newb

Hey yall im new to this whole ball python thing and i was wondering if there were any good tips to have on ownership and handling etc. i just picked him up a few days ago and i just had my first successful feeding. i would like to know when i should handle him more and anything else important.
thanks -T

Hi, Wait1! I'm new, too! I've had two of my snakes since July, 2013. I've heard you're supposed to let them get used to their new home for about a week, but I handled mine briefly during that time, and they're okay. Really sweet girls. :)

Hi!


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For ball pythons I have heard (because they can be picky eaters) to allow them to have about 3 or so successful meals before you begin handling.
Personally I couldn't wait that long ;)

On the home page, definitely check out the Ball Python Care Sheet!

Best of luck, and welcome!

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Originally Posted by wait1

Hey yall im new to this whole ball python thing and i was wondering if there were any good tips to have on ownership and handling etc. i just picked him up a few days ago and i just had my first successful feeding. i would like to know when i should handle him more and anything else important.
thanks -T

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Welcome to the forum and the addiction that BP ownership becomes for most of us. lol

Congrats on getting into BP's! They are such great snakes for people of all experiences:) As for handling after feeding, I would say to give your BP a nice 24 hours before any serious handling (aside from any cage cleaning if it can't wait). This is just to make sure their food is fully digested and to ensure maximum comfort for the little one after it has eaten a big meal. A few other tips is to be sure to monitor your hot side. I would not recommend using the stick on thermometers because my first snake knocked it off the side of the cage and was stuck to it. After trying my best to peel it off carefully, I still ended up peeling off the top layer of a scale, so now he has one light scale in a cluster of brown. Instead, try using a thermometer with a cord so you can put the temp-reading end in the cage under any substrate and the screen can remain on the outside for you to see. If you ever think there may be a problem with your current temps, just pay attention to where your BP is at. For instance, if he is in his water bowl, it may be too hot. Or if he is never out of his warm hide, it may be a tad cool outside. Also after a few bad sheds on one of my BP's, I came on here and found that soaking a snake bag in warm water and putting your BP in it for a good 20 minutes will help get the rest of the skin off:) Overall, you can expect your BP to be more active when handling at night, but that doesn't mean he won't be up and about during the day either. Hope this helped and good luck!

Welcome to the site! You'll find all sorts of information by poking around on here for asking questions. If you ask specific questions it's easier for people to give you information. Once you understand the basics caring for them is pretty easy. As for your question on handling, it's good to give the snake a day or two after feeding before you handle it.

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Originally Posted by Jay Mechtly

Welcome to the forum and the addiction that BP ownership becomes for most of us. lol

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THIS comment x2. Incredibly addicting.