brand new owner

[boone828]

I recently acquired a young? Ball python. My dad had it and decided he didn't have time for it so he gave it to me. Now to be perfectly honest I have never really even messed with a snake and I can get it out and hold it and whatnot. It is approx. 18 inches long and my dad was feeding it pinky mice. Am I right in thinking that is a little small for it. My kids and I have named it roxie, not knowing if it is a he or she....lol. I have done a great deal of research and believe I have roxie's cage set up appropriately. Cage temps are a gradient between 80 and 90 degrees with it being a bit cooler in the hide area. So far roxie pretty much hangs out on a branch that I placed in the home. I would greatly appreciate any tips and advice that can be offered. I am still quite a bit unsure and nervous when holding roxie. I worry about it biting me. Also should I feed in the cage or in a separate container. I have heard both ways, so I don't know which to use.....
Basically I just need advice.

[OhhWatALoser]

Well the rule of thumb is feed them prey thats as big as the biggest part of them. Has the snake ever given you a reason to worry about it biting you? I mean you get the occasional snake that bites, but most of them do not.

You can feed either way, but a poll was done on here and pretty much the conclusion I came up with after reading all of it was, it doesn't matter how you feed them, its doesn't change how aggressive they are one way or another.

I've always fed in their tubs and none of my ball pythons bite.

[youbeyouibei]

First, CONGRATULATIONS on your new pet! And in conjunction with that props to you for doing the research it sounds like you've done. I'm fairly new to the world of ball pythons as well and have gotten some great information via bp.net as well as from reading. I bought this book and it's been invaluable in some respects for the information it has in easing my OCD about whether or not I'm doing things correctly, lol!

The Complete Ball Python: A Comprehensive Guide to Care, Breeding and Genetic Mutations by Kevin McCurley. It isn't cheap but I think it's worth every penny. Good luck to you and welcome!

[boone828]

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Roxie has never given me a reason to believe he/she would bite me. I think that feeling is just general unease on my part. I have never really handled a snake before and it makes me nervouse. I like him/her and am more than willing to learn mor about them and their mannerisms and nature. I believe my setup is ok. Sorry the pics aren't the best but they were taken on my phone.
Also, is there a reason why once the lights go off at night I still don't see him/her start moving around. I have bearded dragons and as soon as their lights are going in the morning they are up and running. Is it normal for a ball python to start moving around. When does he/she move around the cage. I like to sit and watch my animals worm around their cages throughout their active times and I never really see roxie move

[SlitherinSisters]

That prey is definitely too small. Pinky mice are usually far to small for any baby ball python. You want something that leaves a noticeable bump in your snake, not a huge bump, but enough to notice. The best way to gauge size is to get something that is as thick as the thickest part of your snake.

Your set up sounds good from what you say. If you are using a larger tank, one that can fit two hides, you need two identical hides. The hides should also be fairly snug, a bp should have to ball up and be a bit squished in their hides.

Also, about your fear of getting bit... If you have ever been bit by a kitten you have received a far worse bite than any BP will give you Their bites are ridiculously minor.

[Johan]

Roxie has never given me a reason to believe he/she would bite me. I think that feeling is just general unease on my part. I have never really handled a snake before and it makes me nervouse. I like him/her and am more than willing to learn mor about them and their mannerisms and nature. I believe my setup is ok. Sorry the pics aren't the best but they were taken on my phone.
Also, is there a reason why once the lights go off at night I still don't see him/her start moving around. I have bearded dragons and as soon as their lights are going in the morning they are up and running. Is it normal for a ball python to start moving around. When does he/she move around the cage. I like to sit and watch my animals worm around their cages throughout their active times and I never really see roxie move

Hi there, your setup looks pretty good. Just was wondering how you measured the temperatures?

To answer your question about moving around: Balls are super lazy. They like to sleep in their hides. A good rule of thumb: a hiding ball is a happy ball. People that only get joy out of watching an animal roam around usually don't enjoy most nocturnal snake species. They like to sleep a lot during the day, and maybe come out in the night, if they want to switch hides or maybe do some light cruising. The real joy of ball pythons coming from handling them IMO. They are usually super gentle and can be handled with ease. You may get bit, but dont let that stop you from handling your snake. In time he will become a giant gentle log

[SlitherinSisters]

Ah yep, both those hides are too big. The fake rock one could maybe work if you put some crumpled newspaper in it, but I would just go out and buy a couple plastic flower pots and cut/solder a doorway in them. Young bps outgrow their hides pretty quickly. Like I said you need hides that are fairly snug. Another thing....half log hides are really poor hides for BPs, probably anything. They are open, so BPs don't feel secure in them. Since you have a young BP, he's probably going to be pretty finicky about his enclosure/hides. When BPs don't feel secure they won't eat. And yes they will starve themselves to death, don't let anyone tell you differently. However, if he's an easy keeper and eats for you, don't bother changing the hides, other than getting two identical ones, you could still leave the log hide in there to take up space.

After you have the hides sorted out, you could leave them in there and put the flower pots where those two hides are (assuming one is on the hot side and the other is on the cool side) put some fake plants in there to fill up the space. If you leave those two hides in there it will help fill up the space as well. I doubt your BP will chose one of those hides over new smaller hides, but if he does take the old hide out (they will choose the hide they like best regardless of their health-that's why you need identical hides).

[boone828]

I am measuring the temps with a thermomter bought at walmart...it is a digital with a cord and probe on end. I have moved it around to different spots within the enclosure to ensure my temperatures are correct. I did order some bigger mice to feed with. I know most of what I have read says only to feed them once a week, is that accurate? I do like to watch my animals but I also enjoy handling them so I can handle that roxie won't run around her home aml the time. That will just make it even neater when he/she does. Is there a good way to determine the sex of a bp....

Sorry for all the questions. I just don't want to mess up and do something totally wrong.

[boone828]

So I just went back downstairs and now she is moving all over the enclosure. I am almost positive it is escape proof...lol. I hope so anyway. She is in the top portion of my double wide bearded dragon cage. She seems to sleep in the branches and greenery in the corner of the cage. Hidden but not completely hidden. She did eat for me last night so she is doing all of that. Out of curiosity, if I feed her out of the cage now wouldn't I have to keep buying a larger feeding enclosure as she grows? Would it make her more aggressive toward me if I started feeding in the cage rather than out? I guess I am wondering if that will make her start biting at me whenever I stick my hand in to get her out for other things? Also, is it a problem if I get her out to handle her during the daytime since that is normally sleeping time. Do I only have to handle in the late evening or night?

Again sorry for all the questions but sometimes I like to learn from people who are actually doing it and not just book writers

[Homegrownscales]

No feeding in the cage will not make them cage aggressive. Most aggressive balls are that way bc of stress, or improper keeping. I've fed in my enclosures for all 6 years I've owned balls and never been tagged even once. It happens and I'm certain with this bratty cinny I've got that shell eventually get me but I'm pretty good about their body language. You can handle anytime of day. But because she's in a new home and new owner I suggest hands off until she's fed 3-5 times
With no problems. She's small and you don't want to add anymore stressors to her life right now. You can't really afford to have her stop eating.
Morgan