My Snake Scares the Hell Out Of ME!

Don't take this the wrong way, but I'm going to be a little short with you.

You never answered wolfy's questions, and they are important. We won't be able to help you if you don't provide us with necessary information about the situation.

temps normal 80s
not much its in a bedroom
30 gallon tank with pieces of bark for the floor and one hide out
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I think it might be starting a shed you think that might have anything to do with it?

Am I the only one that finds this thread disturbing?

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Originally Posted by jwk811

temps normal 80s
not much its in a bedroom
30 gallon tank with pieces of bark for the floor and one hide out
_________________________________________
I think it might be starting a shed you think that might have anything to do with it?

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I would say that your husbandry is likely the cause of your woes. A 30 gallon tank is huge for a baby bp, and with only one hide, that's likely to be the cause of a lot of your snake's issues. The poor thing is stressed. You should have a warm side 93 and a cool side 83. You should have as many hides as you can fit, small and dark. (no half logs unless to take up some space, but don't count as a hide)

I hate to be harsh (well kind of) but lets get straight to the point:

Dude, forget about breeding rats and breeding snakes, its time to go back to square one. Get yourself a good Ball Python caresheet, read up and start doing what's right for your animals. These are living creatures and you don't seem to have a handle on what the needs are. And please, stop trying to probe your snakes. This isn't science class, but once again, a living, breathing creature.

Yeah, what Christie said...

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temps normal 80s
not much its in a bedroom
30 gallon tank with pieces of bark for the floor and one hide out

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Too cold, too much space, get him set up correctly and he'll come around.

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Originally Posted by jglass38

I hate to be harsh (well kind of) but lets get straight to the point:

Dude, forget about breeding rats and breeding snakes, its time to go back to square one. Get yourself a good Ball Python caresheet, read up and start doing what's right for your animals. These are living creatures and you don't seem to have a handle on what the needs are. And please, stop trying to probe your snakes. This isn't science class, but once again, a living, breathing creature.

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Jamie's hit it right on the nail there - probing can be very dangerous done by inexperienced people. Read as much information as you can (starting with the care sheets) and study all the posts on this forum - messages go back a long way and I learnt so much when I first came here over a year ago. And the people are always happy to answer question.

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Originally Posted by jwk811

Ever since I got this ball it's been like that.. always seemed so nervous and any movements near its head it would jerk back fast. And I thought as well that if its handled more often it would get used to people and not be so scared but the person who I bought the snake from had it for about 5 years and its been like that all its life and has been held a lot too. So, I don't think it's going to get any better. And it hasn't struck at all since last night and now its been doing it constantly.

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You've gotten some good advice here. It seems, though, that the 5 years part has been overlooked. A 30 gallon tank is an ideal size enclosure for a 5 year old ball python, unless it is a very large female, and even then it is probably ok.

Yes, ball pythons do have teeth. Their bite will not be as bad as a dog bite, or even a rat bite. Your snake will probably calm down with time and gentle handling. To lessen the likelihood of being bitten, always reach for the snake from behind, not in front of him. If he is in a strike position, GENTLY touch his head with something before reaching in. This will usually cause them to hide their head. Then you can safely pick him up. Be careful after you pick him up that you don't reach in front of his face with your other hand.

Be sure to check this site for the care sheets. Browse through the forums too. You'll find lots of good information.

Good luck with your snake!
Steve

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Originally Posted by jglass38

I hate to be harsh (well kind of) but lets get straight to the point:

Dude, forget about breeding rats and breeding snakes, its time to go back to square one. Get yourself a good Ball Python caresheet, read up and start doing what's right for your animals. These are living creatures and you don't seem to have a handle on what the needs are. And please, stop trying to probe your snakes. This isn't science class, but once again, a living, breathing creature.

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couldn't agree more. I was slightly disturbed reading this thread to see that someone not aware of their own snakes requirements attempting to probe.

I appreciate people want to learn but skipping the important stuff like husbandry requirements is worrying in itself.

Stress is most likely the cause here of the snakes behaviour and its hardly surprising.

to the thread starter I hope you dont take offense but quite simply you need to as Jamie said get back to square one, I think its good you want to learn aspects of snake keeping but you need to be thorough pal and make sure you cover the important stuff that will keep your snake healthy.

Listen to what people here are telling you as they are trying to help. You will find answers to all your questions here reptile related there is a wealth of knowledge on here.

good thing is your asking questions so you obviously want to learn. Get your snakes environment set up spot on and follow the advice given about hides and temps etc.

ok? well i got the snake in the same cage that its been in all its life (5 years) and thought it would be ideal to keep him there for a little while, while i worked on getting some racks and tubs. and ive done plenty of research on the internet about caring for balls, written up some care sheets myself that you might find on the internet, not saying your wrong lol just wanted to let you know that i didnt just jump into all this stuff without knowing what to do. and the 80s i thought were good, what its not supposed to be in the 90s only the basking spot right?.. well thanks for the help, anymore would help or comments would be great!