New pastel won't grip?

I recently bought a gorgeous pastel bp from a reptile show last month and I've noticed that she doesn't grip me like a python should, she just slithers through my hands like a king snake. She never tries to hold onto me at all. Should I be worried? She also hasn't eaten yet but I figured she just isn't ready... Any advise?

Nothing to be worried about. Maybe handle her less until she is settled in.

What's your husbandry? Temps, humidity, number and size of hides? I'd be more worried about her not eating. What day did you get her?

When did you get her last month? Or rather, how long has she not been eating?

I don't think the eating issue is related. and I don't think her not "gripping" is really an issue at all. Some will hold on for dear life, some are more adventurous.

My BPs don't "grip" me like a boa or my carpet python. I agree with the comment above that there is likely something wrong with your husbandry or handling too much that is driving the non-eating.

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Originally Posted by Annarose15

I agree with the comment above that there is likely something wrong with your husbandry or handling too much that is driving the non-eating.

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Well it's entirely possible husbandry could be the problem it could also just be...ya know, a ball python :P

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Originally Posted by mackynz

Well it's entirely possible husbandry could be the problem it could also just be...ya know, a ball python :P

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It isn't too big of a stretch to guess that a female pastel bought at a reptile show is a baby/juvenile, rather than 1000g plus. Babies and juvies eat at every opportunity, unless something is wrong in their environment. The "oh all bps go off feed for no reason" mentality is bs when dealing with this age group, especially when you factor in a new keeper.

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Originally Posted by Inarikins

What's your husbandry? Temps, humidity, number and size of hides? I'd be more worried about her not eating. What day did you get her?

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She is about a year or so, btw. Her UTH is at 90 and the other side at about 80F and there is one large hide on the UTH side.

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Originally Posted by Afei

She is about a year or so, btw. Her UTH is at 90 and the other side at about 80F and there is one large hide on the UTH side.

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Give her another hide and make sure they are both fairly snug. If she is in a tank, you can also black out three sides to add to her sense of security. Monitor her weight to see when/if you need to worry about her not eating. What have you tried feeding her? Do you know what she was eating before?

How are you measuring your temps? How are you regulating your UTH? You need two identical, snug-fitting hides, one on each side. Two hides is not optional, unless she's in a rack system. The gripping thing isn't a big deal, but her not eating could potentially be. Was she eating for the breeder?

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Originally Posted by Annarose15

It isn't too big of a stretch to guess that a female pastel bought at a reptile show is a baby/juvenile, rather than 1000g plus. Babies and juvies eat at every opportunity, unless something is wrong in their environment. The "oh all bps go off feed for no reason" mentality is bs when dealing with this age group, especially when you factor in a new keeper.

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That's why I said it was possible ;)


OP, how often do you attempt to feed her?

I try a FT adult mouse every week. She doesn't even seem interested in it even though I warm it up. I do t hold her often, just once in a while to check on her. The breeders said that she eats well and they fed her pre killed. She seemed filled-out and well fed when I bought her. I'm so worried, I love her and I'll do anything to get her to eat.