How do i get a nervous ball to relax?

Ive had my mystic female since the 17 of last month and she is still super freaked out. I havnt handled her other than for cleaning but when i pick up her hide she instantly balls up. When i hold her she squirms ALOT. She has accepted 1 out of 3 meals offered. Any type of movement makes her twitch and immediately trys to "run" away to the point of almost falling out of my hands. I just want to know how i can get her to relax and not freak out.

I would keep handling to a minimum until she's eating well. Just leave her alone. She will relax when she gets settled in and gets bigger.

Agreed, stop handling her at all if at all possible and make sure she has nice, tight, secure hiding spots. Let her settle in for a while longer before trying to mess with her more.

-Jen

The only times i handle her is for cleaning.

Also she seems scared of her food. She just balls up and twitches when the rat pup comes near her

My little albino is super nervous, too. I don't handle her hardly at all. She also is picky about food. She seems to be.less threatened by smaller than appropriate food. Maybe try a small pup? What kind of hides does yours have? Does she feel secure in her enclosure? Also, do you sit and watch when you feed her? If so, close the tub and give her some privacy, maybe some darkness.

I have offerrd rat pups each time. I watched her for about 15 minutes then left her alone overnight. She ate once and refused twice. I got hides from reptile basics. I dont know if she feels secure.

I had trouble getting my mojave eating at first but he never was so nervous like the mystic.

Pics of her set up?

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Originally Posted by DooLittle

Pics of her set up?

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X2 and a few of the BP if possible. :)

My phantom was the same exact way. Refused meals, hissed, balled up. She took forever to get to eat regularly. After about seven months she's finally on track. Pretty darn small for her age, but at least she's eating now. Just be patient and offer once a week.

Couple of thoughts:

1. Try mice fuzzies. I’ve had baby BPs refuse rat pups and gobble up mice fuzzies and even adult mice.
2. As a hide for my baby Ball Pythons, I use a 4-inch clay pot (upside down) with a notch chipped away in the rim – just big enough for him/her to enter through. Make sure the drainage hole in the bottom of the pot is blocked or plugged so they don’t stick their heads up through the opening and get stuck. I had that happen the first time I used did this and it scared the life out of me!) I now use heavy rocks or sticks to block/plug the holes. (Also use a NEW pot). This provides a secure/safe place for them, because they can feel the pot on all sides as they curl up. It's also dark and had the natural feel of cool stone. You’d be surprised how long they will use this size pot too. My baby BPs love them and will prefer them whenever they are given a choice. I’ve had shy babies that only stuck their heads out of the pot to feed and never ventured out until they were much older and almost outgrown the pot. Now they are well adjusted and very friendly and eating like there’s no tomorrow.
3. Being nocturnal or evening hunters, I always try to feed in the evening when most of my BPs are out and about. One or two hours after nightfall.

I hate problem feeders and I’ve had to assist feed two babies so far. Not fun. I was ready to give up on one baby until I tried the live fuzzy mouse. It was a fluke that I was in a pet store the one day they had them for sale! It’s amazing how just the simplest change can make all the difference.
I’m no expert, but these are things that have worked for me.
Good luck and keep us posted.
Andy
:snake:

I will put up pics a little later. I dont have pics on my phone. The breeder said she was eating rat pups. But i can try something different next time.

Here is a pic.http://i1324.photobucket.com/albums/...ps203ff5b2.jpghttp://i1324.photobucket.com/albums/...ps12cfea4e.jpg