how to coax out of his hide

I'm new at this, so plenty of questions. One by one:)
When i adopted this bp, he had a way too small log hide. I thought he might like one, so I popped an empty tissue box in. He loves it.
But, I didn't cut the side out, so he is in there and I can't just lift it off him.
I am not wanting to startle him by trying to tug him out.
He pops his head out after I fiddle around in his tank.
I would like to get him out and check him out, as I have not had him a week yet, and now that I am reading things here, I want a closer look.
He had a f/t rat saturday morning, it was in his tank overnight, as his previous owner said to do.
I will cut the box once he is out so I can lift it off later.
How soon after a feed should he poop, and will he poop in his hide? I wouldn't think he would.
Thanks:)

Why not cut the side with the hole in it enough to pull the snake out and then cleaning it up for that to be the bottom and making an entrance in another side?


Sent from an anxious girl!!

It can take a few days to weeks to months for a poop depending on the snake and food.
Mine generally go once or twice a month when they are on regular feed.

And they like to poop in corners at the same time as a shed. However, I have heard of some that poop in their hides.

I'd just make another tissue box hide, put it in his cage and then fix his current hide when he goes to check out the new one. :)

You should honestly just set up his tank and leave him alone for a while and let him settle in.

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My (baby) Ball Python took over a month to get comfortable enough to come out of her log (Her hidey hole place) on her own. She just got upgraded to a new tank and is reacting the same way she used to (except when I put my hand in her cage, as now she tends to wrap around my wrist. ^.^ ) They are just adjusting to their new homes!

What worries me is that you said you feed yours in its own cage! Everyone I've ever talked to says not to do that so that they never confuse your hand for food! Naga (My baby) has a ten gallon (That she has never lived in) that I feed her mice in, an a new twenty gallon long tank she lives in.

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Originally Posted by CharleeBabyGirl

My (baby) Ball Python took over a month to get comfortable enough to come out of her log (Her hidey hole place) on her own. She just got upgraded to a new tank and is reacting the same way she used to (except when I put my hand in her cage, as now she tends to wrap around my wrist. ^.^ ) They are just adjusting to their new homes!

What worries me is that you said you feed yours in its own cage! Everyone I've ever talked to says not to do that so that they never confuse your hand for food! Naga (My baby) has a ten gallon (That she has never lived in) that I feed her mice in, an a new twenty gallon long tank she lives in.

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Most people on here feed in the enclosure. You're actually more likely to get bitten moving a just-eaten snake from one place to another than you would be just dropping the feeder in and going on your merry way (or sitting and watching for a bit, if you're feeding live). Cage aggression is a myth in BPs. They can learn routine and know the difference between feeding time and handling time.

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Originally Posted by Archimedes

Most people on here feed in the enclosure. You're actually more likely to get bitten moving a just-eaten snake from one place to another than you would be just dropping the feeder in and going on your merry way (or sitting and watching for a bit, if you're feeding live). Cage aggression is a myth in BPs. They can learn routine and know the difference between feeding time and handling time.

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Agreed.

No one wants to deal with a snake that is still in hunt mode after a feed. You're more likely to get bit. Especially when there is left over scent of food around.
In fact, they might associate handling(moving to a separate feeding bin) with getting fed.

I've done hundreds of feedings in enclosures and never had a snake bite me from thinking I was food some other day. A snake knows the difference between your hand and a rat. You won't get bit as long as you don't smell like food.


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Originally Posted by satomi325

Agreed.

No one wants to deal with a snake that is still in hunt mode after a feed. You're more likely to get bit. Especially when there is left over scent of food around.
In fact, they might associate handling(moving to a separate feeding bin) with getting fed.

I've done hundreds of feedings in enclosures and never had a snake bite me from thinking I was food some other day. A snake knows the difference between your hand and a rat. You won't get bit as long as you don't smell like food.


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I have to disagree with you guys. I think if you feed live, you should feed in a seperate cage. I personally feed all of my five snakes in seperate containers and never got struck at or bit. I agree with you guys in regards to smelling like food. I always wash my hands when I remove my snakes after their meal.

My reasons for feeding in sperate container has nothing to do with aggression. Here are my reasons: first of all, rats and mice poop on everything and I don't want my snakes slithering in poop. Second of all, it's a safety thing. I can observe my snakes eating to make sure the rats and mice aren't chewing or biting my animals. If something does happen, I can intervene or remove the rat if needed instead of the rodent hiding in the cave with my snake.

At the end of the day, for me, it easier to control feedings in a seperate container than in their terrariums.

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My ball does her business in her hides every time.

I say get a real hide. A box is good in a pinch but should not be a long term fix. It will be impossible to clean correctly.