I'm New!

So I'm COMPLETELY new at everything with reptiles but just got my first ball python about 5 days ago! I have everything set up, and have been loving it so much. I just tried to feed him today and he didn't take it, but thats probably becuase the place where i got him from did live, and i live in college station, tx and no one has live feeders, SO, i am still working on that. Also, has anyone ever been bitten by one? I'm still a little nervous handling him, and just need some reassurance that he isn't going to attack me! :) anyways, i'm so excited and would love your opinions! Thanks so much!!!

WELCOME to the site! Theres so much awesome info on here that will help if if you just chose to listen to people and read as much as possible. Also i would suggest that you leave your ball python to settle in completely for a week before handeling or trying to feed. As for being bit i haven't yet, but i wouldnt worry about it i heard it doesn't hurt much at all also ball pythons are pretty sweet and calm. Just be confident with your snake and its less likely to pick up on you being nervous.
Also be sure to post pictures! :)

:welcome:

Welcome to BP.net

I have had my fair share of Ball Python bites and trust me, I would much rather get bit by a ball than get bit by a rodent. Its really not that bad, I think the shock of the fact that you actually got bit is worse than the bite.

Anyway, Nice to meet you!!
Kristy

Welcome!!

You should post some pictures of your ball and setup.

Welcome:D I agree that you need to let the new one settle in for atleast a week if not 2. Can't wait to see pics of your baby!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Kristy

I would much rather get bit by a ball than get bit by a rodent. Its really not that bad, I think the shock of the fact that you actually got bit is worse than the bite.

---

My BP bit me during the second time I fed him. He bit and released WAY before I could even flinch. 3 little pin pricks. No biggie. My 10 year old son got bit when we were looking for BP's at the Herp show. He never even reacted.

The little ones are no big deal. I saw a video of a guy who got bit on the side of the face by a much larger snake and it didn't release. He stupidly put the snake right in his face. He had to find a spatula and push the upper jaw upward to get free. He bled alot.

Welcome to the site. Ill just reinforce what everyone else has basically said. These guys can be picky so listening and reading around on this site is definately a big help in having a healthy snake. I owe all my early success to the people of this site, otherwise I know my snake would be getting the wrong care as there is a lot of wrong info out there from people who do not specialize in these particular snakes. I would definately look around and pick up all the information you can as its pretty important stuff to get your BP settled. Main thing ill leave with is just be patient, dont rush anything. When they say leave it be for a week or 2 its really whats best in the long run, These guys have a long lifespan, so whats a week or 2 at the beginning to assure his longterm security? Welcome :salute:

Thanks so much for all of your guidance!!! i have been playing with him at least once a day for the whole 5 days i have had him, and he doesn't seem to mind, he crawls all around my arm and everything. Do you think i should stop for a while? Thanks so much! i'm so excited and ya'll are helping out a lot!! and i guess i am not scared to get bitten anymore! :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by sp1133

Thanks so much for all of your guidance!!! i have been playing with him at least once a day for the whole 5 days i have had him, and he doesn't seem to mind, he crawls all around my arm and everything. Do you think i should stop for a while? Thanks so much! i'm so excited and ya'll are helping out a lot!! and i guess i am not scared to get bitten anymore! :)

---

If he's eating for you then you dont have to really worry, myself I let him settle in for a week, fed him. Then the next week I just did two 15 minute handling sessions. Now I usually hold him about 3 times a week or so, never really going over 15-30 minutes.

when you do get him to eat, don't touch him for about 2 days or so, or he will/could regurgitate his meal, just a fyi