I purchased a 5.5 month old ball python 3 days ago and it’s been striking since day one. I have it in a 20 gallon tank with a warm side at 90-95F and a cold side around 75-78F. He has hides on the cool side and the warm side. I change out the water daily and mist a few times a day to keep the humidity up, but every time I enter the tank to do this my BP gets nervous and will strike at me from time to time. I know BPs require some time to adjust to the new habitat before handling so I’m not going to handle for a bit more and after he has had a meal.
The previous owner fed him last Thursday so he has a couple days before he’s due for another meal and he said that he may start to shed soon. The prev owner also said this BP was shy but never struck out, but it’s concerning that he has struck so often since I have had him. Is this normal for a BP of his age and is he likely to grow out of it as time goes by with regular handling? Is there something I can do differently? I don’t want to stress him or give him a reason to feel threatened.
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