A few questions from a noob

1. I've been hearing (from local owners) that I can start holding my bp right away and its fine. I haven't taken them up on their advice because I was told otherwise here...but was wondering- exactly why do I have to wait after 4 feedings before holding? I've been asked this question, and dont really know what Im talking about soo yea lol. Figured its something I should know.

2. When my bp gets older...will I HAVE to breed? I came across an add of someone selling their albino BP because they didnt have a female to "pair" them with. I still have a while before mine gets big enough, Im sure but was curious about that.

3. If I get my BP sexed, should I wait until after the 4 feedings before doing it?

4. I was told they get fed only 1/week but I've been reading that babies should get fed 2/week. Should I start feeding 2/week as well?

That's it so far XD Thanks in advanced for the help!

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Originally Posted by luvepriscilla

1. I've been hearing (from local owners) that I can start holding my bp right away and its fine. I haven't taken them up on their advice because I was told otherwise here...but was wondering- exactly why do I have to wait after 4 feedings before holding? I've been asked this question, and dont really know what Im talking about soo yea lol. Figured its something I should know.

2. When my bp gets older...will I HAVE to breed? I came across an add of someone selling their albino BP because they didnt have a female to "pair" them with. I still have a while before mine gets big enough, Im sure but was curious about that.

3. If I get my BP sexed, should I wait until after the 4 feedings before doing it?

4. I was told they get fed only 1/week but I've been reading that babies should get fed 2/week. Should I start feeding 2/week as well?

That's it so far XD Thanks in advanced for the help!

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1. Most people suggest they need a week to settle in because of transitioning to a new environment and most bp's wont eat of stressed.when I purchase a new hatchling,I have them shipped on mondays for tues delivery (which is my feeding day for most). I offer food and if it accepts,I will handle it within a couple of days after the meal but keeping the time to a minimum. If it doesnt eat then I leave it alone until it does.
2. No,you do not have to breed them.It is purely a choice.
3. I would have the animal sexed by the person selling it. Even if it were just a pet,I would want to know ahead what I am buying. They can be sexed anytime.
4. Hatchlings are fed every 4-5 days until they are around 500 grams. Then once per week is fine for a pet juvie to adult.This is what works for me.

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I waited 3 days to hold mine....the 3 days was so he could adjust to a new owner, new home etc

You dont have to do anything with your pet you dont want to....no one is going to force you to breed

My BP was sexed by the breeder within a week or so of hatching he told me when I was asking some questions before buying my little guy..I dont know why 4 feedings is any sort of schedule?

Continue to feed your snake on whatever schedule he was fed on before you got him...I spoke to my BPs breeder at length about his eating habits and schedule....I have mine on a every 5 days schedule....when he gets a bit bigger (hes only 3.5 months and abotu 215 grams) ill switch him to every 7 or 8 days or so...or adjust the feeding schedule as needed....

I usually wait till after 24 hours after I fed them their first meal. I just picked up a desert enchi yesterday. She is due to eat fri so ill wait till Saturday or Sunday to handle her if she eats.

No you don't need to breed them.

Just make sure who ever is sexing the snake knows what they are doing. I have read its possible to cause injury if not done properly.

All of our younger snakes under 500 grams are on a 5 day feeding schedule.

I have another question.

I fed her today for the first time and she took it (whoop!) buuut I'm not sure if I fed her enough. She ate one hopper (which is about the size of her belly width) and I tried feeding her another hopper but she went into her house when I offered it to her. I don't want her to under-eat ;p

Good job getting her to take. She will be just fine with that, don't over offer.

She will be fine. Offer again in about 4 or 5 days

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Sounds like your off to a good start.

Ahh niice. Thanks for the help! I'm glad that I seem to be doing something right... I think just getting everything set up is sort of over-whelming..now to start actually enjoying my new buddy (no worries, I know I have to wait another 2 days before handling).
Also wanted to ask- should I be feeding hoppers or should I give a bigger-sized rat?

Pics below:

​http://ball-pythons.net/gallery/files/3/1/0/8/2/nom.jpg

*lol, maybe I shouldn't have included the dead rat in the pic.. ;p

Nice lil snake you got, I can't tell with the pic if hoppers are big enough if she's still a young snake I'd guess hoppers are big enough for her mine ate hopper rat sized mice for a few months then he ate two at a go till I got him on rats.

Looks like you are doing fine. Others with more knowledge than I have can chime in, but don't get to worried if the feeding slows a bit. This time of year I've heard and experienced a drop in feeding interest. However your snake is quite young so maybe the cycle of slowing won't happen for another year.

My son's snake seems to only want food once/month right now. We did decide to jump up to medium rats and were pleasantly surprised she takes them. I'll be curious to see what spring/summer brings.

You have a nice looking snake there and if it's feeding and comfortable you should be able to handle it and get it used to contact.

Good luck!!

Sounds good, Im planning on picking up a scale so I can weigh her and make sure Im feeding whats appropriate.. as you can see, Im a bit paranoid about under-feeding lol ;p

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Originally Posted by luvepriscilla

Sounds good, Im planning on picking up a scale so I can weigh her and make sure Im feeding whats appropriate.. as you can see, Im a bit paranoid about under-feeding lol ;p

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I was too cause its hard to find an internet search to determine underfeeding but i currently have 2 normal bps. my male which is a july 2012 at 225 grams and an october 2012 female at 155 grams. but im planning on moving the feeding from every 7 days to every 5 days. good luck to you.