Help! I'm a new BP owner.

Okay, so I recently got a pinstriped ball python actually got him 1/25/12. I got him from Royalconstrictordesigns.com. This BP is five months old and has never been held. My cage temps are as follows 90 on one side and 85 on the cool end, two hides and a humidy hide, water bowl, and the humidty is 53%. the first couple of days he stayed in his hide all day and explored all night. now he is coming out around 4 and sitting ontop of his hide on the cool end and sitting there. I just fed him a mouse tonight and to my surprise he took it and I put him back into his home. After doing so he struck at me twice through the glass.He probably hates me now..IDK. I know I must wait two or three days before I can hold him. How do I go about taming him??????? I guess I am just a tad bit frightened to pick him up.
I have two corns and they are so different from bp... I just reach right in and get Jake or Mr. Butters and never get struck at plus they are a lot smaller than bp.......

What size mouse did you feed him? How are you reading temps exactly? What size enclosure is he in?

85 is a little warm for the cool side, it should be between 78 and 82 degrees

He is in a 20L. my temp on the cool end is 75 76ish I just checked... I fed him an small adult mouse F/T of course....

BP bites aren't bad. I got bit by mine the first day I had him, when I transferred him to his tank. Didn't even see it coming or realize what happened until after it was over. All I had were two tiny pinpricks of blood, like if you took a toothpick and dipped it in red paint. That small.

Also, animals don't "hate" things. Hate is a human emotion.

Alsoalso, you might not necessarily be able to handle him within three days. It really depends on the snake; some settle in quicker (like mine did within 3 days) and some don't settle in for months. When your BP IS settled, then you can handle him. I handle mine daily, except for 48 hours after feeding and during shed; I started slowly with only a few minutes at a time. At first he stayed curled up in my hand. As he got more comfortable, he started to relax more and now he likes to crawl on my bed or hang out on my laptop where it's warm.

How are you measuring your temps?

How do i know that he is settled in?? I kinda thought he was settled in because he was not in his hide all the time. he may be now for sure after eating.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by k8nkane

How are you measuring your temps?

---

Also, how big is he? Is he still hungry? Maybe a picture for comparison :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by snakemomma77

How do i know that he is settled in?? I kinda thought he was settled in because he was not in his hide all the time. he may be now for sure after eating.

---

Being in the hide all the time is a sign of being settled in, not the opposite.

I am measureing my temps with a zoomed thermometer I have three in his tank, one in the middle and one on each side..
Im really not sure how to post a pic, give me a few and I'll figure it out.

x2.

I knew my BP was settled in when he ONLY came out of his hides at night. If your BP is out during the day, he isn't feeling secure enough.

Get an Acurite thermometer/hygrometer in one from Wal-mart. They cost about 13-15 bucks. You put it in your tank on one side, using the probe to measure temps on the other. It's more accurate than the zoomed digi therms. I had the same set-up and my temps turned out to be off by a couple degrees.

How are you heating the tank? Under tank heater or lamps, or both? Also if you have an under tank heater do you use a thermostat?

You could also try blacking out the sides and back of the tank. I like to use black Con-tact paper from Home Depot for $6. It will help her feel more secure.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by k8nkane

Get an Acurite thermometer/hygrometer in one from Wal-mart. They cost about 13-15 bucks. You put it in your tank on one side, using the probe to measure temps on the other. It's more accurate than the zoomed digi therms. I had the same set-up and my temps turned out to be off by a couple degrees.

---

Okay, I will get those tomorrow. thanks

No prob. It's an all-in-one deal, so it's a lot easier to fit in the tank. :-) Also, JSYK, it won't be in the section you think it'll be in--I got mine in the hardware section next to light bulbs. Go figure.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by k8nkane

x2.

I knew my BP was settled in when he ONLY came out of his hides at night. If your BP is out during the day, he isn't feeling secure enough.

---

How do I make him feel secure?? Last thing I need is a stressed out snake. also I have him in a cabinet that stays closed until I check on him... which is several times aday. should i not check on him that much and just leave him alone.

So you don't have natural day/night cycles?? You keep him locked up in a cabinet?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by LGray23

How are you heating the tank? Under tank heater or lamps, or both? Also if you have an under tank heater do you use a thermostat?

You could also try blacking out the sides and back of the tank. I like to use black Con-tact paper from Home Depot for $6. It will help her feel more secure.

---

Heat lamp (red) 24/7

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by k8nkane

Get an Acurite thermometer/hygrometer in one from Wal-mart. They cost about 13-15 bucks. You put it in your tank on one side, using the probe to measure temps on the other. It's more accurate than the zoomed digi therms. I had the same set-up and my temps turned out to be off by a couple degrees.

---

x2 to both of the bolded statements. I started with Zoo Med thermometers too when I got my first snake (a corn) and they're crap. Not knocking your setup at all, as I didn't know either when I first started and some of the PetSmart people loooooooooove to sell you all kinds of "stuff" for your snakes, lol! As to his temperament, that may just be him. If he's a hatchling/juvenile, he should eventually settle down as long as you handle him for short durations to start and then build on those in terms of the length of time. And too, coming as he did from a commercial breeder, I doubt he's been handled all that much.

Of course, he may stay a snot, lol! I have a female that will eat ANYTHING, including my finger if I'm not careful, lol! I use a "touch" stick with her; I just open the tub, gently rub her near her middle with the stick to let her know I'm going to mess with her and then pick her up. Ever since I've done that, she settles down fine and doesn't strike or attempt to bite. That's been my experience, anyway. My other snakes are fine to handle and mellow as can be but they all have their own personalities.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by LGray23

So you don't have natural day/night cycles?? You keep him locked up in a cabinet?

---

I read on a care sheet somewhere that BP don't like bright light. So I keep the red light on for heat and the cabinet says shut during night or until we go to sleep then close it. I usually open it during the day if he is out. should I keep it open during the day and get him a bright light.

Why is he in a cabinet? *blinks*

Like LGray said, he should have access to day/night cycles. I'm lucky enough to have a lot of good ambient light in my bdrm where I keep my snake, so his tank sits out on my desk and I don't use lights to provide the cycle. But if you don't have a lot of ambient light, he needs a day/night cycle so he doesn't get confused. It's just like a person.

You said you have a 20gal. Is there a lot of foliage in the tank?

Here is my tank set up:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...d/P1010959.jpg

I put in the fake vines to take up a lot of the open space in the middle, because the two hides weren't enough.

If you've got plenty of foliage + two hides (one on the cool and one on the warm side), then it's a waiting game for your snake to settle. It varies from snake to snake.

Yes, it's correct that they don't like bright lights such as light bulbs, but they need natural day/night cycles just like any other animal! The hides are provided to hide during the day, the natural day. I suggest taking it out of the cabinet immediately. Black out the back and sides, and consider switching to an under tank heater connected to a thermostat for belly heat. If ambient temps are low you could keep the light as long as you measure temps correctly and he doesn't over heat.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by youbeyouibei

x2 to both of the bolded statements. I started with Zoo Med thermometers too when I got my first snake (a corn) and they're crap. Not knocking your setup at all, as I didn't know either when I first started and some of the PetSmart people loooooooooove to sell you all kinds of "stuff" for your snakes, lol! As to his temperament, that may just be him. If he's a hatchling/juvenile, he should eventually settle down as long as you handle him for short durations to start and then build on those in terms of the length of time. And too, coming as he did from a commercial breeder, I doubt he's been handled all that much.

Of course, he may stay a snot, lol! I have a female that will eat ANYTHING, including my finger if I'm not careful, lol! I use a "touch" stick with her; I just open the tub, gently rub her near her middle with the stick to let her know I'm going to mess with her and then pick her up. Ever since I've done that, she settles down fine and doesn't strike or attempt to bite. That's been my experience, anyway. My other snakes are fine to handle and mellow as can be but they all have their own personalities.

---

Well I sure hope he don't stay a snot lol. They do have personalities. When should I start to get him out for short durations? After this meal digests or wait till the next meal in 5 or 6 days digests?

You shouldn't handle your BP for up to 48 hours after you feed him. You can start handling him as soon as he settles--your biggest clue will be when he spends his time in his hides during the day and only comes out at night.

I think your biggest issue right now, maybe the reason he's wandering his cage during the day, is because he has no idea whether it's day or night since he's being kept in a cabinet.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by LGray23

Yes, it's correct that they don't like bright lights such as light bulbs, but they need natural day/night cycles just like any other animal! The hides are provided to hide during the day, the natural day. I suggest taking it out of the cabinet immediately. Black out the back and sides, and consider switching to an under tank heater connected to a thermostat for belly heat. If ambient temps are low you could keep the light as long as you measure temps correctly and he doesn't over heat.

---

Okay can you suggest a good uth and thermostat? I can take the doors off the cabinet and black out the sides and back. I want him in the bedroom away from heavy traffic areas..

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by k8nkane

You shouldn't handle your BP for up to 48 hours after you feed him. You can start handling him as soon as he settles--your biggest clue will be when he spends his time in his hides during the day and only comes out at night.

I think your biggest issue right now, maybe the reason he's wandering his cage during the day, is because he has no idea whether it's day or night since he's being kept in a cabinet.

---

gotcha, I will take care of that tomorrow....

Any kind of UTH would work, as for thermostats I like the Hydrofarm from amazon.com. It's $30 shipped and works just as well as my other thermostats.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by k8nkane

Why is he in a cabinet? *blinks*

Like LGray said, he should have access to day/night cycles. I'm lucky enough to have a lot of good ambient light in my bdrm where I keep my snake, so his tank sits out on my desk and I don't use lights to provide the cycle. But if you don't have a lot of ambient light, he needs a day/night cycle so he doesn't get confused. It's just like a person.

You said you have a 20gal. Is there a lot of foliage in the tank?

Here is my tank set up:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...d/P1010959.jpg

I put in the fake vines to take up a lot of the open space in the middle, because the two hides weren't enough.

If you've got plenty of foliage + two hides (one on the cool and one on the warm side), then it's a waiting game for your snake to settle. It varies from snake to snake.

---

I like your set up. I have two plants in mine I need more and will get those tomorrow...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by LGray23

Yes, it's correct that they don't like bright lights such as light bulbs, but they need natural day/night cycles just like any other animal! The hides are provided to hide during the day, the natural day. I suggest taking it out of the cabinet immediately. Black out the back and sides, and consider switching to an under tank heater connected to a thermostat for belly heat. If ambient temps are low you could keep the light as long as you measure temps correctly and he doesn't over heat.

---

x2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7DQssbM0uk

This is a video of a breeder showing how to handle an aggressive ball python. Hope it helps!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by boaz_21

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7DQssbM0uk

This is a video of a breeder showing how to handle an aggressive ball python. Hope it helps!

---

There is a HUGE difference between aggressive and defensive. The behavior she is describing is defensive behavior of an unsecure ball python, not aggression.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by snakemomma77

I just fed him a mouse tonight and to my surprise he took it and I put him back into his home. After doing so he struck at me twice through the glass.

---

Unless Im reading this wrong or overlooking the actual question, it sounds like the ball is either still hungry and/or still in feeding mode? and after allowing for the 48 hour digestion period then the OP should try handling again and re-evaluate the temperment?

EDIT: I read the entire thread, I saw people say about still hungry but I didnt see anything about still being in feeding mode, sorry if i overlooked it.

I agree with Lgray sounds likehe is unsecure I had problems with my snake until I blacked out 3 sides of the tank so it lookis kinda like this

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot...84084614_n.jpg

And the accurite thermometer Hygrometer are great I found mine in the paint depratment :P

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by RestlessRobie

I agree with Lgray sounds likehe is unsecure I had problems with my snake until I blacked out 3 sides of the tank so it lookis kinda like this

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot...84084614_n.jpg

And the accurite thermometer Hygrometer are great I found mine in the paint depratment :P

---

nice set up. I will definatly be blacking out the side of his home and removing the doors on the cabinet, getting an UTH and taking out the red light esp at night. going first thing in the AM to WM and prob home depot or lowes.... thanks

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by LGray23

There is a HUGE difference between aggressive and defensive. The behavior she is describing is defensive behavior of an unsecure ball python, not aggression.

---

I watched that video, I really don't think he's agressive just unsecure, I think after I fix his cage and give him another week, he should be fine.
I still cant figure out how to post a pic. lol

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by snakemomma77

I watched that video, I really don't think he's agressive just unsecure, I think after I fix his cage and give him another week, he should be fine.
I still cant figure out how to post a pic. lol

---

To post a picture you need to use a photo uploading website (i use photobucket) then post the link they offer. I believe its the HTTP one, its one of the four ;p

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by BFT12890

To post a picture you need to use a photo uploading website (i use photobucket) then post the link they offer. I believe its the HTTP one, its one of the four ;p

---

okay, Im going to photbucket, once I upload a pic Ill post it. thanks

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by BFT12890

To post a picture you need to use a photo uploading website (i use photobucket) then post the link they offer. I believe its the HTTP one, its one of the four ;p

---

It's the one labeled IMG code

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by snakemomma77

okay, Im going to photbucket, once I upload a pic Ill post it. thanks

---

Im sorry its the IMG link, duh. my mistake.

EDIT: Darn LGray your too fast!

okay here goes.
http://http://i828.photobucket.com/a...1/IMG_3633.jpg

http://[IMG]http://i828.photobucket....1/IMG_3633.jpg[/IMG]



here it is....

http://i828.photobucket.com/albums/z...1/IMG_3633.jpg

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by snakemomma77

http://i828.photobucket.com/albums/z...1/IMG_3633.jpg

---

VERY cute little pinstripe. She could probably eat a large adult mouse without issue ;)

Congrats on the new snake! I'm sure once you tweak a few things she'll be happy and healthy :)

thank you Lgray23 for that photobucket info, turns out I had already had an account. lol. with vidos.

I can't wait to hold my baby. I think I really should give him another week. thanks again.

Would you need to black out the three sides if he's in the cabinet? I guess depending on how snug the tank is in there. But I would think it is a safe bet that he's def. just unsure and disoriented from not knowing day from night and constantly being in the dark. I'd imagine it's kinda the same feeling if you've ever woken up at 6pm from a nap thinking it was 6 am. Lol just a random thought, sorry.:)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Arock

Would you need to black out the three sides if he's in the cabinet? I guess depending on how snug the tank is in there. But I would think it is a safe bet that he's def. just unsure and disoriented from not knowing day from night and constantly being in the dark. I'd imagine it's kinda the same feeling if you've ever woken up at 6pm from a nap thinking it was 6 am. Lol just a random thought, sorry.:)

---

Oh I am going to be taking those doors off today. or just leaving them open all the time.

It will take time to get it right, we won't discuss how long I did everything wrong and my snakes suffered for it.

The wonderful thing about this site is, it seems to have the most up-to-date information on care all in one easy spot.

I got a lovely little girl pinstripe from Garrick back in October. She looks a lot like your boy.

I do think once you get the enclosure fixed up correctly, I think you should offer him a little bit more food. If you have a supply of the small adult f/t mice, you might try offering two and see if being hungry made him cranky. I don't know about you, but I get really crabby when I'm hungry. When the smalls are gone, you can buy some bigger f/t for him.

Gale

If that white box hes sitting on is his hide you might want to rethink those as well. get something he'll fit in snugly so he feels secure.

sent from my EVO