Royal Python worries

Hello people.

I've had my royal for about 3-4 weeks now. I just want to pick your brains about his temperament change...

When I first got him, I let him settle for about a week, and then fed him. He struck, constricted and ate (I only saw him strike and constrict because I then turned lights out and left him to it on his own for a few hours as I didnt wanna stress him by peering in while he was trying to eat.) I then waited 48 hours and handled him. He was lovely. slithering around my hands, up my shoulder etc... I only had him out about 5 minutes because he'd been on his cold side of his vivarium and felt a bit cool so I didnt want him to get too cold (im very paranoid about my reptiles getting too cold while they're out of their viv)

anyway, ive fed him twice more since then (every Wednesday) and as soon as ive been heating the rat up with my hairdryer hes *woosh* out of his hide and up at the glass in his strike pose just waiting. Safe to say he struck and ate perfectly everytime.

now, to the part I'm concerned about, the other day while he was going through a shed, I misted his viv with water to up the humidity and I accidentally got him, and he didn't like it at all. I said sorry even though he couldnt understand obviously and carried on around him, and im not sure if he hissed at me or not or it was the sound the water was making when it hit his hot spot. But I left him alone for a day or two after that just in case i'd made him angry.

I got him out after a couple of days and he seemed to be okay again, my older brother handled him for a bit too and fell in love and said he looked healthy and stuff (he's a bit of a snake man himself). Then not last night but the night before I wanted to get him out and he seemed angry? Like very tense and like he wanted to bite me. So I didn't bother him. (And I'm sure I heard him hiss again? I'm unsure whether he's hissing or not, I wish I knew what their hissing sounded like so I knew. Is it loud or quiet?) and today I went to get him out and he seemed jumpy and like he wanted to bite me?

I've tried giving him a few days between handling so I don't stress him out but he still seems like he wants to bite me...

I feed him on 1 Large Weaning Rat every Wednesday. He's a year old, just over 2 feet in length and 700grams in weight. Do you think maybe he's hungry by now and I should feed him every 5-7 days instead of every week? I thought maybe he could be striking out of hunger?

Unless he's holding a grudge against me for spraying him, which I really didn't mean to do! I said sorry for goodness sake, snake!

his hot side spot is 90f, and his cool side is 80f. His humidity is 49% which I up when he's shedding. He is in a vivarium which is far too small for him, I know (it's a 2foot one) but I dont have funds to get him a bigger one yet but as soon as payday comes on the 28th, I will be ordering one for him.

So, any advice would be appreciated? http://www.reptileforums.co.uk/forum...ies/smile1.gif any more information needed, just ask! http://www.reptileforums.co.uk/forum...ies/smile1.gif

I just find it weird how he was fine with me at first and then suddenly doesn't want to know http://www.reptileforums.co.uk/forum...s/icon_sad.gif

just to clarify - because someone jumped down my throat on another forum I'm on - I didn't attempt to handle my ball at ALL during him shedding, I only put my hand in to mist to raise the humidity and also to remove his shed once he was done. And I never handle him for 2 (sometimes 3) days after he's eaten, too :)

(this was copied & pasted from another forum I'm on, but someone got a bit arsey with me so I decided to try posting here hoping for a nicer answer in stead)

If he's 700 grams he can take a small rat weekly instead of a weanly. So yes, he might be a bit hungry.

Most of my BP's hate being misted and will hiss and flee to the backs of their tubs if they feel the water hitting them.

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Originally Posted by bcr229

If he's 700 grams he can take a small rat weekly instead of a weanly. So yes, he might be a bit hungry.

Most of my BP's hate being misted and will hiss and flee to the backs of their tubs if they feel the water hitting them.

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Okay, thank you. I'll start buying small rats then.

And yeah, he didn't enjoy it but it was an accident. Atleast I know to make sure it doesn't happen again! hehe

Again, thank you so much for not jumping down my throat and being rude. Maybe I'll stick to this forum instead of my previous one! :)

Can we get some pictures or details on his vivarium? 2 Feet sounds perfectly fine for a snake his size - in fact, it may be a little too big and causing him to feel insecure. I agree about larger prey.

They don't hold grudges so I would look at other factors. This forum is great and I've been on several others... this is the only one I'll actively participate in because every hobby has elitists and those elitists like to gravitate toward forums to feel powerful and important. This one managed to attract the people who just like to be helpful and discuss the hobby!

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Originally Posted by MrLang

Can we get some pictures or details on his vivarium? 2 Feet sounds perfectly fine for a snake his size - in fact, it may be a little too big and causing him to feel insecure.

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Sure, is this picture okay?

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...ps1393fc80.jpg
oh my God, ignore my mess on top of the viv! Maybe thats his problem? He doesnt like junk on his home? haha.
Also, I don't use that thermometer thingy thats inside the vivarium, that was just with him when he came. I just a temperature gun at the moment until I can get some digital ones (:

He has a hide on both his hot and cold side, and a log above his cold side incase he wants to climb, a water bowl annnd another climby thing which im not sure the name of, which is just like a little ramp just because i thought it was cool. I think its only about a foot high and im not sure how deep it is. i cant find my tape measure at the moment otherwise id check :(

and this is his stance when i even come near his vivarium;

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...ps4fd47192.jpg

Nice looking viviarium can't wait til my girl grows a bit so I can get her something like this instead of a tank she's in now

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Originally Posted by lurch9

Nice looking viviarium can't wait til my girl grows a bit so I can get her something like this instead of a tank she's in now

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Thanks, it's what he came in (: I need to put his heatmatt wire around the back so it's no longer leaving a gap in the door though, and I never use the light so I don't know why I still have that in there! Haha

My pythons became more tame when I moved them out of the tanks and into a rack system.
With tubs, temperature and humidity are much easier to control and maintain. Plus BP's feel more 'comfortable' in the dark enclosure of a tub and feel less threatened than in a large open vivarium.

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Originally Posted by Wizard

My pythons became more tame when I moved them out of the tanks and into a rack system.
With tubs, temperature and humidity are much easier to control and maintain. Plus BP's feel more 'comfortable' in the dark enclosure of a tub and feel less threatened than in a large open vivarium.

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I considered this. But would have no idea on where to start with a rack system... Maybe I'll research this. Thank you :)

I would have to say the opposite with regard to temperament of snakes in a rack system. While I admit a rack is the absolute best option if you want your snakes to positively thrive, all of my animals became more aggressive when placed in the rack system. They are not exposed to any outside stimulation, which is great with regard to their health, but boy when I open those tubs they come flying out looking for dinner! Even the most timid animal I have ever owned changed into a food driven monster in the rack. While that doesn't bother me at all, as I'd rather have an animal that will eat than have an animal that is passive and won't eat, that is something to consider if you are considering switching.

Granted, the rack makes maintaining ideal temp and humidity a breeze, and almost ensures perfect sheds every time, however, a well decorated vivarium with carefully maintained temps and humidity works just fine and lets you see your pet occasionally when they are not hiding under one of their hide boxes. That is not to say that putting your animals in a rack will make them aggressive, but regular handling is important to help avoid general aggression.

That said, your snake does not look as though he wants to bite you in that picture. More nervous and inquisitive than anything. Even if he hisses at you when you go to pick him up, that does not mean he is going to bite. It is merely his way of saying, "Hey! I'm not too sure about this handling thing right now. What are you and why are you touching me?" That will calm down with regular handling. He is still getting to know you, that's all. ;)

Congrats on your new addition and welcome to the addiction! :snake:

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Originally Posted by WarriorPrincess90

I would have to say the opposite with regard to temperament of snakes in a rack system. While I admit a rack is the absolute best option if you want your snakes to positively thrive, all of my animals became more aggressive when placed in the rack system. They are not exposed to any outside stimulation, which is great with regard to their health, but boy when I open those tubs they come flying out looking for dinner! Even the most timid animal I have ever owned changed into a food driven monster in the rack. While that doesn't bother me at all, as I'd rather have an animal that will eat than have an animal that is passive and won't eat, that is something to consider if you are considering switching.

Granted, the rack makes maintaining ideal temp and humidity a breeze, and almost ensures perfect sheds every time, however, a well decorated vivarium with carefully maintained temps and humidity works just fine and lets you see your pet occasionally when they are not hiding under one of their hide boxes. That is not to say that putting your animals in a rack will make them aggressive, but regular handling is important to help avoid general aggression.

That said, your snake does not look as though he wants to bite you in that picture. More nervous and inquisitive than anything. Even if he hisses at you when you go to pick him up, that does not mean he is going to bite. It is merely his way of saying, "Hey! I'm not too sure about this handling thing right now. What are you and why are you touching me?" That will calm down with regular handling. He is still getting to know you, that's all. ;)

Congrats on your new addition and welcome to the addiction! :snake:

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It seems that a rack system is brilliant for multiple snakeys, but I don't know if I'll be getting any more. I'm always up for researching different things for him, anyway. Anything that'll make his life better! :)

I don't think it helps that because he's hissed at me, or I've convinced myself he's hissed (it wasn't loud or for a long period of time, just a quiet short noise) I'm a bit unsure, and that's obviously making him unsure! Probably just a case of braving up and going for the (gentle) grab. I've read they'll usually be fine after they're out of their territory anyway.

He just seems to tense up whenever I even just walk past his vivarium, and don't want to be upsetting him too much :(

My snake did something similar as yours. He escaped one day and I found him only a few hours later, but when I went to pick him up I moved to grab him and I moved too fast and it scared him and he bit me. Ever since then I can tell he just doesn't trust me anymore. Every time I go to touch him he gets in a defensive stance and flinches at the slightest touch.

Anyways, with your snake, what I would do is just continue to hold him and interact with him. Even if he does look ready to bite you I'd just slowly pick him up anyways. Maybe try on e or twice a week at first, and then a little more often. The bite doesn't hurt that much. Or, if you are worried about the bite, you can wear a glove.

That's kind of what I've been doing and my snake seems to have calmed down some. He still slightly gets in a defensive stance but doesn't flinch and he hasn't bitten me since the day he escaped.

Not all snakes are the same so it may not work with your snake but I'd give it a try!

Good luck!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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Originally Posted by Ballpythoncrazy

My snake did something similar as yours. He escaped one day and I found him only a few hours later, but when I went to pick him up I moved to grab him and I moved too fast and it scared him and he bit me. Ever since then I can tell he just doesn't trust me anymore. Every time I go to touch him he gets in a defensive stance and flinches at the slightest touch.

Anyways, with your snake, what I would do is just continue to hold him and interact with him. Even if he does look ready to bite you I'd just slowly pick him up anyways. Maybe try on e or twice a week at first, and then a little more often. The bite doesn't hurt that much. Or, if you are worried about the bite, you can wear a glove.

That's kind of what I've been doing and my snake seems to have calmed down some. He still slightly gets in a defensive stance but doesn't flinch and he hasn't bitten me since the day he escaped.

Not all snakes are the same so it may not work with your snake but I'd give it a try!

Good luck!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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Bahh, I hope I haven't ruined my trust with him completely.
I'll up his rat size and take it slow, I had my hand in their earlier cause I was moving stuff around and he seemed a bit defensive but I just carried on confidently and he just stared curiously so hopefully it'll be okay :)

Thank you for your advice :D

A handful of mine make a hiss noise when I go to handle them, the trick seems to be not to worry about it. The two that hiss at me happen to be my biggest two, but I don't let that intimidate me. I just tell them "oh shush" and go right on doing what needs done. As far as animals go, you have to not be afraid, or at least not let the animal know you're afraid of it. The whole "smelling fear" thing, you know? Be confident! He won't bite you, and even if he does so what? Are you going to let a little nip ruin your enjoyment of your pet?

Snakes will only bite for two reasons. One being because they are hungry and want food and the other one is usually defensive. So if you were feeding him regularly and he is not hungry and he is being handled regularly there should be no reason for him to bite. Sometimes you have snakes that are scared and the only way to fix that is to handle them. so overall the best thing you can do is get him used to you being around and being handled. The more you can be in their and handling him the better it will be. I had a snake that I called :cens0r::cens0r::cens0r::cens0r:head because he was very snappy when he was younger. I still handled him a lot and he ended up being very docile and very tame. The reason why he was like that is he was afraid and thought I was going to hurt him. You have to think any time in the wild something as big as we are goes toward a steak or something it's usually for food purposes. Just continually head of the snake the snake will get used to being handled.

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Originally Posted by Daigga

A handful of mine make a hiss noise when I go to handle them, the trick seems to be not to worry about it. The two that hiss at me happen to be my biggest two, but I don't let that intimidate me. I just tell them "oh shush" and go right on doing what needs done. As far as animals go, you have to not be afraid, or at least not let the animal know you're afraid of it. The whole "smelling fear" thing, you know? Be confident! He won't bite you, and even if he does so what? Are you going to let a little nip ruin your enjoyment of your pet?

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I don't mind him biting me while he's only 2foot. Its when he's bigger I'm worried about! But hopefully confidence and handling will help :) thank you :)

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Originally Posted by seanmcginnin

Snakes will only bite for two reasons. One being because they are hungry and want food and the other one is usually defensive. So if you were feeding him regularly and he is not hungry and he is being handled regularly there should be no reason for him to bite. Sometimes you have snakes that are scared and the only way to fix that is to handle them. so overall the best thing you can do is get him used to you being around and being handled. The more you can be in their and handling him the better it will be. I had a snake that I called :cens0r::cens0r::cens0r::cens0r:head because he was very snappy when he was younger. I still handled him a lot and he ended up being very docile and very tame. The reason why he was like that is he was afraid and thought I was going to hurt him. You have to think any time in the wild something as big as we are goes toward a steak or something it's usually for food purposes. Just continually head of the snake the snake will get used to being handled.

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Yeah, im thinking I'll see if he'll take small rats instead of weaning rats, and see if that improves his mood. And I'll carry on handling him, obviously not after he's eaten!:)

Thankies, I'll just have to suck it up! Haha

Unfortunately sometimes we have to get bit by the snake's. It also trying to teach is my opinion that if they but you you're not gonna this is early put them back some kind of turns him to not bite necessarily. If you get bit by them and you put it back right away I feel as if they learned that they're more apt to buy it but if you power through and still hold a bit. It allows them to get used to being handled more. I don't know if this is prove it or anything that's just how I feel about the situation.

Sorry, that was all talk to text.

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Originally Posted by seanmcginnin

Unfortunately sometimes we have to get bit by the snake's. It also trying to teach is my opinion that if they but you you're not gonna this is early put them back some kind of turns him to not bite necessarily. If you get bit by them and you put it back right away I feel as if they learned that they're more apt to buy it but if you power through and still hold a bit. It allows them to get used to being handled more. I don't know if this is prove it or anything that's just how I feel about the situation.

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Yeah, I've heard a lot of people say to power through and keep handling, even if they do bite. I guess it proves even more that we're not going to hurt them, even if they try to hurt us :) I'm going to try getting him out tomorrow evening if I have the energy.... yay for night shifts and then college all day the next day... :dead:

You also want to make sure that when you were going in there to handle him that it's in a way that doesn't scare the snake. Always grab the snake about mid body and stay away from the head as much as possible to get the snake used to being handled. Let the snake move through your hand and get it used to you.

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Originally Posted by seanmcginnin

You also want to make sure that when you were going in there to handle him that it's in a way that doesn't scare the snake. Always grab the snake about mid body and stay away from the head as much as possible to get the snake used to being handled. Let the snake move through your hand and get it used to you.

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Oh yeah, I know theyre very head shy, so going toward their head is a bad idea, hehe but yeah (:

One of the hides he has he manages to jam himself inside of so tight that its impossible to get him out unless I shook him out (which I obviously wouldn't do) if he's in that should I just pick the hide up and put my hand underneath so he doesn't fall out and just bring the hide with him and hopee comes out once I put him on the bed?

If he's in the hide box and is jammed in there let him stay in there. If you see him come out that's when you can handle them but in my opinion the last thing you want to do one a snake is hiding to rip them out of the hide box and handle them especially if he's not used to being handled all the time.

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Originally Posted by seanmcginnin

If he's in the hide box and is jammed in there let him stay in there. If you see him come out that's when you can handle them but in my opinion the last thing you want to do one a snake is hiding to rip them out of the hide box and handle them especially if he's not used to being handled all the time.

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Ah okay, best for me to probably wait until evening when he's out roaming then? He has a bigger hide which is a log that can be just picked up but I'll just wait til he's out roaming (:

Thank you, you've been an awesome help ^^

This is irrelevant and not to do with anything but here is my ball in the hide he likes to squish into. He's so cute so I had to share, I'm not sorry :P

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...ps9fd14a34.jpg