Gaining trust with a previously neglected BP

[AwkwardArtemis]

Hi I just joined the site! I just received my first snake, a juvenile bp, but not under the best of circumstance. A friend had her previously and was keeping her in an enclosure with 2 larger bps. Even though I had never owned a snake before that point I just felt this was a bad idea; she overall just looked super uncomfortable. Since she was much smaller the other bps would often squish her and lay on her. Previous to my friend having this bp, he stated that the owners before him had neglected the snake and that the bp was very skinny when he got her and had a soiled enclosure. He wanted to get rid of her because she was too "jumpy" and I was worried he would sell her on Facebook or something so I took her. I've had her for about a week and a half. Temps are low 90s on hottest side and low to mid 80 on cool. Hides on both sides. The humidity is a work in progress because I have a glass enclosure and heat lamp (didn't realize humidity would suck so bad until after I purchased). Willing to make changes as far as that goes once I get some cash. She had her first successful feed with me today, I'm going the frozen thawed route because of how spooked she gets. She had a crappy shed pretty much right after I got her home. She is a very very timid snake and I honestly haven't gotten her out of her enclosure yet because I want to give her time to acclimate to things. I want her to get into a feeding routine before I handle her. Any tips on getting a super shy/timid serpant to be more trusting? She isn't used to being handled at all. As far as my handling goes.. I have picked up and handled snakes in the past.. just never owned one of my own. In hindsight i wish i would have gotten a bp from a reputable/stable source rather than getting one who's been jumping from home to home. Live and learn. Regardless of that I'm in it for the long hall and I'm willing to do whatever is needed for her to be comfortable and happy. Any tips on taming her down and gaining her trust? I'm just trying to be as patient with her as possible and trying to let her do things at her own pace. I know it'll take time and I'm totally ok with that I just need some advice from some serpant people.

[Morjean]

I don't think that would be much different from "taming" any other BP, but please someone correct me if I am wrong in assuming that!
The general advise is to give her a week or two of peace to adjust, and from there on short 5-15min handling sessions every other day. If she does well with that you can slowly up it, if not, slow and patient is the game.

Good luck with her!!

[chrid16371]

Welcome to bp.net!! To help with humidity cover screen tip with tinfoil or plexiglass and leave just enough room for heat lamp. What are you using as substrate (bedding)? Also what are you using to take temps? If your using those plastic analog ones they are very inaccurate, get a digital thermometer/hydrometer with probe one of the best is the acurite 00891 from amazon for $12. You put the probe so it will be under the middle of the heat light and the whole unit on cool side for cool temp and humidity. If you already have digital thermometers and hygrometers then just make sure you have the hot side one under middle of heat lamp about ground level or on ground bc that's where it will the hottest. Another thing that will help with humidity is getting a ceramic heat emitter, you will also need a lamp dimmer or thermostat unless you have one already, if your going to keep using the heat bulb you should really have a lamp dimmer or thermostat for that as well

Good job taking the snake out of a bad situation! Here a bp care sheet, please read it over!

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...ius)-Caresheet

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[Prognathodon]

What I've done with timid ones is to sit leaned back on the couch and tuck them inside my shirt (from the collar) while watching TV. Start short, go longer as she gets better. She gets a nice warm hidey spot that's also you, and hopefully starts associating you with "safe". Eventually she'll start loosening up and exploring, and hopefully poke her head out to see what's up.


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[LittleTreeGuy]

Congrats on the new addition. The humidity in that tank will be your biggest struggle, but it's doable. Lots of folks do it and have found ways to make it work. During shed, you can even put a wet paper-towel in the hides. that will help with humidity in there, and give the snake something to rub itself on.

The timid part... Here is what I would do....
1. You'll want the snake to feel secure first. I'd make sure it isn't a heavily traveled area. Maybe cover two or three sides of the tank with dark construction paper, or one of the backgrounds for fish tanks. something it can't see through. Maybe add some fake plants or vines to the tank.

2. Some say this is crazy, but I believe in it. Get a bottle of hand sanitizer and keep it by the cage. Anytime you open that cage, use the hand sanitizer (except feeding time). In time, this will create a constant scent and hopefully the snake will associate that scent with "not going to hurt me".

3. Handling. When you pick up your snake, don't hesitate or make jerky movements. Decide how you're going to approach and pick it up before your hand goes in the tank. If you can go in from it's side or behind it, great. Try to not come straight down towards the top of it's head. I would only handle for 5 or 10 minutes the first week or two, then gradually make those times longer. Some snakes are just more "snippy" by nature. Some will settle down the safer they feel and the more they are handled. If it does get snippy or tries to strike at you by chance, don't put it down right away. If you do, it will soon learn that it can get it's way if it strikes and will try that again. Slow and patient is key.

[AwkwardArtemis]

I'm so overjoyed. She's been really active since she's ate and she's just adorable lol. I'm a night owl and I've watched her tonight and she seems curious and relaxed rather than all tense. My father works at a construction supply company and told me he could get some plexiglass for me. Right now I'm using coconut bedding I forget what it's called, as well as some moss to help with humidity. I have two crappy fish tank thermometers but I will upgrade when I get paid next week. She also had her first poop which sounds weird to be happy about but I am haha. Thanks guys I feel like I'm getting a lot of valuable info!

[chrid16371]

Before you know it you will have another one lol! Have your dad get a piece of plexiglass the same size as the screen top and have him measure your dome lamp so he can cut the plexiglass so the lamp fits through.

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