New Baby Ball Python Owner. Behavior problems

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Originally Posted by rabernet

Why? If the animal is just stressed out right now, why would you suggest returning it?

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Because I've seen several people hammered here for going to a pet store instead of a breeder. Here is someone that has an opportunity to correct that situation before becoming too attached. He'll most likely get a lot of great info from the breeder also.

Why would he not return it if he's uncomfortable around it? You're now dealing with a stressed out snake and a stressed out owner. My opinion is that it's time to move on.

JohnNJ

PS - No fair editing after I've already started my reply.

Babies are far more nippy than adults, let them settle in. Don't worry about it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JohnNJ

Because I've seen several people hammered here for going to a pet store instead of a breeder. Here is someone that has an opportunity to correct that situation before becoming too attached. He'll most likely get a lot of great info from the breeder also.

Why would he not return it if he's uncomfortable around it? You're now dealing with a stressed out snake and a stressed out owner. My opinion is that it's time to move on.

JohnNJ

PS - No fair editing after I've already started my reply.

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That doesn't make much sense. He's already got them, why go through the trouble of returning them, then trying to find a local breeder that may or may not have any available?
They are babies doing what a lot of baby ball pythons do, let them settle in and get used to everything. I bought a pastel from Greg Graziani and it tried to nail me every chance it got for awhile. Should I have returned it? No, I let it acclimate and now it's fine. Same goes for a spider and butter I have, they did the same thing as babies, now they are as sweet as puppies.

if you are a snake owner you will get bit sometime somehow and it will probably be your fault. Get use to the idea and dont be scared because it doesnt hurt that bad.

Like everyone said, he is probably just stressed. When I get new babies about 30% seem to do that for a little while till the get comfortable. I notice that they usually dont strike to bite but more as more of a warning to stay away.

If you must handle it, find a towel and cover him first. Its less stressfull for the snake and a little safer for you.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JohnNJ

Because I've seen several people hammered here for going to a pet store instead of a breeder. Here is someone that has an opportunity to correct that situation before becoming too attached. He'll most likely get a lot of great info from the breeder also.

Why would he not return it if he's uncomfortable around it? You're now dealing with a stressed out snake and a stressed out owner. My opinion is that it's time to move on.

JohnNJ

PS - No fair editing after I've already started my reply.

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So if he purchased from a breeder and was uncomfortable around it, you'd also suggest that he return it?

What's done is done - I think a more appropriate response would be to help him work through WHY his new baby is acting stressed - which is perfectly normal for a first day home with a new owner bothering him and not allowing him time to get settled.

My snake resides in this

http://www.seapets.co.uk/gallery/669160.jpg
( From internet not an actual picture )

Wow you guys are quick and I appreciate the responses. I have zero knowledge of snakes, but now realize you've got to work with them to get them more comfortable and trusting.

I did buy my snake at a local shop and when holding the snake in the shop it remained curled up in my hand. I mistakenly took that as the snake being friendly, When in reality it was just scared. I am going to keep the snake and work with it.

I just got in and had to change it's water because it went to the bathroom in it's dish and he/she just sat up in the corner next to the heat lamp. I guess that's a bit of progress.

I do plan on giving it atleast a few days of alone time to see if that helps at all.

Any other advice you can give me would be more than helpful and thank you

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mckittie

My snake resides in this

http://www.seapets.co.uk/gallery/669160.jpg
( From internet not an actual picture )

Wow you guys are quick and I appreciate the responses. I have zero knowledge of snakes, but now realize you've got to work with them to get them more comfortable and trusting.

I did buy my snake at a local shop and when holding the snake in the shop it remained curled up in my hand. I mistakenly took that as the snake being friendly, When in reality it was just scared. I am going to keep the snake and work with it.

I just got in and had to change it's water because it went to the bathroom in it's dish and he/she just sat up in the corner next to the heat lamp. I guess that's a bit of progress.

I do plan on giving it atleast a few days of alone time to see if that helps at all.

Any other advice you can give me would be more than helpful and thank you

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What're the temps? Humidity? I'm not very familiar with these enclosures, so I'm not sure of what's normal. What's your substrate?

I'd leave the new kid alone for at least a week, outside of normal enclosure cleaning then, after a week, I'd feed him.

im glad you decided to keep him and dont worry in no time he will be settled and wont mind being handled. check out this caresheet for proper care. :gj:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mckittie

My snake resides in this

http://www.seapets.co.uk/gallery/669160.jpg
( From internet not an actual picture )

Wow you guys are quick and I appreciate the responses. I have zero knowledge of snakes, but now realize you've got to work with them to get them more comfortable and trusting.

I did buy my snake at a local shop and when holding the snake in the shop it remained curled up in my hand. I mistakenly took that as the snake being friendly, When in reality it was just scared. I am going to keep the snake and work with it.

I just got in and had to change it's water because it went to the bathroom in it's dish and he/she just sat up in the corner next to the heat lamp. I guess that's a bit of progress.

I do plan on giving it atleast a few days of alone time to see if that helps at all.

Any other advice you can give me would be more than helpful and thank you

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If you read over our caresheet provided here
http://www.ball-pythons.net/modules/...warticle&id=59

... we can certainly help answer any questions you have.

The things I consider the absolute most important aspect is making sure your husbandry is spot on. Make sure your hot spot temps are correct (90-94), your air temps are correct (80-84), and your humidity is good. (50-60%)

If you need help maintaining those important aspects, ask and many will help you find ways to get to the optimum requirements.

Remember, leave him completely alone for a full 7 days, and only check on him to refill water or check his husbandry. No handling!!!

Good luck, and please, work with the snake for his NEEDS over your own WANTS. ;)

http://www.f3images.com/IMD/250/ES70051/ES70051_99.jpg

Looks a bit on the redish side though.