Hello All!

I have been lurking this forum for quite a few months now and finally got a chance to join.

I'm a proud owner of a beautiful female normal who I got this past August.

http://ball-pythons.net/gallery/file...827_124251.jpg

I fell in love with bps the moment I was able to handle one. My friend's mother owns a 29 year old sweetheart of a male and as soon as I interacted with him I longed for one to call my own.

Luckily, I live near a very good Petco where they have two people hired specifically to just take care of the herps they have there. That's where my little Athena came from, got her checked out by a vet, and no problems what-so-ever. I do have to say though, she's a bit of an oddball when it comes to how bps are normally supposed to behave. She is an excellent feeder. I got her to feed three days after a brought her home and ever week after that. (She even eats during her sheds). She also enjoys being out and doesn't mind being handled for long periods of time. I handle her about 1-2 hours every day, if I don't, she normally bangs her head on top of the cage until I do. She's not even the least bit head shy either. I check her for RIs, check the inside of her mouth, and even pet her on the head and she doesn't throw a fit or resist.

I just got her switched to small rats recently and I hope to have many years with her. (Once I'm out of college and have my own place, I'm definitely going to be looking into geting more herps. They're so fascinating.

Is anyone else's bps as lax as my little Athena? haha. I'm wondering if it's actually that much a rare occurrence or not, especially from a little 6 month old.

Welcome to the family and that's quite a nice looking ball you picked up. Good luck with her.

Welcome to the forum! You will definitely learn a lot from everyone on here. :)

My ball python seems like she is pretty relaxed as well. I have handled her for long periods of time before and she has never refused a single meal. My husband has even handled her a few hours before she was supposed to eat one day, and she still ate like a champ. (Although I would not recommend doing that as it can stress them out and deter them from feeding). I do not handle her for long periods of time anymore though; I think handling for shorter periods of time is better for them all around. Your little girl may be more relaxed than other balls, but in general ball pythons are not super crazy about being handled frequently. Just something to keep in mind. ;)

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Originally Posted by anwhit

I handle her about 1-2 hours every day.

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You shouldn't be handling her right after feeding day. After ball pythons eat you should generally wait anywhere from 24 to 48 hours to handle them again. Even if you haven't had an issue yet, handling that soon after feeding can stress a ball python out and cause them to regurgitate their meal. Your ball python may never do this, but just to be safe, this is a good rule of thumb to follow. :)

Gorgeous looking girl :gj:

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Originally Posted by Sam71312

You shouldn't be handling her right after feeding day. After ball pythons eat you should generally wait anywhere from 24 to 48 hours to handle them again. Even if you haven't had an issue yet, handling that soon after feeding can stress a ball python out and cause them to regurgitate their meal. Your ball python may never do this, but just to be safe, this is a good rule of thumb to follow. :)

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Oh, pft, yeah. I figured that went without saying. I always wait at least 48 hours after every feeding. I only ever take her out when she is active within her own tank.

I guess I should have been more specific. I've learned to read her very well and if she gives me any sign of not wanting to be bothered I always leave her be.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Sam71312

Your little girl may be more relaxed than other balls, but in general ball pythons are not super crazy about being handled frequently. Just something to keep in mind.

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Will do! Thank you!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by anwhit

Will do! Thank you!

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You are welcome. :) She is a beautiful snake!!!