Not very experienced BP Owner - have some questions

[LotusBloom]

Even though I had a corn snake as a kid, I decided that I love the temperament and size of the ball python so that is the direction I've gone in. I have a question though about my bp's temperament. First of all, he's a male blue eyed leucistic. He's a 2014 and feeding on hoppers weekly and has even shed for me in the short time I've owned him (3 weeks).

Even though he seems relaxed when I handle him, i.e. content to be in my hand or even on my lap as I'm watching tv, if there is accidentally a quick movement, he does seem to startle and dart back (only happened once), but I also noticed that even though he enjoys his hide, when anyone is in the room with him, he will actually crawl under the zoomed eco-carpet that I use on the bottom of his enclosure. Also when I have him out, sometimes he just chills with me and other times he will explore up my arm, etc. He's not as active as my super stripe but in a way, I think my super stripe is more of an explorer like a corn snake. My super stripe will climb into my sleeve, hang out on my shoulder, and doesn't just chill like this guy.

Do you think he is stressed when being handled if he hides when someone is in the room? Do you think that over time as he is handled more, he will be more accustomed to being around people? Is this normal bp behavior?

This guy was purchased to be a pet and not a breeder but if he is going to be stressed by people, then I would rather see him go to a breeder but I don't want to give up on him yet because we really like him and he is so beautiful. Plus I do like, what seems to be, a more mellow personality. But I don't want to mistake 'mellow' with him just not comfortable around people.

Please give advice to this newbie. Thanks!

[dr del]

Three weeks isn't that long so I would expect him to calm down and become slightly more relaxed around you in the coming months.

[LivingwithBalls]

Since he is still young, he could be feeling a bit vulnerable with his small size and inexperience with life.


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[LotusBloom]

Thank you for the words of encouragement. I won't give up on him then. At least he's not acting aggressive or trying to get away from me when I handle him. When I started looking into bp's, I never cared much for blue eyed leucistic, but when I saw him in person, I was smitten. They really are so beautiful in person.

[LivingwithBalls]

Thank you for the words of encouragement. I won't give up on him then. At least he's not acting aggressive or trying to get away from me when I handle him. When I started looking into bp's, I never cared much for blue eyed leucistic, but when I saw him in person, I was smitten. They really are so beautiful in person.

Aren't they? I saw one for the first time just yesterday, they are my favorite morph.


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[lpk1683]

The temperament of balls can show them being shy or flighty, but most are this way. I have 2 and both shy away from us picking them up initially, but warm up after a minute or 2. Also, balls don't like to bump into anything with their noses. They will retreat very fast. That is just the breed and the way they are. My oldest is 6 yrs and he will still retreat quickly with loud noises, sudden movements or bumping his head or nose. This is totally normal behavior. Your ball sounds completely normal to me.

[LivingwithBalls]

The temperament of balls can show them being shy or flighty, but most are this way. I have 2 and both shy away from us picking them up initially, but warm up after a minute or 2. Also, balls don't like to bump into anything with their noses. They will retreat very fast. That is just the breed and the way they are. My oldest is 6 yrs and he will still retreat quickly with loud noises, sudden movements or bumping his head or nose. This is totally normal behavior. Your ball sounds completely normal to me.

Lol my ball purposely bumps his nose into things and then gets scared.... He's not the brightest, but he's really outgoing for a bp.


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