Post-Feeding Question

So, we have a little guy that's been home with us for not quite a week. He's acclamated rather quickly and loves to find your hand in the tank so he can come out and just watch TV with us.

My question is, I know you want to leave them be for some time after they've eaten so they don't get stressed and regurgitate. Knowing how much he loves getting out of his tank, how long should I keep him on "tank-time" to ensure his digestion goes smoothly?
I hate the idea of grounding him longer than necessary, but didn't want to be too eager to let him out again.
(we just fed him here at home for the first time, so hence the question)

You shouldn't handle your BP for 48 hours after feeding.

You need to understand that ball Pythons do not like being handled they will tollerate it but they much prefer to be left alone. Remember a hiding ball python is a happy ball python.

i would say at least 24 hours, but 48 hours would be best

I can assure you that your ball python does not love(nor like) watching TV, getting out of his tank, being handled, etc...if these things aren't causing stress, they are simply being tolerated, not enjoyed. I'm sure it doesn't mind being grounded either.

To answer your question, about a day is fine.

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Originally Posted by Raymei

So, we have a little guy that's been home with us for not quite a week. He's acclamated rather quickly and loves to find your hand in the tank so he can come out and just watch TV with us.

My question is, I know you want to leave them be for some time after they've eaten so they don't get stressed and regurgitate. Knowing how much he loves getting out of his tank, how long should I keep him on "tank-time" to ensure his digestion goes smoothly?
I hate the idea of grounding him longer than necessary, but didn't want to be too eager to let him out again.
(we just fed him here at home for the first time, so hence the question)

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To be quite honest you aren't "grounding" your snake to his tank. Handling really does nothing for your snake, it's only for your enjoyment. While there is nothing wrong with holding him, snakes are solitary animals and could truly go their entire lives with out being handled. Now to handling after feeding, I would recommend waiting at least 24 hours, longer is better. Please don't take my post the wrong way, I just don't want you to think you are doing your snake an injustice by leaving him in his tank.

I have read, or maybe heard it said, that if your snake actually enjoys being taken out of its enclosure, then there's probably a reason for that; maybe it is too hot in the enclosure and it wants to cool off, or perhaps it is too cold and enjoys the warmth of your body heat, or maybe it's just hungry and wants to prowl and hunt. Anyway, I don't handle my BP for at least 24 hours after feeding, or longer if it is an unusually large meal. He'll usually crawl into his warm hide after eating to digest his food for a day or two anyway, only coming out to get a little drink of water now and again.

Yeah, just to point out, fully aware he's not watching TV. XD

I assumed he enjoyed coming out of his cage because of when he'll follow us/reach up slowly at us so we'll put our hands in (about...maybe 4 inches away from him) and he'll immediately climb up our arm. What does this behavior mean? He's trying to go out and look for food? His environment isn't comfortable?

If he doesn't want out, yes, he'll be curled up in his log or lying on the other side of the tank by his water (the latter being more of the rarity).

I thought he had wanted out with this behavior, but if they're more content in their enclosure that's more than fine (don't have to worry about feeling guilty leaving him in then :P )

Most likely he is just exploring that thing that just came into his cafe. I wouldn't read too much into this.

Don't get me wrong I think that these snakes are smarter than most people think... But we aren't talking about a dog or a car here.

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Originally Posted by The Serpent Merchant

Most likely he is just exploring that thing that just came into his cafe. I wouldn't read too much into this.

Don't get me wrong I think that these snakes are smarter than most people think... But we aren't talking about a dog or a car here.

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Yes there are "smart cars" lol

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Originally Posted by ChrisS

Yes there are "smart cars" lol

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Should have proof read that lol