Question ?? help!

Soo here's what happened. My boyFriend Was Moving the Heating pad in one of Our snakes Tanks, And The snake Tried to Strike him, He has only done this One time before, He wasn't being Mean the first time it happened. and im pretty sure and hoping he wasn't being mean this time either.. Anyways the snake ( shadow) knows its feeding day but hes never been this aggressive, he also tried to eat the rat before it was dead..i really dont know whats going on with him.. any help would be great, if you need more info just ask.
thanks


~*~jess~*~
:banana:

A few questions:

Was the heating pad inside the cage, or was the snake out of the cage when he struck at your BF? (trying to figure out how the snake struck at your BF and the context around it.)

How often and how much do you feed him?

My guess is that the residual heat from the pad combined with the movement triggered a feeding response from your little guy. Sounds like you have a nice aggressive feeder on your hands, which is a good thing :gj:

Your Bp may have been startled and struck out of fear. As for feeding, you should be happy that you have an aggressively feeding Bp. It might also be time to bump up the prey size...

Sent from my Motorola ATRIX using Tapatalk 2.

I have to agree with everyone else, I HIGHLY doubt Shadow was trying to be mean. And I have an agressive feeder too, it's great in the long run because they RARELY miss a meal so thank your lucky snake stars :gj: Does your BF handle Shadow at all? New smells and large objects moving that close to him may have startled him. I wouldn't worry too much especially since it was on feeding day

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Originally Posted by Royal Chick

I have to agree with everyone else, I HIGHLY doubt Shadow was trying to be mean. And I have an agressive feeder too, it's great in the long run because they RARELY miss a meal so thank your lucky snake stars :gj: Does your BF handle Shadow at all? New smells and large objects moving that close to him may have startled him. I wouldn't worry too much especially since it was on feeding day

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My Boyfriend handles Him all the Time. He is a loving cuddly snake, Pretty much all the time.. well most of the time anyways :)

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Originally Posted by The Serpent Merchant

A few questions:

Was the heating pad inside the cage, or was the snake out of the cage when he struck at your BF? (trying to figure out how the snake struck at your BF and the context around it.)

How often and how much do you feed him?

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The Heating Pad was IN the Cage, and so was the snake.. And We feed him Every other week, Because that's When he likes to eat.. And We give him a Medium Rat..

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Originally Posted by jess

The Heating Pad was IN the Cage, and so was the snake.. And We feed him Every other week, Because that's When he likes to eat.. And We give him a Medium Rat..

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I should say we feed him every other week,,When he feels like eating

I (really) hope the heating pad is OUTSIDE the cage now. If not, it needs to be moved outside immediately.

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Originally Posted by KatStoverReptiles

I (really) hope the heating pad is OUTSIDE the cage now. If not, it needs to be moved outside immediately.

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i don't want to sound like an @$$ but Why ?

Heating pads easily get to 130F! Without a thermostat that is. I Heating pad should ONLY be applied to the bottom of the tank/tub.

That's where they're meant to be used. If any liquid comes into contact with the UTH it could short and burn/kill your snake. Are you using a thermostat or something else to regulate the output of it?

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Originally Posted by KatStoverReptiles

That's where they're meant to be used. If any liquid comes into contact with the UTH it could short and burn/kill your snake. Are you using a thermostat or something else to regulate the output of it?

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The Heat Pad isn't On 24/7 Its on a Timer.. And I can't Use it Outside the Tank.

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Originally Posted by reptiliachnids

Heating pads easily get to 130F! Without a thermostat that is. I Heating pad should ONLY be applied to the bottom of the tank/tub.

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We have been Using the Same Heating Pad for almost a year now with no Problems.. And There is No way to use one on the outside of the Tank.

Just because you've been using it improperly for a specified amount of time without problems doesn't mean its OK or that you won't experience problems in the future.

They are meant to be adhered to the bottom outside of the tank. Did it come with a backing to peel off? Could you post a picture of your setup?

The timer its on, does it turn it on and off in accordance with how warm it is? Or just on during the night and off during the day?

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Originally Posted by jess

The Heat Pad isn't On 24/7 Its on a Timer...

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burn waiting to happen

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Originally Posted by jess

And I can't Use it Outside the Tank.

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why? mine do:confused:

The 99% of the heating pads are not made to be inside an enclosure. I believe Kane are the only exception they are 100% waterproof and low power so even in a runaway they are not that hot. UTHs need air flow across the back surface, inside with substrate on top and enclosure floor on bottom they get no air flow. All of this and they need to be regulated by a thermostat. Inside there are just so many things to go horribly wrong that it simply isn't safe for the snake or you (fire hazard).

Snakes are fairly base animals, if your actions hit things just right you can accidentally trigger a feeding response. Often that needs smell as well but not always remember snakes sense of smell is better than a dog. They also will strike defensively but this is not as common with an animal that is handled regularly They usually are either biters or not biters. Stress (environmental stress from incorrect husbandry may also increase the chances of a strike.

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Originally Posted by KatStoverReptiles

Just because you've been using it improperly

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sorry But im Not using it Improperly. The Tank Doesn't have a Glass Bottom, and i dont keep my snakes in Plastic Bins either, So there is NO WAY for it to stick to anything.. When I have the Money to Convert his Tank, he will Have a Sticky Heating Pad on the bottom of his tank just like my other snake does.

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Originally Posted by PitOnTheProwl

why? mine do

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Beacuse the Tank Doesn't have a Glass Bottom.. YET

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Originally Posted by jess

sorry But im Not using it Improperly. The Tank Doesn't have a Glass Bottom, and i dont keep my snakes in Plastic Bins either, So there is NO WAY for it to stick to anything.. When I have the Money to Convert his Tank, he will Have a Sticky Heating Pad on the bottom of his tank just like my other snake does.

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Alright well at this point the only thing I can offer you is good luck. Multiple people have given you suggestions to improve your husbandry and have expressed concerns over your current setup. Now, unless we are confused about your setup (pictures would help determine this), it seems you are using a UTH improperly and posing a risk to both yourself and your snake. If you don't want to take our advice, then what we've already done is all we can do.

I am sorry but if you are using a unregulated (timer does not count) heat source inside the enclosure, you are doing it improperly. Your snake may be striking because he is uncomfortable.

We just really do not want to see your next thread be "Why does my snake have red/brown scales on his belly?". Or worse yet, in the Rainbow Bridge section.

(Warning) graphic pictures
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...-me...(graphic)

Keeping a heat pad inside an enclosure is extremely risky. And not regulated (timer doesn't count) is even worse. Please don't get defensive at this point, no one is attacking you, but you're most certainly improperly using the UTH.

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Originally Posted by KatStoverReptiles

Alright well at this point the only thing I can offer you is good luck. Multiple people have given you suggestions to improve your husbandry and have expressed concerns over your current setup. Now, unless we are confused about your setup (pictures would help determine this), it seems you are using a UTH improperly and posing a risk to both yourself and your snake. If you don't want to take our advice, then what we've already done is all we can do.

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Like i said in the last post **When I have the Money to Convert his Tank, he will Have a Sticky Heating Pad on the bottom of his tank just like my other snake does** And i can't post pictures, my phone is broken.. I also never said i wasn't going to take your advice. I only posted this thread to try to get an answer or help on why my snake was being aggresive, not to be told that what im doing is wrong. Im not new to Snakes.. but yea Thanks for Your Advice.

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Originally Posted by jess

sorry But im Not using it Improperly. The Tank Doesn't have a Glass Bottom, and i dont keep my snakes in Plastic Bins either, So there is NO WAY for it to stick to anything.. When I have the Money to Convert his Tank, he will Have a Sticky Heating Pad on the bottom of his tank just like my other snake does.

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If it is in the tank you are using it improperly. If you can't afford to get a proper tank right now then just buy a $5 plastic bin to keep it in till you get a proper setup. It's cheap and would be a lot safer.

Thanks for all the help and advice guys, I wont be Replying to this Thread again.. I'm Just Going to Email A MOD on here and see what he thinks about it, since he had been very helpful in the past.. again, Thank you All for the Advice.

http://www.thingsnerdslike.com/wp-co...d-facepalm.jpg

That is all I have to say... :rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by jess

Thanks for all the help and advice guys, I wont be Replying to this Thread again.. I'm Just Going to Email A MOD on here and see what he thinks about it, since he had been very helpful in the past.. again, Thank you All for the Advice.

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you make no sense..........
he could be showing signs of STRESS!!!!
your husbandry is not right, everyone sees that and is making recommendations to correct your problems:rage::rage:

Everyone in this thread has attempted to tell you why your snake is being aggressive. Please take a look at the care sheet.

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...s%29-Caresheet

Um hey EVERYONE! I think she GOT THE MESSAGE! She said it repeatedly. So, quit repeating what others have already posted about. Also, don't tell her not to get offensive when you're being so negative towards her. She got it, she said they were going to fix it when they could.Be positive and supportive instead of demeaning, it works better when someone is asking for help and advice, not criticism. I'm not trying to start an argument, but she is trying, build her up instead of putting her down.

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Originally Posted by Royal Chick

Um hey EVERYONE! I think she GOT THE MESSAGE! She said it repeatedly. So, quit repeating what others have already posted about. Also, don't tell her not to get offensive when you're being so negative towards her. She got it, she said they were going to fix it when they could.Be positive and supportive instead of demeaning, it works better when someone is asking for help and advice, not criticism. I'm not trying to start an argument, but she is trying, build her up instead of putting her down.

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I agree to a point. But frankly, I believe everyone here is a little more concerned for the snakes health than her feelings. Folks can get pretty passionate about that stuff.

But I agree the point has been made.

I don't get why people like to buy pets when they can't afford to take care of them. Get the money, then the pet.

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Originally Posted by jess

The Heat Pad isn't On 24/7 Its on a Timer.. And I can't Use it Outside the Tank.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by jess

We have been Using the Same Heating Pad for almost a year now with no Problems.. And There is No way to use one on the outside of the Tank.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by jess

sorry But im Not using it Improperly. The Tank Doesn't have a Glass Bottom, and i dont keep my snakes in Plastic Bins either, So there is NO WAY for it to stick to anything.. When I have the Money to Convert his Tank, he will Have a Sticky Heating Pad on the bottom of his tank just like my other snake does.

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Originally Posted by jess

Like i said in the last post **When I have the Money to Convert his Tank, he will Have a Sticky Heating Pad on the bottom of his tank just like my other snake does** And i can't post pictures, my phone is broken.. I also never said i wasn't going to take your advice. I only posted this thread to try to get an answer or help on why my snake was being aggresive, not to be told that what im doing is wrong. Im not new to Snakes.. but yea Thanks for Your Advice.

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Originally Posted by Royal Chick

Um hey EVERYONE! I think she GOT THE MESSAGE! She said it repeatedly. So, quit repeating what others have already posted about. Also, don't tell her not to get offensive when you're being so negative towards her. She got it, she said they were going to fix it when they could.Be positive and supportive instead of demeaning, it works better when someone is asking for help and advice, not criticism. I'm not trying to start an argument, but she is trying, build her up instead of putting her down.

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I labelled in red what I perceived as not "getting the message". Yes, she said she was going to make changes, which is great, but then again she's also telling everyone that she is not using an unregulated UTH incorrectly. Like I stated, no one was in any way attacking her. Sometimes the harsh truth is the only way to show stubborn people what's wrong. Defensive behavior sometimes is because of incorrect husbandry. It was stated, very early on, and she dismissed it because she's "not new to keeping snakes". Others, like myself, chimed in to just reiterate that fact. No need to scold us ;)

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Originally Posted by mackynz

I don't get why people like to buy pets when they can't afford to take care of them. Get the money, then the pet.

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I can Afford My pets thank you very much, My Snake is Fed Every Two weeks because that is when he likes to Eat, And My baby BP is fed every 5 days like He should be, They have Hides and water dishes, vines, Wooden Sticks to play on ( which they do ) They Have everything they need, The only thing i need to get is Plexiglass To Convert the Tank, So before you Judge and Say i don't have the money, Know you Facts!

..........:(

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Originally Posted by jess

sorry But im Not using it Improperly. The Tank Doesn't have a Glass Bottom, and i dont keep my snakes in Plastic Bins either, So there is NO WAY for it to stick to anything.. When I have the Money to Convert his Tank, he will Have a Sticky Heating Pad on the bottom of his tank just like my other snake does.

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Okay, then I'll quote you...

You said yourself you don't have the money.

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Originally Posted by jess

Like i said in the last post **When I have the Money to Convert his Tank, he will Have a Sticky Heating Pad on the bottom of his tank just like my other snake does**

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Pretty sure you said it yourself.

But I will answer your question: your snake is aggressive because he's uncomfortable, much like other posters have said. He might be hungry too if he's striking; it is okay to feed more than twice a month. Bps by the way aren't arboreal so you don't need vines and branches necessarily. He probably climbs them to get off the heat. Get a thermostat from Amazon, hydrofarm works for cheap, a herpstat/VE works for more money. Go to reptile basics for the pricey, more reliable ones.

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Originally Posted by mackynz

Okay, then I'll quote you...

You said yourself you don't have the money.

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i said "When I have the Money to Convert his Tank, he will Have a Sticky Heating Pad on the bottom of his tank just like my other snake does" plexiglass isnt cheap here..

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Originally Posted by moonlightgdess

Pretty sure you said it yourself.

But I will answer your question: your snake is aggressive because he's uncomfortable, much like other posters have said. He might be hungry too if he's striking; it is okay to feed more than twice a month. Bps by the way aren't arboreal so you don't need vines and branches necessarily. He probably climbs them to get off the heat. Get a thermostat from Amazon, hydrofarm works for cheap, a herpstat/VE works for more money. Go to reptile basics for the pricey, more reliable ones.

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I have a thermostat/humidistat.

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Originally Posted by jess

i said "When I have the Money to Convert his Tank, he will Have a Sticky Heating Pad on the bottom of his tank just like my other snake does" plexiglass isnt cheap here..

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So you don't have the money. That is my point. You should have had the tank converted BEFORE getting the snake.

If plexiglass isn't cheap there then you should have saved up and waited, been responsible instead of putting an animal that can't care for itself in danger. I am guessing from your attitude toward people that are trying to help you that you are very young, and at this point you aren't going to listen. Just take into consideration that EVERYONE here is telling you the same thing, if you were taking care of your snake properly don't you think at least one person would have said your setup was fine?

I'm going to bow out now, people like you irk me to no end. I'll just end up getting myself banned.

I'll watch for your post on the Rainbow Bridge.:(

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Originally Posted by jess

i said "When I have the Money to Convert his Tank, he will Have a Sticky Heating Pad on the bottom of his tank just like my other snake does" plexiglass isnt cheap here..

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Then you don't have the money... :rolleyes:

This is ridiculous. This thread needs to die because obviously nothing we say is going to convince this person he/she is in the wrong. I know their type. NOTHING can be said to change it. It is like arguing with an angry customer on a power trip/adrenaline rush. You can't talk sense into them. I'm done here. Good luck, I suppose.

AKedit: Jess, that is a thermoMETER!!!!!!!!! NOT a thermoSTAT!!!! There is a MAJOR difference.

Like i said before IAM DONE replying ! ONE person has been nice enough to actually Help me . Get off Your high horses!

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Originally Posted by jess

Like i said before IAM DONE replying ! ONE person has been nice enough to actually Help me . Get off Your high horses!

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That was actually Rude of me.. Alot of people Have been Nice Enough to help me on this Thread.. I do listen to ALL advice. but once people start Being Rude and demanding Im Done..

Wow. I think everyone was just trying to answer the original question. And husbandry and an uncontrolled heat pad would certainly make a snake snappy, and perhaps not eat. A tub would be a cheap temporary home if you don't want him in there forever. I just can't picture what kind of set up you have. What kind of bottom does it have?

Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk 2

You are using an old slate bottom tank? A safer alternative maybe to place a ceramic tile over the uth. (not for plastic tubs) I would strongly encourage a thermostat and swapping the mat you have for a Kane mat they are safer as they are 100% waterproof and designed for interior use.


http://www.bigappleherp.com/Kane-Heat-Mats_2

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Originally Posted by jess

I have a thermostat/humidistat.

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Do you really have a humidistat or do you have a thermometer/hygrometer? Do you have a device that regulates how hot the heating pad gets. If you don't you are risking your snake getting burned. I understand why you feel like you are getting ganged up on. Keep in mind that everyone here loves or has loved a snake just like you love yours. We all want to help. No one is judging you for having bad husbandry. The judging starts when you refuse to admit you have a problem. I read the whole thread and you have husbandry problems. Get them fixed as soon as you can and don't feel bad. You lived and learned. Unless you have one of the very few heating pads that are designed to go in an enclosure and you have that heating pad on a thermostat or at least a rheostat you have a problem.

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Originally Posted by kitedemon

You are using an old slate bottom tank? A safer alternative maybe to place a ceramic tile over the uth. (not for plastic tubs) I would strongly encourage a thermostat and swapping the mat you have for a Kane mat they are safer as they are 100% waterproof and designed for interior use.


http://www.bigappleherp.com/Kane-Heat-Mats_2

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I actually never heard of Kane mats until not. and its not a Slate bottom. i would think that would get way to cold for a snake?... What we have him in is an old Showcase i guess thats what it would be called ( wood and glass ) the bottom is wood, But it is covered in something and i can't think of the name of it, but hes not directly on wood its self. this would be so much easier if i could take pictures! . I know its probably To big for him but he loves to roam around at night and he seems to love it in there.
Thanks for the Website i will for sure check that out right now :)

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Originally Posted by Egapal

Do you really have a humidistat or do you have a thermometer/hygrometer? Do you have a device that regulates how hot the heating pad gets. If you don't you are risking your snake getting burned. I understand why you feel like you are getting ganged up on. Keep in mind that everyone here loves or has loved a snake just like you love yours. We all want to help. No one is judging you for having bad husbandry. The judging starts when you refuse to admit you have a problem. I read the whole thread and you have husbandry problems. Get them fixed as soon as you can and don't feel bad. You lived and learned. Unless you have one of the very few heating pads that are designed to go in an enclosure and you have that heating pad on a thermostat or at least a rheostat you have a problem.

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the heating pad i have is a Intellitemp Mat? i think thats what its called that is Designed to go inside the tank.. And the Heat is on Low.. i can turn the temp up or down if needed..

Jess, I understand it is hard to read some of these posts and keep a positive attitude. Please just understand that any seemingly rude comments were only posted because these people truly care about the well being of your snake.

It seems to me like you won't be doing anything in the immediate future to improve your husbandry. No one here can control your actions. All we can do is give you our best suggestions. Whatever you do, I hope you decide to make the best decision for your pet.

You came here asking about your snakes aggressive behavior. The first thing experienced snake keepers think to change when it concerns aggressive behavior involves feeding frequency and environment. It sounds too me like your snake could be stressed out from its environment. I am not completely convinced this has EVERYTHING to do with your heat source as much as it has to do with providing a comfortable and tight fitting hides and "cage clutter" (fake plants, or crumpled paper to provide cover while the snake is roaming around) in conjunction with a proper temperature gradient.

Also, an overly large enclosure could cause stress. It may seem strange, but ball pythons actually prefer tight cramped spaces as it makes them feel safer and more secure. Excessive "roaming" or testing the enclosure for a means of escape can be a sign of stress. You can tell if your snake is stressed if it is striking/biting, or not eating regularly.

We are just here to help you give your snake the best possible care. If you want to take our advice, we are more than happy to provide it. If not, then I guess there isn't much that we can help you with.

Jess,
I have not used or encountered the Intellitemp mats. It looks very similar to the kane pads.

Exactly what are your temps?

The lower wattage mats like what you are using produce dramatically lower temps than the run of the mill ones. I would still be very concerned with water (or not water wetness.... ;) )

Roaming is hard guage, roaming can be healthy exploration or stress. The pace is a good tell a calm slow motion is a good thing a frantic poking about constantly is not. Stress can lead to aggression. Stress from low security or incorrect temps (hi/low) are all common issues. Check your temps carefully 89º-92º warm spot 78-80º cool and ambient 78-85º air temps.

Ball pythons are in the wild preyed on by bird and have an instinctual fear of thing over the head sometimes adding lots of 'air' cover helps calm a stressed animal. I use fake plants and build lots of cover over head and between the hides.

This is if it is stress. It may not be it could be hunger and just bad judgement on your partners part. They feed in pure instinct mode and often will strike if hungry and you smell even slightly of food. A left unwashed tool in the same room anything of this sort can start. You are feeding once every two weeks? Do you feed 10% by weight? I feed my adults 5-7% by weigh per week. My sub adults I feed 10% per week.

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Originally Posted by mackynz

I'll watch for your post on the Rainbow Bridge.:(

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Was this really necessary?

Seems not to long ago, you were a newbie around here.

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...erature-Issues

In fact, you were the new guy around here less than a month ago...and look how far you've come :rolleyes: