New baby BP / First time snake owner question

I just got my first ball python, I've had him for a little over 2 weeks. I let him chill for the first week I got him, after that week I held him briefly maybe 5 minutes then about an hour later and offered him a Hooper and he ate it great. The next week I handled him a few times for 10 minutes at a time. Fed him again on friday and he ate great again. (Pre-killed fresh both times) Any way to my questions now, just wanted to give a little detail. Thursday night the night before I fed him last I handled him for a bit with my girlfriend who is trying to get over the fear of snakes. He was great the whole time and slithered around the bed and me, but when my girlfriend finally mustered up the courage to hold the baby 94 gram snake I handed him to her and he pissed and urated on her. Is there any reason for this or did he just have to pee and it worked itself out from being handled. Also once and a while he tries climbing up the sides of the glass trying to escape, is he just a sneaky bastard (wont/will not get out) or is he stressed? Sorry for the rant, I'd appreciate any feedback.

He may of been full and if you don't know how to tell or you don't realize it and you're holding the first half of his body they'll do this. Other then that it's most likely an accident.

On the being peed and pooped on issue, it just randomly happens and your gf just got lucky (unless some else has better input on the subject). On the escaping part, my personal opinion is that he's being a sneaky bastard or he might still be hungry. I have a girl that weighs similar to your BP and she eats two mouse hoppers in one meal easily.

One suggestion though: try not to handle your bp on the day of his feeding. If you handle him before you feed him, he might not eat. Definitely don't handle him after he ate because he might throw up his food. Wait at least 36 hours after his meal. I usually wait two days after feeding before handling mine.

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There are telltale signs that a BP is close to defecating. Mostly a raised tail tip and "sausage tail". Once you see it you'll know exactly what that means!

Your GF was just the lucky (unlucky) recipient of a little BP owners right of passage lol. Yes BPs will test to see if they can escape. If they succeed then they will continue to do it. All BPs do it. You can handle the day before feeding with no consequences most of the time. It all depends on the snake. DO NOT handle the day of or for a couple days after feeding. Regurgitation is disgusting and can hurt your BP. I've personally never had a regurgitation (crosses fingers and knocks on wood) a friend did and it was horrible smelling. They are great little creatures though. After he eats does he go into hiding or stay out looking for more food? Good luck with him and her.

Steve climbs his plants every night to check both sides of his cage and see if maybe I left something open. He is very determined. Iwouldnt stress. If any nothing this Is a good time to observe him being active since they are normally hiding or basking

my mom never went to college thank you very much.

And I think everyone above has nailed it on the peepee

my mom never went to college thank you very much.

Thanks for the input everyone. I never handle him after he eats, I actually place his feeding bin half way into his cage and he slithers out and goes into his warm hide. I then leave him alone for 2 days to digest. Should I feed him more than 1 hopper every seven days or step up the next size? (Whatever that may be) Again he's about 94 grams and about a foot long.

If you want him to utilize his full growing potential, you need to consider offering multiple mice every 5 days. He won't eat if he doesn't need it. He knows what he needs. Keep the mice the same size as his body, check out my little boy he is 150g 3 months old and never once force or power fed. He eats two or three large mice every 4-5 days.

my mom never went to college thank you very much.

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Originally Posted by Lemmywinkzz

Thanks for the input everyone. I never handle him after he eats, I actually place his feeding bin half way into his cage and he slithers out and goes into his warm hide. I then leave him alone for 2 days to digest. Should I feed him more than 1 hopper every seven days or step up the next size? (Whatever that may be) Again he's about 94 grams and about a foot long.

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Read my last post, and it sound like your taking proper precautions, and u obviously care which are the first steps. If he doesn't eat right away don't worry. I actually feed Steve in his enclosure but I wouldntvreccomend it. Using a desperate container for dinner time also insures he won't ingest any substrate. But I'm in his cage so often that he only gets snippy when he smells food.


my mom never went to college thank you very much.

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Originally Posted by Lemmywinkzz

Thanks for the input everyone. I never handle him after he eats, I actually place his feeding bin half way into his cage and he slithers out and goes into his warm hide. I then leave him alone for 2 days to digest. Should I feed him more than 1 hopper every seven days or step up the next size? (Whatever that may be) Again he's about 94 grams and about a foot long.

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If after feeding your boy he hides, then what you're feeding him is enough. But if he comes out and starts searching for more food right away, then try giving him another hopper. Like I said before, my girl is about the same weight as yours and eats two hoppers every 7 days.

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Originally Posted by Misha

If after feeding your boy he hides, then what you're feeding him is enough. But if he comes out and starts searching for more food right away, then try giving him another hopper. Like I said before, my girl is about the same weight as yours and eats two hoppers every 7 days.

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Within 1 sitting? I've heard that feeding them more than 1 prey item is just extra stress, why wouldn't I just step up to the next size? I'm not trying to power feed him, I eventually want to breed him, but that's when I have more funds available. I just want to keep him healthy.

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Originally Posted by Lemmywinkzz

Within 1 sitting? I've heard that feeding them more than 1 prey item is just extra stress, why wouldn't I just step up to the next size? I'm not trying to power feed him, I eventually want to breed him, but that's when I have more funds available. I just want to keep him healthy.

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No, feeding them multiple prey doesn't stress them out. The reason you probably wouldn't want to step up to a bigger size is because it might be too large for him.

At the end of the day, it's your call. If you think he's still hungry then feed him a bit more. If he looks like he's content with his meal then don't.

When my little girl ate her one hopper, she would still wonder around the tank. Now, she hides to digest and seems happier.

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Originally Posted by Lemmywinkzz

Within 1 sitting? I've heard that feeding them more than 1 prey item is just extra stress, why wouldn't I just step up to the next size? I'm not trying to power feed him, I eventually want to breed him, but that's when I have more funds available. I just want to keep him healthy.

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No man the person that just said if they hide they are good. And yes in 1 sitting. I s a common misconception that u only feed 1 every 7 days that is more like how an adult eats. When they are growing you need to offer him an appropriate amount of food. My guy eats all three or two in less than an hour. You'll se when a bunch of people wake up they are gonna tell u the same thing

my mom never went to college thank you very much.

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Originally Posted by brettliff

No man the person that just said if they hide they are good. And yes in 1 sitting. I s a common misconception that u only feed 1 every 7 days that is more like how an adult eats. When they are growing you need to offer him an appropriate amount of food. My guy eats all three or two in less than an hour. You'll se when a bunch of people wake up they are gonna tell u the same thing

my mom never went to college thank you very much.

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Alright, cool. I guess I'll try to offer him another hopper today or tomorrow.

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Originally Posted by Lemmywinkzz

Alright, cool. I guess I'll try to offer him another hopper today or tomorrow.

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Don't stress you aren't going to hurt him. He won't eat unless he needs it. I promise

my mom never went to college thank you very much.

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Originally Posted by Lemmywinkzz

Within 1 sitting? I've heard that feeding them more than 1 prey item is just extra stress, why wouldn't I just step up to the next size? I'm not trying to power feed him, I eventually want to breed him, but that's when I have more funds available. I just want to keep him healthy.

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My normal female is a strict mouser... won't touch rats, so yes she gets multiple mice per feeding.


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A separate feeding is not necessary. I, along with many others here, do not use a separate container to feed. I have six ball pythons and two boas and none of them have ever shown so called cage aggression. If anything, moving them back and forth is more stressful on them, plus it is a good time to get bit while they are in feeding mode. I don't worry about them ingesting substrate while eating. From what I have seen anything stuck on the prey falls off while the snake works the prey item into its mouth. Plus, I don't think they have someone with a tub lined with paper towels available in the wilds of Africa to make sure their prey stays clean while they eat. LOL

You will do fine. You are already asking questions which is great!

Good luck!

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Originally Posted by Saber402

A separate feeding is not necessary. I, along with many others here, do not use a separate container to feed. I have six ball pythons and two boas and none of them have ever shown so called cage aggression. If anything, moving them back and forth is more stressful on them, plus it is a good time to get bit while they are in feeding mode. I don't worry about them ingesting substrate while eating. From what I have seen anything stuck on the prey falls off while the snake works the prey item into its mouth. Plus, I don't think they have someone with a tub lined with paper towels available in the wilds of Africa to make sure their prey stays clean while they eat. LOL

You will do fine. You are already asking questions which is great!

Good luck!

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Exactly, I think people over think the substrate thing. They may ingest some, but they're built for eating live prey on dirt and whatever else is on the ground. They digest bone, fur and so on, a lil substrate isn't going to cause a major issue.

I also feed in their enclosure, no "cage aggression" what so ever.



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Originally Posted by Lemmywinkzz

Within 1 sitting? I've heard that feeding them more than 1 prey item is just extra stress, why wouldn't I just step up to the next size? I'm not trying to power feed him, I eventually want to breed him, but that's when I have more funds available. I just want to keep him healthy.

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It's more convenient for humans if they move up in size. I don't think they care either way if they get 1 rat or 3-4 mice as long as they're getting enough to eat

Stay within reason though. 15 rat pinkies at once would be kinda goofy.

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Originally Posted by 200xth

It's more convenient for humans if they move up in size. I don't think they care either way if they get 1 rat or 3-4 mice as long as they're getting enough to eat

Stay within reason though. 15 rat pinkies at once would be kinda goofy.

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No one is suggesting over feeding dude.. to the original poster, snakes care about their size because of predators in the wild. Feed your snake till he stops eating. Your not stupid I can tell. And even if excellerated growth is good for keepers... who's complaining? Do you want an undersized snake?


my mom never went to college thank you very much.

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Originally Posted by brettliff

No one is suggesting over feeding dude.. to the original poster, snakes care about their size because of predators in the wild. Feed your snake till he stops eating. Your not stupid I can tell. And even if excellerated growth is good for keepers... who's complaining? Do you want an undersized snake?


my mom never went to college thank you very much.

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Who said anything about overfeeding, dude?

Okay, well all I can do is give it a try. About the seperate feeding container, I'll stick to feeding him in a seperate enclosure. It's easier for me and he doesn't mind.

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Originally Posted by 200xth

Who said anything about overfeeding, dude?

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Thats how I took it my bad your point was more about the snakes point of view, my apologies friend


my mom never went to college thank you very much.

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Originally Posted by Lemmywinkzz

Okay, well all I can do is give it a try. About the seperate feeding container, I'll stick to feeding him in a seperate enclosure. It's easier for me and he doesn't mind.

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Its def about personal preference so ur good pimp. Upload more pictures

my mom never went to college thank you very much.

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Originally Posted by brettliff

Its def about personal preference so ur good pimp. Upload more pictures

my mom never went to college thank you very much.

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Will do, just getting used to the forums. Looking forward to some knowledge. I eventually want to breed him, the pet place had him listed as a Het Pied, idk if that's BS or not. They had pastels and pinstripes, even a spider. They were super overpriced though. Out of all the 3 Het Pieds he looked the coolest to me, nice and bright and a great pattern. Anyway, I'd love to produce some piebalds, especially for my first time breeding. :cens0r::cens0r::cens0r::cens0r: but that won't be for a little while.

Edit: Censoring...? For reals...

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Originally Posted by Lemmywinkzz

Will do, just getting used to the forums. Looking forward to some knowledge. I eventually want to breed him, the pet place had him listed as a Het Pied, idk if that's BS or not. They had pastels and pinstripes, even a spider. They were super overpriced though. Out of all the 3 Het Pieds he looked the coolest to me, nice and bright and a great pattern. Anyway, I'd love to produce some piebalds, especially for my first time breeding. :cens0r::cens0r::cens0r::cens0r: but that won't be for a little while.

Edit: Censoring...? For reals...

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Where u from

my mom never went to college thank you very much.

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Originally Posted by brettliff

Where u from

my mom never went to college thank you very much.

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Buffalo, New York.

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Originally Posted by Lemmywinkzz

Okay, well all I can do is give it a try. About the seperate feeding container, I'll stick to feeding him in a seperate enclosure. It's easier for me and he doesn't mind.

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He told you he doesn't mind?

How is it easier? Easier than dangling prey in front of a hide? I doubt it.

The vast number of members with several snakes in their collection feed in the cages and advise to do so as well. This information has come from years of experience not guessing what their snake wants.

It would take an unreasonable amount of time and equipment to feed even my small collection in separate containers.

I would advise against feeding in a separate container. This increases mistaken feeding time bites.

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Originally Posted by shadowsnakes

There are telltale signs that a BP is close to defecating. Mostly a raised tail tip and "sausage tail". Once you see it you'll know exactly what that means!

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Aww, man! You're nit supposed to TELL people that! That's one of those things everyone should learn through experience, Like I did...

Twice.


In a week.


I'm surprised no one has mentioned it yet, but that could also be a defensive reaction. Lots of snakes will empty their vents defensively.

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Originally Posted by KMG

He told you he doesn't mind?

How is it easier? Easier than dangling prey in front of a hide? doubt it.

The vast number of members with several snakes in their collection feed in the cages and advise to do so as well. This information has come from years of experience not guessing what their snake wants.

It would take an unreasonable amount of time and equipment to feed even my small collection in separate containers.

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I don't really appreciate the sarcasm, there's no reason to be that guy. I only have 1 snake and his tank is on top of a dresser. It's very simple for me to place him in a small container and be able to sit down and comfortably dangle the prey, then observe his process. This topic seems to be controversial, either way my snake is healthy and appears to be happy. In my eyes it seems to boil down to preference. Due to me only having 1 snake there is no inconvenience, as for the "accidental bitings" I've been handling him and he seems to know when he's in his bin it's food time. Other than that he's the sweetest little dude. I believe these collectors have random bites due to not handling thier snakes, besides during cleanings.

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Originally Posted by patientz3ro

Aww, man! You're nit supposed to TELL people that! That's one of those things everyone should learn through experience, Like I did...

Twice.


In a week.


I'm surprised no one has mentioned it yet, but that could also be a defensive reaction. Lots of snakes will empty their vents defensively.

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Is there any signs that it may be defensive? He wasn't balled up or nipping at all, he seems to live being handled. When I try to put him back in his enclosure he keeps trying to go up my hand.

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Originally Posted by Lemmywinkzz

I don't really appreciate the sarcasm, there's no reason to be that guy. I only have 1 snake and his tank is on top of a dresser. It's very simple for me to place him in a small container and be able to sit down and comfortably dangle the prey, then observe his process. This topic seems to be controversial, either way my snake is healthy and appears to be happy. In my eyes it seems to boil down to preference. Due to me only having 1 snake there is no inconvenience, as for the "accidental bitings" I've been handling him and he seems to know when he's in his bin it's food time. Other than that he's the sweetest little dude. I believe these collectors have random bites due to not handling thier snakes, besides during cleanings.

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Ha, me sarcastic! Just wait til you meet some of the other members.

Friendly jabs are part of the fun. Plus you have to admit you don't know if your snake actually enjoys it. As you will see it stated our snakes tolerate us, some better than others. They are not like a dog and would rather go without seeing you at all if possible.

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Originally Posted by Lemmywinkzz

I don't really appreciate the sarcasm, there's no reason to be that guy. I only have 1 snake and his tank is on top of a dresser. It's very simple for me to place him in a small container and be able to sit down and comfortably dangle the prey, then observe his process. This topic seems to be controversial, either way my snake is healthy and appears to be happy. In my eyes it seems to boil down to preference. Due to me only having 1 snake there is no inconvenience, as for the "accidental bitings" I've been handling him and he seems to know when he's in his bin it's food time. Other than that he's the sweetest little dude. I believe these collectors have random bites due to not handling thier snakes, besides during cleanings.

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No actually most accidental bitings happen from moving them around while in feeding mode... as in moving them to and from a feeding tub. That's what they are trying to explain.


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Originally Posted by Crazymonkee

No actually most accidental bitings happen from moving them around while in feeding mode... as in moving them to and from a feeding tub. That's what they are trying to explain.


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Crazymonkee he obliviously knows best. I bet he changes his POV real quick if he ever gets a gtp or blood. Move that to feed.

I do have to admit I have never been tagged by my ball but I feed in her tank so maybe that's why. We are just trying to share some advice on a possible better more convienent way to feed your snake.

Anybody here can tell you one turns into six quick. At that time your going to realize that separate feeding tubs is not efficient at all.

Also while I still find it very fascinating to watch them eat you will find you stop watching after a while and you may find many snakes will not eat while being watched. But that's just experience talking again. What do I know? I'm just that guy.

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Originally Posted by Lemmywinkzz

I believe these collectors have random bites due to not handling thier snakes, besides during cleanings.

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I don't care if you feed him in a special tub. I think it's asking for trouble, but some people do it and do it successfully. If you can make it work for you, that's all that matters.

Most of the time, ball pythons will do anything they can to avoid having to bite you. They'll hiss, they'll ball up, they'll sit there, they'll try to get down, they'll try to get up, they'll try to run away and hide...anything but try to bite. Biting is usually last for most BP's which is partially why they are such popular pets. Small and relatively passive dispositions most of the time.

Scent the room with rodents and wave your hands around and it's a different story. This is kind of what you're doing when you move them to a separate tub.

That's all I'm saying, it works for me and hasn't caused a problem. This being such a controversial topic and with there being no correct answer, then there is no harm done. It all comes down to preference and personal experience. Just because someone got bit feeding in a seperate enclosure doesn't mean I will. There's to many variables to factor in to simply say "a ball python will bite you if you feed it in a seperate tank".

Welcome! :gj:

I've had a python poop on me fresh out of the delivery box. You never know...I doubt he was expelling in fright.

Great advice here, especially on where to feed. Keep your mind open. Good luck!

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Originally Posted by The Flying Henry

Welcome! :gj:

I've had a python poop on me fresh out of the delivery box. You never know...I doubt he was expelling in fright.

Great advice here, especially on where to feed. Keep your mind open. Good luck!

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Thanks, I most definitely will. Honestly the only reason I feed him in a seperate enclosure is because that I heard if they ingest aspen, that it could be harmful.

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Originally Posted by Lemmywinkzz

Thanks, I most definitely will. Honestly the only reason I feed him in a seperate enclosure is because that I heard if they ingest aspen, that it could be harmful.

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A little bit of aspen will not hurt him. They can digest bone, nails and fur...a little bit of aspen doesn't stand a chance in there.

Alright, well tomorrow I feed him. I might give it a shot.

For the OP....

I get where you are coming from. We are new bp owners and were feeding in tub. My thoughts originally were about cage aggression. After enough reading and talking with an experienced herp owner I understand that cage aggresion, when it comes to bp, is a non issue. Also, tub feeding allowed my son, the primary owner of the snake, to be the one responsible for the feeding process. After listening to advice from a well respected member of this forum we went ahead and fed in the enclosure. She ate fine, was not tempted to strike me since I wasn't moving her from a tub to her tank, and didn't get one single piece of substrate with the rat. The process of the swallowing actually kept the rat clean as a whistle. As many have said, snakes have survived and thrived for millions of years eating rodents. They are perfectly designed to do so. For us, all I need to do is offer my son a chair so he can reach her with the tongs for feeding, I don't have to worry about the tub, it is less stress on the snake, and decreases the odds of getting bit because of a SFE (stupid feeding error). So far I have been far more concered about he feeding process than the snake.

So, overall, don't stress it. Your bp will be fine. Relax and enjoy the ride. Lots of great advice on this forum....just keep reading and learning.

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Originally Posted by Lemmywinkzz

Thanks, I most definitely will. Honestly the only reason I feed him in a seperate enclosure is because that I heard if they ingest aspen, that it could be harmful.

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You should have said that in the beginning. Like it was already said the substrate is not going to be an issue. When it comes to snake keeping sometimes all you need to think about is "how would this get done in the wild?" I can promise you that your snake can handle a bit of aspen.

I will say that if you warm in hot water just dry the prey a little before offering to keep the aspen sticking to a minimum. But that is really all that is needed. Nothing crazy like feeding on a paper towel or plate is needed. Just drop the prey in or zombie dance it and the snake will handle the rest. I think once you try it you will actually enjoy feeding in the cage better.

Also do not let our little sarcastic remarks get to you. Just know that if you open the door many of us will walk through it. I wasn't trying to offend you I was just having fun with you. Also remember that you will probably never ask a question that has not been asked before so using the search feature will usually answer most noob questions without having to wait on responses.

Im glad your keeping an open mind and just realize that if the majority of the forum agrees on a method it is going to usually be your best bet in most situations. There can always be differences in each keepers practices and you will find us more than happy to throw out ideas or issues that most of us will be speaking from, like you said, "personal experience."

Good luck tonight. Welcome to the hobby! I hope you enjoy it.

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Originally Posted by KMG

You should have said that in the beginning. Like it was already said the substrate is not going to be an issue. When it comes to snake keeping sometimes all you need to think about is "how would this get done in the wild?" I can promise you that your snake can handle a bit of aspen.

I will say that if you warm in hot water just dry the prey a little before offering to keep the aspen sticking to a minimum. But that is really all that is needed. Nothing crazy like feeding on a paper towel or plate is needed. Just drop the prey in or zombie dance it and the snake will handle the rest. I think once you try it you will actually enjoy feeding in the cage better.

Also do not let our little sarcastic remarks get to you. Just know that if you open the door many of us will walk through it. I wasn't trying to offend you I was just having fun with you. Also remember that you will probably never ask a question that has not been asked before so using the search feature will usually answer most noob questions without having to wait on responses.

Im glad your keeping an open mind and just realize that if the majority of the forum agrees on a method it is going to usually be your best bet in most situations. There can always be differences in each keepers practices and you will find us more than happy to throw out ideas or issues that most of us will be speaking from, like you said, "personal experience."

Good luck tonight. Welcome to the hobby! I hope you enjoy it.

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Thank you, no I was not offended at all. I was just unsure why I was being mocked when I was simply requesting input. I never asked about the seperate feeding enclosure, not sure how everyone got started on it. Though tomorrow I am going to give it a try. I do very much enjoy him so far, I grew up around reptiles my whole life. I honestly want to get bit, just to get it over with and get the fear factor out of the way. I'm not going to purposely get bit, or try to antagonize my little dude.

You will find that threads evolve or devolve often around here.

When/If you get tagged it will happen quick. They are incredibly fast. I have a few pics in my profile of some of the times I have been tagged by my bloods when they were young and my gtp. They bleed but I can honestly say that not one has hurt.

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Originally Posted by KMG

You will find that threads evolve or devolve often around here.

When/If you get tagged it will happen quick. They are incredibly fast. I have a few pics in my profile of some of the times I have been tagged by my bloods when they were young and my gtp. They bleed but I can honestly say that not one has hurt.

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Meh, I have a great pain tolerance. I've broken many bones and messed myself up pretty bad as a kid. (Skateboarding/snowboarding/dirtbiking and just plain being stupid) When a BP bites, does he latch on or just nip? What I'm worried about is getting him off me safely without hurting the dude.

Usually just a tag. The times I have been tagged it was over before I even knew it was happening. That's not saying that some balls have not latched on.

Most say a ball bite feels like rubbing the rough side of Velcro.

Search the forum and you will find what some have done to get them to let go.

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Originally Posted by 200xth

A little bit of aspen will not hurt him. They can digest bone, nails and fur...a little bit of aspen doesn't stand a chance in there.

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Actually, wood fibers, being cellulose, is not digestable.

I fed in a tub for a long time with my 1 BP and had no problems. I now feed in her enclosure because it's easier on her. It's all a learning process and what works for both of you. I also use coco husk as a substrate because I like the more natural earth look and because it holds humidity better. Everyone does things differently. It jus depends on how it works for each person and snake. I've been tagged by a BP and it felt like getting my finger pricked by a needle. It was over before I realized it lol. I got 1 drop of blood from it. The poor thing was very hungry, and I was the lucky person that was helping to feed it. I was very inexperienced. It was before I got my girl and I was trying to get experience to take good care of her. I learned not to hold the rodent by hand lol.