a snappy start

hi, im new to ball/royal pythons, i purchased an one 6 days ago (gender unknown),
it is about 6 months old it appeared quite confident and relaxed on my handling before purchase,:)

but so far in its new home appears to become threatening even for the water disk to be changed.
it has stuck out towards my hand several times (with no contact)
and even comes out of its hide and goes into a threatening/striking S posture as the door is being opened gently,
but i have not seen any coiling into a ball reaction from it :confusd:

is this likely to be part of it settling in and still not feeling comfortable in its new home and being disturbed
or is it likely a temperament trait of this individual ,
or something i am doing that is spooking it .

i have some experience with corn snakes but this is my first ball/royal python ,

any thoughts or advice from those of you with more experience would be appreciated
from
Brackens owner

You just have a nippy youngster. Give him some time and he will mellow out.

They're very nervous when they first go to a new home. They are also much more likely as babies than adults to be defensive in that way.

Can you tell us about his cage and what the temps are and how you're measuring them, etc?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MrLang

They're very nervous when they first go to a new home. They are also much more likely as babies than adults to be defensive in that way.

Can you tell us about his cage and what the temps are and how you're measuring them, etc?

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x2

Give him time to settle in and don't bother him to much other than maintenance. Also make sure you husbandry is spot on, so that one thing that won't cause extra stress.

On a side note, babies sometimes are a bit defensive and will strike. They have good reason since most things in the wild are after them at a young age.