yeah, that's a good point... do you know how much he weighs? A one year-old male BP should be on small rats (or multiple adult mice) by now, unless they're underweight for their age.

[syvil]

Give him a week or two alone. Only change his water, check temps and humid. other than that leave him alone. My guy was very fiesty at first too. He still has his moods. He usually gets tense on Weds (the day before I feed him) and Fridays (the day after I feed him) late Saturday through Tuesday he's usually fine. Just takes time an patience every snake is different so you gotta take note of the way he reacts to things. Hope this helps.

[ksaul]

I fed him a Rat Pup for his first feeding with me, something larger then that are you recommending?

[seeya205]

I fed him a Rat Pup for his first feeding with me, something larger then that are you recommending?

Go with something that is the same width or little bigger than the snake! He should be able to handle a small rat!

[ksaul]

Havent checked up on this thread in awhile, I fed him another rap pup yesterday ill try something larger next time.

I changed his habitat a little.. I added a background, another hide rock aspen basing and a UTH.

He has been camping under the rock with the UTH for almost 4days now with only peaking his head out every once in awhile.. Not sure if he comes out at night but usually ill watch tv with the lights off for 30-45minutes before going to bed and he doesnt come out during that period.. Im getting nervous