Inactivity

[nickdolin]

Hey everyone

When I first got my BP he was decently active at nights, roaming around his viv. I attempted a feed one day where he stuck the mouse on the side and would later spit it out with no success on a 2nd attempt to strike. Since that time he has just stayed in his viv with no exploration. I've not had him out in 3-4 days and I'm beginning to worry a bit. I know BP's aren't the most active snakes ever but I figured he'd continue to explore some like he did the first 2-3 nights I had him. I don't think he is going into shed but I've not had him out enough to really notice either way. I'd really like to get him out some and handle him but you guys recommended waiting a week after a feeding attempt to handle again but I guess I'm just experiencing the normal frustrations of a first time BP owner....

[seeya205]

Exploring the cage is a sign of stress! They all explore alot when they are in a new home. They are checking out the new place and once they start feeling safe, they stop exploring. It should have been left alone for at LEAST a week to settle in! I would leave it alone for a week with no handling or disturbing it then try to feed. If he does not eat then do it again for another week, keep repeating until he eats a couple times. It may take up to a month before it starts to eat! Also I would try a smaller mouse if it regurged that mouse! Once it eats then you can feed every 5 days. When it eats a couple times then you can start handling once a week and slowly work it up to more handling! Be patient! It's hard not to handle a new pet!

[nickdolin]

Actually it wasn't a regurge, it hit it on the side and couldn't swallow it. Well then maybe he is more calm. I'm just used to my corn who is active about 8 hours a day I suppose. Well I'll leave him alone for 4-5 more days as I've not bothered him any for a couple already. He does switch hides pretty often though which is good as he is able to regulate his temps.

[Kaorte]

Ball pythons are not active snakes at all. I actually notice that my snakes will stay in their hides all week until its feeding day. Then they will come out looking for food.

A good saying is "a hiding ball python is a happy ball python".

no worries

[nickdolin]

Good good then. It's strange that my corn was the opposite. At first she remained in her hides all of the time. Now, after having 3 sides of her viv wrapped for a while she spends much of her time just wondering around and me moving around her viv doesn't bother her in the least. Thanks now lets just hope he feeds next time! If he doesn't, should I continue the non-handle regimen? Cause I'd really like to get him out and used to me...

[Kaorte]

First priority is getting your snake to eat, then you can start handling it. I would shoot for 3-4 consecutive meals before handling, especially if this snake is particularly shy. Handling is stressful for them and can sometimes cause more harm then good.

And changes you make to the viv can cause the snake to not recognize its environment and start the acclimation period all over again.

What kind of hides are you using? Some balls are very particular about the kind of hides they like and will not eat if offered something like a half log hide.

[nickdolin]

No changes in the viv since he got here, except that I wrapped the 3 sides the day after getting him. I'm using plastic bowls (about 6in in diameter) that I've cut openings into.

Here is a pic the day I got him, the bowls are pretty shallow and there isn't much room left when he is in them.

[Kaorte]

Looks good

Just give him some time to adjust

[ElwoodG]

Now i am newer to ball pythons but i have kept other snakes for years. and i have to say (without pissing anyone off, not my intention) is that for the most part bps dont move much but there is the exception the rule. my normal girl is usually in her hide in the hot end or in the one in the cool end. but every now and then she gets active and likes to explore. and the funny thing is that until i take her out she wont stop moving around. when shes in one of these moods and im near her enclosure she gets even more active and starts putting her head near the lid and wont stop till i take her out. once shes out she curls up on my lap or on my arm and just chills. and then once i put her back she happily goes and curls up somewhere. so to me that isn't a sign of being stressed. cause like i said she isn't active all the time, but she gets that way, other than being hungry, when she wants out to check stuff out. some of you may disagree with my interpretation, but i know what i see with my own eyes and once i take her out she settles right down and is happy. she isn't nervous or trying to get away or anything. and goes back to relaxing once i put her back. so to me that just says that her as an individual likes to come say hi now and then )