My BP has recently become really jumpy. :-/

[DaveIsMySnake]

I am a novice ball python owner. I acquired Dave about a year ago from a good friend who could no longer keep him. Not sure how old he is, (or if he's a he), but he's just shy of 3 ft long, so I am pretty sure he is not fully grown. He has always been really mellow, and handles great, but the last couple of months, he has become really jumpy, and I am not sure why. Sometimes I just walk into my room, and just the movement of me by his cage sends him instantly into his protective balled up posture. My roommate's darn cat has recently taken to sneaking into my room and jumping on top of Dave's terrarium, and that seems to stress him out so I have REALLY been making it a point to keep the cat out of there. Is that enough to have totally changed his demeanor from very mellow to often jumpy and somewhat aggressive? Once he's in my hands, he behave's totally normally, but it is becoming a little nerve racking reaching in to pick him up. I refuse to become afraid of my snake, as I have never had any fear surrounding reptiles. Any feedback would be much appreciated. Thanks so much!

Worried bout Dave,
~DaveIsMySnake

[dc4teg]

Deff. stress related... the cat is a predator and the ball python feels like prey

what is your viv setup and temps/humidity?

is their always light on in the room...ect. just need to know that kind of stuff to be able to tell you how to cut down on stress.

and how often do you handel him?

btw

[BPelizabeth]

close the door and keep the cat OUT!!!! I bet when you are not looking the cat is really messing with him on top of the cage.

[DaveIsMySnake]

Thanks for the replies. I will for sure make it a point to keep the cat out. The roommate is moving in two months, and with her go the cats. yay! I probably need to handle him more, but I handle him at least a few times between feedings. I don't know what his humidity is - should I have thermostats in there? I really kind of went into being a snake owner blind. Can you suggest some good resources (books or online) for me to really learn what I should know to be a good owner and to be providing a good existence for Dave? The book I got really focused on getting a newly hatched snake, and really didn't provide me with the kind of info I was looking for.

Thanks again for the help!

~DaveIsMySnake

[Vypyrz]

Thanks for the replies. I will for sure make it a point to keep the cat out. The roommate is moving in two months, and with her go the cats. yay! I probably need to handle him more, but I handle him at least a few times between feedings. I don't know what his humidity is - should I have thermostats in there? I really kind of went into being a snake owner blind. Can you suggest some good resources (books or online) for me to really learn what I should know to be a good owner and to be providing a good existence for Dave? The book I got really focused on getting a newly hatched snake, and really didn't provide me with the kind of info I was looking for.

Thanks again for the help!

~DaveIsMySnake

to BP.net

Here is the link to the Care Sheet on this site and is a good place to get you started. I agree. Keep the cats out of your room and good luck with Dave...

http://ball-pythons.net/modules/Sect...warticle&id=59

[BPelizabeth]

The best thermometer that will also track humidity is accurite. You can find it at Walmart for about $12-. As for thermostats...you will need one to control your UTH.....you can check out reptilebasics.com or spyderrobotics.com, both have great products.