hello.

[jbo901]

Hi, my name is Jennifer and I am new here.
I just bought a Ball Python, I'm not sure how hold he his - but he is about 18 inches long. The pet store I bought him from was not treating him well, they wanted me to bring him back in after I bought him, so they could continue forcr feeding him. I thought that sounded kind of harsh, so I tried giving him a small mouse, and he ate it with no problems. I think he is setteling in, although he did bite me once.
Any suggestions on how to keep him happy?

Thanks

[Shelby]

Hi welcome to the forums! The best thing to start with is reading our care sheet. It will detail everything you need to know about keeping ball pythons the right way.

http://ball-pythons.net/modules.php?...warticle&id=52

Can you tell us how you have your snake's enclosure set up, and if possible post pictures?

[bchapman]

It sounds like he is doing just fine! If he was 18" long, then he can't be very old.. as hatchlings are usually 14-18" long..

Make sure his temps are good and his hides are set up appropriately, and feed him again in 7 days.. After two good regular feedings, it would be safe to start handling him. he is probably stressed out from being force fed, moved, etc.

And do not go back to that pet store!!! If they did not have enough patience to feed him like you did and resort to force feeding, then they should not be supplying ball pythons!!!

Can you post any pictures of his setup??

barry

[jbo901]

I will try and get some pics of him tonight. Right now he is in a ten gallon tank. He has a hollow log to hide in. I have a pice of drift wood for climbing and large water dish. I have aspen substrate for him as well. I also have an under the tank heating pad, and a light. the temp in his tank is about 88.


Thanks for the help!

[Nate]

Well it certainly sounds like you're off to a great start. And you've found a great place for advice. there are people on this forum 24/7 (and we have a chat tomorrow evening!!) so feel free to post questions about anything. Keep in mind there is a search function that is helpful for questions that may have already been covered.

Welcome to the world of reptiles! You'll never turn back.

[Shelby]

Half log hides aren't the best.. they aren't very secure feeling to the snake. Something dark, tight, and enclosed on all but one side is best. Lots of people use those houseplant pot bases.. you know the plastic circle you put under the pot to catch water. Just cut a hole in the side or top, and voila.. a nice hide!

Also what are you using to measure temperatures? Those little dials or stick on strips are terrible. If you don't have one, get a digital thermometer/hygrometer from target or walmart. You can get the indoor/outdoor ones made for household use. They're much more accurate for measuring temps and humidity.

Under tank heaters without a rheostat (like a lamp dimmer) or a thermostat on them can get dangerously hot. You can either use just the lamp (beware this removes a lot of humidity though) or get a rheo/thermostat for your under tank heater. They are dangerous to your snake without one.

[whitesnake12]

hi and welcome just handel him on a daliy bases but only after 48 hrs after he eats and give him time to setel in his new home best of luck

[Shelby]

Actually it's best not to handle your new snake at all for at least a week after you get them. Snakes don't like to be handled like a dog or cat.. they tolerate it. Regular handling isn't bad, just wait that initial week to give your snake a chance to really settle in.

[Mr. H]

God, I've heard some pet store horror stories and hearing more of them still grinds my gears. Pet store idiots.

[wildlifewarrior]

I will admit there are some awful petstore stories (Many from pet go "WHere the pets go" apparently). I use to work at a reptile and bird specialty shop, and we were constantly fixing other stores mistakes. Even though it was still a pet store, mine only hired employees that had a history of owning, keeping and breeding reptiles (or birds). Not all are bad, though many don't know what they're doing.


wildlifewarrior