Im getting really upset over my new ball python

I have a question about my new baby ball python. Shes currently about 75g. Im a new snake owner. I just got her a week ago and she's pretty close to being used to her new home. I havent tried feeding her yet because I think she maybe still too stressed to eat. Ive made attempts at handling her and everytime I go to put my hand in the tank to pick her up she strikes at me. I eventually do pick her up and hold her for a few minutes then put her back. I dont know what to do to get her to trust me and to not strike at me. She even gets into the position to strike at me when I walk past the tank. Im worried im doing the wrong thing and making things worse by picking her up. I dont want her to hate me or be afraid of me nor do I want to make her more stressed. Its starting to stress me out and upset me that she is so unhappy/afraid/stressed. I use a heat lamp with a red light, a under tank heater, a water bowl, and one hide. I also cover most of the tank with a blanket. Shes in a 20 gallon tank. Just in case youd need any of this information to help me. Thanks

It's only been a week.

What are the temps and humidity levels like in your setup? How are you measuring the temps and humidity?

Is there any way you can post a pic (or two) of your setup?

What are your temps? Sometimes if temperatures are not right it can make a snake cranky. She's most likely scared. Through gentle handling she will learn you are not a threat.

As far as her getting into a striking position goes, babies have a tendency to be nippy. Usually they grow out of it. Plus, as a general rule it's a good idea to give them a week with no handling after getting them home because they are still stressed from the move and getting used to their new surroundings.

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Originally Posted by 200xth

It's only been a week.

What are the temps and humidity levels like in your setup? How are you measuring the temps and humidity?

Is there any way you can post a pic (or two) of your setup?

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The cool side is about the low 80's, the humidity is at 75% but im working on lowering it a bit. Right now she's been sleeping on top of her rock cave underneath the little dry washcloth I put on top of it. The heat pad can be hotter so I ordered a thermostat.

Hey, don't get upset just realize that this is typical hatchling / young bp behavior. Firstly, the 20 gal. tank is much to much room for a young baby bp. Do you have a smaller enclosure you can use? You probably should use a 10 gal. tank or a tub and lid. Your uth needs to be regulated by a thermostat immediately otherwise disconnect it! Baby bp's need small enclosures and smaller hides so that they can feel secure. Your new bp is trying to tell you that he is not feeling safe and is a bit stressed out over the new living arrangement. What is the ambient temp, the floor temp and humidity percent? There is a element of hunger that is also driving him to be a bit aggressive I'm sure. Try making those changes to start and consider feeding him real soon. Switch to 100% cypress mulch for now also. Good luck and stay in peace and not pieces. :gj:

You could try feeding her a few times before attempting to handle again. Maybe if she realizes that you are the food giver she will start to trust you? Just a thought.


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Your best bet is to wait to handle her until you've fed her and given her a few days to digest.

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Originally Posted by elimillz

The cool side is about the low 80's, the humidity is at 75% but im working on lowering it a bit. Right now she's been sleeping on top of her rock cave underneath the little dry washcloth I put on top of it. The heat pad can be hotter so I ordered a thermostat.

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What's the hot side at? Low 80's is fine for cool side, but make sure your hot side isn't too hot.

Make sure her hide is completely enclosed. You only have one hide as well. Put two hides in, one at each end (hot and cool).

What are you using to measure the temps and humidity? If you're using analog gauges, understand that they can be wildly inaccurate at times. If you're using digital gauges, they're probably fairly accurate.

Once you have both hides in and you are sure your temps and humidity are correct, cover up the tank on three sides, and let her sit for a week, no handling. Just check her water a few times and let her acclimate in peace. After 7 days of peace and quiet, try feeding her again. If she eats, let her sit for a couple of days to digest. Try handling after that.

First thing I would do would be get hides she fits into snuggly. Hides go a long way to helping your snake adjust. Look in the Husbandry section at the sticky by Deborah called "Hides, my way" or something like that. I used the small blue bowls from Walmart for Dottie when she was a baby and she loved them. of course she outgrew them and they became more like a hat on her but she still loved. I think upgrades to Reptile Basic hides and she loves those now. She is striking because she is scared. You are a giant predator that will probably eat her in her mind. So start off with nice small hides so she feels secure. Then leave her alone for a week or two. Different snakes adjust at different rates. I generally avoid handling any of my new snakes until they have eaten at least 2-3 meals. After that I begin working building the trust deal.