Time to introduce Howard Schnellenberger

This is my first snake, a male lesser I named Howard Schnellenberger. I got him a couple days ago but the owner said he had eaten so I left him be for a little while. He was hatched in march, not sure how much he weights but I'll be picking up a scale though in the next couple weeks. Couple things I'd like to know though. He's real skidish whenever I get into his tub or barely touch him, very quick movements with his head. Any ideas? I was thinking it's either him just adjusting to his new home or his age, I know younger balls can be like that. also, he literally hasn't left his hide at all. Now I know these arnt display snakes and the're called pet rocks and all that stuff (why I got a tub instead of something else)but he never leaves, even at night. All the Temps are right, 89 or 90 on the hot spot and 80ish on the other side, humidity is a little high at 65 but I think he might be going into shed.

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I've only had a BP for a few months but here's a few things I've learned:
Ball pythons are nocturnal and don't have eyelids, and it looks like you've got it out in daylight. So it's probably uncomfortable and would rather be inside its dark hide, sleeping. Try handling it in evening, with lower lighting.
You've only had it a few days! Pythons don't even generally like being around other pythons, and you're a huge warm-blooded alien to him. Go slow, handle it only for 5-10 minutes at a time for the first two or three weeks, give it some time to learn to trust you.

And while he's learning about you, you can be learning about him. One thing my BP taught me early on is that he doesn't like quick or sudden hand movements at all, even when not close to him. But now, moving hands almost in 'slow motion' I can pick him up, stroke his neck, and if I keep my fingers still he'll move forward and rub his head and chin on them, and while he's doing that I can 'pet' or stroke his head a little bit. But if I were to to just move my hand towards his head he'll still instinctively and quickly jerk it away.

Looks great, congrats! That was some great advise. I may suggest a week or two to adjust to a new owner and environment. That doesn't mean not to check on temps and comfort levels from time to time though. Not all balls like the same things or act the same. Stay Knowledgeable and caring and
I have no doubt Howard Schnellenberger will live a long and happy life.

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Originally Posted by ProjectMKUltra5

This is my first snake, a male lesser I named Howard Schnellenberger. I got him a couple days ago but the owner said he had eaten so I left him be for a little while. He was hatched in march, not sure how much he weights but I'll be picking up a scale though in the next couple weeks. Couple things I'd like to know though. He's real skidish whenever I get into his tub or barely touch him, very quick movements with his head. Any ideas? I was thinking it's either him just adjusting to his new home or his age, I know younger balls can be like that. also, he literally hasn't left his hide at all. Now I know these arnt display snakes and the're called pet rocks and all that stuff (why I got a tub instead of something else)but he never leaves, even at night. All the Temps are right, 89 or 90 on the hot spot and 80ish on the other side, humidity is a little high at 65 but I think he might be going into shed.

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14...a513603e4f.jpg

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14...6a42baa37e.jpg

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14...300cb60c5d.jpg

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Leave him alone for a week.

Word thanks for the help. Going into it I was worried about getting the Temps right but that ended up being the easy part, just need to drill a couple more holes to get the humidity perfect. I have such limited experience with snake's though, I literally held one one day and loved it so I decided to do some research (alot, ive been reading this forum for months) and buy one. Trying to read the little fella is difficult but I'm sure I'll figure it out.