My Angry Ball Python

[cschneider]

I purchased my first snake about 10 days ago and he seems to be very defensive. Elvis is a fairly young, 23" ball python. He strikes at my hand every time i reach into his cage (although i don't really know if it is in fact a "he"). This being my first snake, i am hoping to get some good advice. I have read to leave them alone for 2 weeks so I am not handling him at all. I am just filling his water bowl every few days. I did try to feed him thinking maybe he was striking because of hunger, but he wouldn't eat. The pet store told me the day I got him, he was due to eat the next day, so he is overdue for a meal. I noticed yesterday, he was soaking in his water bowl and his eyes have began to get cloudy so he could be going into shed, but does that make them agitated? He has been angry since I have had him. My main concern is that i have a mean snake and don't know why. Please help...

[rockhardchick666]

Shed can make them snappy, when their eyes get cloudy it can be a bit difficult to see.

The soaking I would assume is because of the shed, but just to be safe check for mites.

Most importantly younger snakes can be very cranky.

Don't be discouraged! You have a long, long time with the little guy. He just needs to get used to his surroundings and all the new smells.

[TessadasExotics]

give it some time and then you may have to spend extra time with it to get it to calm down.

Just Remember it is an animal and has its own mind. It could very well just be a grumpy snake. I have had em before and might have one now.

[rockwithsunglasses]

Mebbe his constant striking is due to new surroundings + shed + hunger + stress from all these?
He'll get used to his new place soon enough and when he's done shedding you can feed him, and if there are no other problems than he may lose all this aggression.

[kc261]

Elvis is a young snake who is scared and nervous in his new surroundings. Plus, he is going into shed, which makes it hard for them to see while their eyes are cloudy, and I think it may be an itchy and uncomfortable thing for them as well. It is not at all surprising that he is acting extra defensive, and is too stressed to eat.

Give him some more time to settle in to his new home, doing only the minimum required cage maintenance. Also, make sure he will feel safe and secure by making sure the temps and humidity are correct, that he has at least 2 identical snug fitting hides, and that the enclosure is not too exposed and open (glass tanks should be covered on 3 sides). Offer food once a week; offering it too often can be another source of stress. Check the caresheet for more details:
http://www.ball-pythons.net/modules/...warticle&id=59

Most likely you'll find that he has calmed down, stopped striking at you, and started eating within a few weeks. If not, post again and we can give you some more tips! And of course feel free to post in the meantime. But overall, be patient with him. It can sometimes take a little while for a BP to adjust to its new home, but once they do, you will have many many years ahead of you to enjoy your new pet.

[Oroborous]

What is his enclosure like? Does he have enough security? Ball pythons are shy and appreciate their privacy. Make sure you provide at least two hide caves or boxes on both the cool, and warm side of his cage. Leave him be for a week before trying to feed him. It is best to let them settle in and feel safe in their new home before offering good. Ball Pythons don't normally snap unless they are feeling threatened, so it sounds like you have a very frightened little snake. Give him time and he will most likely grow out of it, although some can stay cranky, it's not as common. Congrats on your new snake and good luck! There is a lot of great info on this site.

[mrmertz]

Oooh yeah, definately a bad combo to judge his attitude on. New owner, new surroundings AND going into shed.

Just give Elvis some time, he'll be fine (as mentioned above!)

Now iffin' you a had Blood like we have and you were getting snapped at without any of those variables mentioned, then well, that goes with the territory!

[BuckeyeBalls]

Yea could u post your setups and temps?

That way we can make sure your husbandry is on point. Cuz if not in a few weeks much wont change if its not right.

[cschneider]

Thank you all for your quick replies. You all have made me feel much less discouraged! To answer questions about my set up, I have an aquarium that is 20"L x 13"H x 10"W with a screen sliding top that locks. I have aspen bedding, a hide cave, water bowl and stick. I have a heat lamp on a timer set for night and day hours and at night when the light is off, I turn the "under the tank" heating pad on. The temp is around 80-85 so i'm figuring under the lamp, it is probably 90. The hygrometer reads at about 45, but it usually goes up to 55 at night when the heating pad is on since it's under the side of the tank that the water bowl is on. I have him in a spare bedroom that we may go in for a few minutes once or twice a day, but it's the quietest place in our house that keeps a regular temp. I was going to put him upstairs but the temp up there fluctuates a lot. I don't have the sides covered up so I will definitely get that done. Any other thoughts? Again, thank you all for the feedback. I am learning something new every day!

[sarahlovesmiike]

You'll want to hook that UTH up to a thermostat to make sure he doesn't get burned. They can reach 120* alone, which could definitely burn your little guy. Also, you could get a thermometer with a probe on the glass where the UTH is so that you can measure the temp on the glass because it gets VERY hot. You'll probably want to get rid of that lamp if you can get the temps right with just the UTH. They really suck the humidity out, which will cause bad sheds. BPs really don't need a night and day so just use the natural light of the room, and they will be fine. Though you shouldn't turn the light on at night if he's out cruising.

45% humidity isn't too low but you may find that he has trouble shedding. You can mist the tank to boost it.

If he doesn't stop striking but I would recommend switching to a tub because of the opaque color of the tubs. They can't see out and it makes them feel more secure.