Just got a new ball python ... help

[Terrified]

Hi I just got a new Pastel Ball Python today at a reptile show... my first snake/reptile ever


http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x...a/100_0337.jpg

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x...a/100_0341.jpg

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x...a/100_0340.jpg


So I handled him at the show and he was very tame so I liked him and his color etc... handled him on ride him tame and nice

Well about 10 minutes ago I went to pick him up and he lashed at me and tried to bite me???? the bad part is he didnt get me but I moved my hand so fast away that the hide log my hand hit it and landed right on him... crap... Is he gonna bite me every time now????????? ... Im so depressed right now ......

[FL0OD]

you need to give him about a week to get settled in. you need to make sure you temps are right, your humidity is right. he probably just a little stressed. no worries. most have us have all delt with that at some point.

[mtxsub7]

Well did you have the tank/tub all set up for him before you bought it? What's your knowledge level as far as BP's?



edit: just noticed your pictures, beautiful snake but you need another hide, and possibly better substrate [that type can annoy his scales] Looks like a 29 gallon which is OK. Might wanna add some trees or something just to help him out, and possibly cover the back and sides with a black or dark colored piece of construction paper, for less stress

[Nate]

Welcome to the forum!

Please check out our caresheet.

Right now, I think your ball python is stressed out and needs to adjust to his new environment. You should probably leave him alone for about a week..yes it's a long time, but you gotta.

[Reediculous]

Welcome to the site...........Nice pastel you have there.

Let that new guy settle in for about a week maybe two. No handling. Give him a chance to find out where he's at. Most ball pythons will not strike forever. However they do like to hiss, as babies and sometimes strike. Most of the time they grow out of it.


Check out this page .............. http://ball-pythons.net/modules.php?...warticle&id=59



If you have anymore questions, and you will...........just ask away, we have plenty of people here to help if your willing to learn!

[giaach]

Nice pastel you got there. I would say that your new bp is probably really stressed out right now. Being in a small plastic container with people yelling and walking around and being handled by tons of people is scary for such a little creature. The only reason he probably snapped at you is because he feels threatened. My best advice would be to leave him/her alone for a FULL WEEK and let them get comfortable. While it may be hard to resist picking him/her up, it's in the snakes and your best interest. A stressed snake only leads to more problems, like food refusal. Keep us posted...

[Terrified]

well ok I leave him alone... I was just thought I could take him out and handle but I guess he has to get used to tank...

and for the person who asked how much experience I have is 0 my first bp

but anyway everything is good in the tank besides the temp.. its at 75. I have a under the tank mat.. cant adjust output tho

whats your suggestions... for heating .. I obvisoly need more heat


and thanks for all the replys

[mtxsub7]

well ok I leave him alone... I was just thought I could take him out and handle but I guess he has to get used to tank...

and for the person who asked how much experience I have is 0 my first bp

but anyway everything is good in the tank besides the temp.. its at 75. I have a under the tank mat.. cant adjust output tho

whats your suggestions... for heating .. I obvisoly need more heat


and thanks for all the replys

75 isn't enough, you need 87-90 on the hot side, 93 max and 78-83 on the cool side, also 50-60 percent humidity at all times.


Increase humidity by putting a big water bowl near the heat source, and misting the sides of the tank, not too much though


you can get a cheap controller for your heat at your local petsmart or petco, for 21.99 for now, that will work fine.

[Nate]

What are you using to measure temps? I don't see anything, so I'm going to assume those crappy stick ons..they don't work.

I use an Acurite thermometer...which can be picked up at Wal-mart for about 12 bucks. It measures indoor and outdoor (with a probe) temps, so you can monitor the hot and cool side at the same time. It also does Humidity for you.

If you want good equipment, check out Reptile Basics. There's a lot to learn, so ASK QUESTIONS

[Nate]

you can get a cheap controller for your heat at your local petsmart or petco, for 21.99 for now, that will work fine.

Cheap isn't "fine"..IMO. I've read quite a few of those failure stories with cheapo equipment.