I'm so frustrated with Kona

In addition to all the good information offered above - you may even want to consider switching her to a tub set up and give her 3-4 weeks to acclimate to it, with no handling (other than to move her for routine maintenance) and THEN offer her a live small, small rat. The tub would have a lower ceiling which would offer her more of a sense of security than a higher ceiling 40 gallon tank.

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Originally Posted by Dananyc

She's constantly out roaming around her cage

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That is a sign that she's not happy with her environment. A content ball python is not constantly roaming looking for ways of escape.

If she were my snake (and she's not of course), I'd try the tub set up. I have pictures I can show you of how my adult female was housed if you're interested.

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She's constantly out roaming around her cage, and when I take the lid off for maintenance she slithers right onto me---she actually seeks out handling. She doesn't seem nervous, as she spends minimal time in her hides.

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I'll second Robin...these are not signs of a Ball that is content with its surroundings. I guarantee you that its not "seeking out" handling...the fact that you even said that reinforces my suspicion that you may be handling it too much...forgive me if that's not the case, though.

Hey, no offense taken :) No, I'm not handling her at all right now actually----I've been solely focused on getting her feeding right, and I have plenty of other critters to "play" with! She just climbs out onto me whenever I'm in the tank (water changes, cleaning, and food offering once a week).

I have a smaller tank (20 gallon) that's empty---do you think that that might make her feel more secure? I hesistate getting into tubs because I like being able to see the snakes, and my husband gets frustrated with all of the extra equipment we seem to have. I've always used tanks for my reptiles. If all else fails, I guess I'll have to go into tubs, but I'd like to hold off on that if at all possible.

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Originally Posted by Dananyc

I have a smaller tank (20 gallon) that's empty---do you think that that might make her feel more secure? I hesistate getting into tubs because I like being able to see the snakes

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You can try - but it should ultimately come down to the snake's well being, rather than wanting to see the snake. I just take mine out of their tubs when I want to see them. A 20 gallon doesn't offer the low ceiling that most balls prefer.

This is NOT to say that a snake can't be kept successfully in a tank, there are several people who do - but it's clear that your girl is not happy with her tank, and you should give a tub set up serious consideration.

A open 40 breeder is a lot of floor space and a lot of visibility....I'd say a 20 long would be a better choice for now, with a tub being a better option than that. It will be easier to maintain optimal temperatures and provide security, for certain.

I've kept balls in 20L's before and found them one of the easier sized glass tanks to manage for snakes. Anything bigger should be reserved for fish ;)

Excellent---thanks for all of the help guys. I'll move her into the 20 long later today. She's the biggest BP I've ever owned so I just thought she'd appreciate the extra space of the 40-----anthropomorphizing, I guess:oops:


With a smaller tank and higher temps, hopefully she'll calm down, and I'll try feeding again next week . . . with fingers crossed . . .

Thanks again for all of the advice. If nothing works, we'll move over to tubs . . .

What kind of hides do you have for her. Make sure they are the same size and small enough that she can touch all the sides. That leads back to her not feeling secure.