My climbing Ball, Austin

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by frankykeno

That being said, for me anyways, a happy BP is one that is using it's hides a lot. I know when we were trying to settle Brannagh in one of the major signs of stress for her was a refusal to retire to her hides. She constantly patrolled her enclosure, trying to get out, striking at anything that moved and basically exhausting herself. Thanks to Adam's trick with the scrunched up newspaper she eventually stopped this. Once she got that there was no danger, she was able to curl up in her hide and relax finally. It was actually the first small sign that we were making progress with this big female.

---

That was my thought exactly - I was beginning to think I was losing my mind.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by iceman25

Did I hear that right? You have sand in your tank? If so, thats not good HisslersMommy. It can get stuck inbetween the scales and not to mention the sand particles that could be ingested if you feed inside.

---

really? i must have the stupidest snake doctor because he told me that sand was good!!!! i specifically asked him if it was safe! he even went as far as to tell me that i could take out the wood chips and put sand there too... i didnt though cuz i thought maybe it would get too hot or something and burn her little snake belly or something.... and no i dont feed her in her tank she eats in a cardboard box. but yea about the active thing, i asked him about that too and he said its normal! i mean dont get me wrong she'll chill in a second if she wants to no matter where shes at in or out of the tank, and she definitely sleeps the whole day but it really does seem as if she has 'playtime'! i cant see why'd she'd be calm sometimes and then all of a sudden get stressed and start trying to escape. especially the times when we're gone when she wakes up and the house is dark and then we come home and turn on the lights and she's up on that tree tryin to get out... what could stress her then? i dunno guys maybe when u have them as pets they're different or something. maybe in the wild they do things for a reason (like staying alive) but when they don't have those troubles anymore maybe they stop worrying so much and just relax? and climb some trees lol. but yea get back to me about that sand if ur absolutely sure!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by HisslersMommy

really? i must have the stupidest snake doctor because he told me that sand was good!!!! i specifically asked him if it was safe! he even went as far as to tell me that i could take out the wood chips and put sand there too... i didnt though cuz i thought maybe it would get too hot or something and burn her little snake belly or something.... and no i dont feed her in her tank she eats in a cardboard box. but yea about the active thing, i asked him about that too and he said its normal! i mean dont get me wrong she'll chill in a second if she wants to no matter where shes at in or out of the tank, and she definitely sleeps the whole day but it really does seem as if she has 'playtime'! i cant see why'd she'd be calm sometimes and then all of a sudden get stressed and start trying to escape. especially the times when we're gone when she wakes up and the house is dark and then we come home and turn on the lights and she's up on that tree tryin to get out... what could stress her then? i dunno guys maybe when u have them as pets they're different or something. maybe in the wild they do things for a reason (like staying alive) but when they don't have those troubles anymore maybe they stop worrying so much and just relax? and climb some trees lol. but yea get back to me about that sand if ur absolutely sure!

---

HisslersMommy, I really do not know why your vet would say that. Sand can get stuck under a Ball Pythons scale and can cause irritation and skin problems. I have personally never used it and never will. I am very careful when I talk to a vet. I will trust them on the biological aspect of treating an animal, but would not believe everything they say about husbandry and behavioral issues. Trust the experience of reputable breeders and value their advice: remove the sand.

The exploring part, I would not worry about it if its during the evening hours. They are supposed to try and get out of the enclosure. Snakes are excape artists and bps are no different in captivity.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by iceman25

HisslersMommy,

---

lol, its Kirsten! and thanks for that what an idiot he even HAS ball pythons!! im taking it out asap... yes thats what i was trying to say the whole time, that yea shes really active somtimes but when shes chillin shes chillin HARD!! hey do u really know a lot (um, lol i guess this should be a new thread) cuz i dont know what to do with her when i go outta town next week, everyones afraid of her so nobody will come give fresh water and feed her. can she go with me? (FL to MD, 15+ hours)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by HisslersMommy

lol, its Kirsten! and thanks for that what an idiot he even HAS ball pythons!! im taking it out asap... yes thats what i was trying to say the whole time, that yea shes really active somtimes but when shes chillin shes chillin HARD!! hey do u really know a lot (um, lol i guess this should be a new thread) cuz i dont know what to do with her when i go outta town next week, everyones afraid of her so nobody will come give fresh water and feed her. can she go with me? (FL to MD, 15+ hours)

---

Kirsten(I felt silly calling you HisslersMommy, lol), I know as much as the next moderately experienced member here :) Taking the snake with you is not a good idea. Consistency is the key with bps especially. Once you have a routine established in which your snake feels secure, try not to break it. How long are you gonna be gone for? Do you have a herp society in the area where you live?

hmm i dunno about a herp society but ill definitely check... i should only be gone for 3-5 days lol its prolly more me worrying than anything; one time i went away for two nights and i felt SO guilty! im hoping one of my friends will do the water thing for me, but anyway thanks for everything you're smart:)

May I ask what you mean about the newspaper trick?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Gurgie

May I ask what you mean about the newspaper trick?

---

If your BP seems to be having a hard time adjusting to his home and feeling safe in it....you can try this trick:

Take some sheets of newspaper and very loosely crumple them up. (Not wadded into tight balls) Fill the entire cage from floor to top with these crumpled up papers. This will give the snake at least an illussion of privacy and he may feel more safe as he explores and eats. After a week or two, take some of the paper out....gradually reducing the amount of paper he has to slither through until eventually it is all gone. Hopefully by then he will be fully adjusted and comfortable.

cool...thanks