Grumpy Ball Python Help

Hi all,

I went to a reptile show and picked up a new female ball python. I got her home put her in my rack system left her alone all afternoon. I decided that before I went to bed I would check on her and make sure he cage conditions were okay. She is towards the bottom of the rack so I bent down to peak in her tub and she struck repeatedly through the tub. This came as a huge shock to me because at the reptile show she was super friendly! I handled her at the show no problems even touched her head a couple times not even close to being head shy. Her tub conditions when I checked were 89 degrees and 30% humidity. Should I feed her? I was going to wait a week before I fed her to let her settle in. I'm just a little confused and shock and would appreciate some advice. Thanks so much.

-Sam,

She's in a completely new place in a completely new environment, she's very upset and very stressed. She'll be fine, just give her a few days to settle in. Wait the week to let her settle in and offer as if she's been in your care for months.

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Originally Posted by Bigsam

I'm just a little confused and shock

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You two have something in common at the moment.

I don't have a hide log in her tub? Should I put one in or wait the couple days before I go in her tub? She is a full size female.

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Originally Posted by Bigsam

I don't have a hide log in her tub? Should I put one in or wait the couple days before I go in her tub? She is a full size female.

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That could help, but the main thing is just her needing to settle in.

Give her time to settle in. She's probably feeling a little insecure right now being in a strange place. Also if her humidity is only 30% might want to get that up some. 30% is pretty low.

Keep in mind that judging temperament at a show can be unreliable. Most animals are fairly cold and sluggish, and don't react to much. I found that out with my second ball. It could very well be her typical personality, or she could just need time to settle down. I'd give her a good week, then see how she is.

All the above have given completely sound advice, she is in a new, strange place with a new, strange person whose scent she won't know yet. Leave completely be for a week (water changes of course in that time). Try not to handle unless absolutely necessary and then attempt to feed. If she feeds, great! If not I would suggest leaving her again for another week and trying to feed again...etc etc until she does feed for you. Some people suggest waiting until you have 2 consecutive feeds before handling a new snake. I personally didn't but I'm a little naughty and impatient and couldn't help myself!

If this is her temperament then you can tame her over time by establishing trust :) You could get her a hide box to go into the rack but from what I have read a rack system acts like a hide, if she is very young (you didn't say in your post so I'll throw this in anyway) hides may be a good start point. If you tub is large enough have two, if not one is better than none.

Good luck and congrats on your new addition! :)

Idk why u wouldn't have a hide for him/her...I would say get one

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Originally Posted by NYHC4LIFE8899

Idk why u wouldn't have a hide for him/her...I would say get one

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Quite a few people don't use hides in rack systems due to the rack itself actually acting as one big hide...We also don't know the BP's age, hides are more important for younger BP's which is why I suggested to get one (two if they could fit) if the BP is a youngster.