Trying to clean enclosure!

I have a problem... I've had this ball python for a few months now, and I switched him to frozen/thawed a large (or maybe medium large)rat every two weeks... He was getting tiny live mice before I got him. I'm trying to clean his enclosure right now. I'll be honest that it's a little overdue to be cleaned because of stuff that's been going on, and it got put off a few days... But he is acting aggressive like he is hungry and comes after me while I'm trying to clean the enclosure. I originally got him for my 11 year old daughter... And I didn't think that I would be afraid to handle him because I was told he wasn't aggressive as long as he was fed, by the previous owner... But we haven't handled him too much out of fear because of this behavior... and I'm just sitting here not knowing what to do with only half of the paper towels removed on one side of the enclosure, and his hide removed while he looks at me like I'm a snack! I just fed him last week and have had him on a biweekly feeding schedule which he had to get used to, after eating live mice weekly. We have handled him before. He is not always like this... But when he is I'm afraid to even clean his enclosure out, but I've never been stuck with having it half done and then not knowing what to do now because I'm afraid to open the door to the enclosure to finish it!! His water bowl really needs clean and everything since he got feces in it. He is in a big commercial enclosure made of PVC by the way(with 2 long front doors made of plexiglass), not an aquarium/terrarium type enclosure. I feel stuck right now! I seriously need advice! My cats like to mess with him too but I have to get a utility shelf and make room in another room to move him to before I can solve that problem... I don't know if he is more defensive because of them? Just please help. I don't know what the exact problem is!

Put a washcloth over him and pick him up. Finish cleaning with one hand if you have to then put him back in. Depending on his age/size, he probably needs to eat once a week but this behavior is defensive, not aggressive. They(most of them) do not like things moving around in front of them in their "space". It scares them. They naturally think everything is going to be a predator. I would hold him a little more often as well and make sure all Temps and humidity are spot on. I'm going to go ahead and post this to you bc I know you are in a situation but I'd like to share how I got my guy out of this same behavior. Feel free to message me after you get finished. Good luck mama!

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The proximity of your cats is probably a BIG part of what's making him so defensive. That's not fair either, you need to stop giving them access to him if you expect him
to thrive. :(

But whether he's afraid-defensive or thinks you're dinner, you just need to tell him he's mistaken. ;)

One easy & HARMLESS way to make a snake back off (& say "I'm NOT yo dinner!") is to give him a spray/mist of clean cold water in the face. That should subdue him
enough that you can put a towel over him & then pick him up and out of the enclosure while you clean. Obviously you don't have a snake hook, or you'd be using it...;)

And btw, snakes feel most vulnerable & are MOST likely to bite defensively when we approach them...so if you're going to keep a snake, you MUST learn
how to communicate with them. Remember this: they do not see well & do NOT identify you by vision. That's why many snakes may act this way until you
pick them up...then they remember they know you by scent & touch (their best senses to identify things) & most calm down.

I remove all my snakes when cleaning. This way, I don't either a) get mistaken for food or b) scare them and get them defensive.

AND KEEP HIM AWAY FROM THE CATS or KEEP THE CATS AWAY FROM HIM!

I had a BP who got defensive because I had a dog marking the base of his tank stand. Took me forever to figure out what was going on, but once I did, he was a different BP. I cannot imagine what actually have the cats near him would do to him. He's thinking PREDATOR!!!!!!!

Unless it's a spot clean, I take my snakes out and put them in a tub.

I know I need to move him to a room that is more isolated... But my apartment is tiny and I have been doing a lot of decluttering around the house and still don't have another place to put him just yet and haven't had the extra money to get a shelf for him yet as me and my fiance keep have had a few financial set backs recently that were unexpected. Info really care and feel bad for him, even to the point that I have considered rehoming him because it's been a lot on my plate! We are currently not even using our dining room table because that's where he has been since we've got him. He is really big actually. 4 feet long, and pretty thick at his girth (but doesn't look overweight) Definitely full grown. If he were to start freaking out by me handling him with a towel over his head, I would be so nervous! I'm trying so hard to get over my fear. I used to want to be a zoologist and handled lots of animals, even reptiles, but have never owned a snake until now, and I was actually excited about getting him when we did and had every intention on handling him a lot more, I since i know ball pythons are typically docile. I just did not expect this. I have had problems with his cool side of the enclosure, because the stupid heat pad they gave me isn't the right kind for the enclosure. I got it on a thermostat after I got him because I discovered it was getting too hot. I don't have air conditioner right now so the cool side of the enclosure is a perfect 80* right now, but I would rather get a heat panel because when it would be cooler in here, that side would not go above 75*. I'm still trying to figure out humidity. Right now it is 71%. He has a large water bowl in there, and I was told that was good enough for humidity, but I can spray it in there if I need to. Just trying to get it clean right now... Ugh!

If you are only spot cleaning, then you don’t need to remove your bp. One method you could do is cover their head gently with your hand, coming from the back side. You should find that your snake will ball up. I would do this and place them either back under their hide, or keep your hand over top until they relax.

If you are deep cleaning, or moving the enclosure then I would recommend using a snake hook if its too scary to move your snake with your hands. If the paper towel method works then that’s great, otherwise a snake hook works fantastic. You could also place them in a pillowcase to keep them calm.

No need to bump up the humidity higher. Ideally it should be about 60-65%. I would recommend a low wattage heat bulb to keep your cool side temps up. If it’s 80 normally, and dips to 71 at night then I wouldn’t actually worry. Some variance like this is not a big deal since, naturally, temperatures and humidity will dip during the night(personal preference). But if it is periodical for say a day or two then I’d definitely invest in a heat bulb.

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Originally Posted by Faith.luu

I used to be super scared of handling my bp when I first got her, once she hears the tub lid open up she automatically gets defensive. I honestly wore winter gloves, and used a hook to move her. She was my first snake and I was very scared(even though I knew her bite wouldn’t hurt). I would highly recommend a snake hook. And then you can place your bp in a pillowcase. This will protect and calm both of you. You can definitely try covering her with a paper towel. I personally was still scared to try this technique, with gloves, so I ended up using a snake hook.

I’ve even spent handling sessions with her in the pillowcase so that she could get used to the feeling. After a while I ditched the pillowcase, and gloves. Handled her with my bare hands and used a snake hook to move her. As my confidence grew I ditched the snake hook too. Now I just carry her and move her when I need to, and when I open the door to her enclosure she stays totally calm. I think I’ve finally built up my trust and confidence with her, so handling is not an issue anymore.

And to get a ball python out of a defensive mode, you can use your hands and gently cover the head, coming from behind. Your bp should instantly ball up under your hand. Remain still for a few minutes and slowly remove your hand. You’ll find them balled up. And eventually they will relax and become curious. Overtime they won’t require this anymore as they slowly learn to trust. I did this technique with my bp. She used to take 15 minutes to finally un ball and relax. Then she took only a minute or two. I’ve now reached a point where she doesn’t even ball up. She will freeze, but then she relaxes and becomes curious.

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Great post here. There are also a number of videos on YouTube about defensive ball pythons and gaining confidence in yours and it gaining confidence in you. PredatorBP did a really good one on this, as did Chris Hardwick. Go take a watch!

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You really should have started with a smaller snake... BTW, I wouldn't trust the aim of a nervous person (you) with a 'small' towel to put over his head either, so if you try that, use a towel that's big enough to contain him, to pick him up. A lot of snakes are really bluffing when they come after you like this, & if you put your hand in a box you could probably approach him with it & I bet he'll back up, not to mention that a box (like a cereal box) would have utterly nothing to interest him for grabbing or eating. And if you're only spot cleaning, most snakes back up & stay in their hide if you block their view with a piece of corrugated cardboard, used like a shield. ;)

This reminds me of when I was a teen, we had a very wild parakeet (he'd been loose outside for a while & neighbors caught it & gave it to us for a pet). Anyway, whenever we'd reach in his cage (to change food & water, for example) he'd come after us & try to bite. He was pretty successful too. :D But I discovered that when I put my hand right up to his face, he did absolutely nothing, so I learned to call his bluff & after a while we got along fine.

When you DO get around to handling this snake, keep your hands quiet & underneath him. As the saying goes, snakes don't bite the ground they crawl on. And when they're nervous they may misunderstand your "other hand" as being a separate threat, not part of the warm friendly soul that's holding them, so just keep that in mind...vision can confuse them. They learn our touch & scent...you could even put a worn old shirt in with him so he gets to learn your scent isn't a threat...it couldn't hurt. (unless it's your best shirt & he dumps on it, lol, that's why I said "old")

Well I've been traumatized since he lunged at me once, mouth open, when he was hungry soon after we first got him. I almost got his head stuck in the enclosure door trying to close it shut when he did that. I had a rat ready to put in there, and I didn't even get in in there yet to feed him when he did that. His prey item was too small the feeding before that, so that's why he was so hungry that time... But I learned, and started feeding him rats, so he never did it again. I'm not spot cleaning. He peed all over the place in there and there blood from his last rat he ate. I use paper towels instead of a different substrate. He has scars on his head from where a past owner fed him a love rat and was injured(so he does not like his head touched I've found from the times we have safely handled him), but the last owner got him from a rescue so he had that before they even got him. The daughter of the woman who sold him to us, turned 18 and moved out and didn't want him anymore, and she said they handled him frequently and that he would be safe for us to handle. I still gotta get a snake hook I guess. I'm just having to ask my fiance for money for everything right now. I just recently quit my job and we are due to have a baby in the next few weeks(maybe less!). My daughter wanted a snake and someone I knew, knew someone wanting to re-home him at the time, so I jumped on it to be honest! I didn't realize the reality of how big he was either until she brought him over, but I didn't know everything would become so nerve wracking, and stressful with him. I did research stuff about his care and everything before we got him, but didn't realize I would still be in this boat after getting him. I'm not going to lie... I'm exhausted and just left that side of the enclosure bare that I didn't finish (for now), until tomorrow so I can maybe go back at it more prepared and less stressed out, because I just got so tired and upset about it. He will be ok for a night with it like that. It needs more than a spot clean though, so that's my point is there is pee and poop all over. I'm also looking into utility shelves so I can get him away from view of my cats and vice -versa, but they are too expensive right now until we get caught up on some other things financially... I just feel like a failure with this snake!😭😭😭

I love Chris Hardwick! I've been watching him actually! Check out my next comment in this thread though... 😔

Bless your heart. Where do you live? I can try to find some good free groups that may have some shelving or something. It sounds like you read up on it but weren't quite ready and definitely not ready for that big of a snake, and then things spiraled and kind of fell apart in life in general. If you want to message me your info, feel free and I'll try to help in any way possible.

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BTW, for anyone who thinks that a spray of cool water in the face of a confused snake is somehow "mean": First off, snakes in the "real world" get rained on, & secondly, I have snakes that will literally drink from a spray of water. But all it does (when a snake is defensive or thinks you're edible) is to "change their channel" of thinking...like immediately & without harm. ;) They also don't associate that with you...it's just water, & rain happens. I've had BPs in the past & don't recall ever needing the technique with any of them, but I've used it now & then for various other kinds of snakes.

I currently have large FL rat snakes that are always thinking "food!" so if I need to spot-clean their tanks, I use a ping-pong paddle to block the door-way of their hides (with them inside, of course) as otherwise they'd charge out & grab my moving hand (assuming "prey") & "ask questions later" lol. They're all quite safe to handle, but if I want to take them out, & they give me a questioning look ("got food?") I answer with a mist of water, so they know "NOT food". It's the same idea as "tap training" that many others here do...but I favor using a water spray because I've had feisty snakes that grab the snake hook & I do NOT want them to hurt their mouth on a metal hook...water is safer, & just as effective, in my experience. (I used this technique with the large BCI I had for many years too, & never had even one bite from her.) My little Aussie spotted python is another one I have to watch out for: once in hand, she's a total sweetheart, but she's always hoping for incoming prey too. :snake2:

Hey, you don't need to BUY a snake hook...just MAKE one. You're not going to pick up the snake with it like on an episode of Wild Kingdom...it's only for "tap training".

You can use a stick or wooden dowel, pad the end, put your scent on it & hope he doesn't get his teeth stuck in any fabric. (yeah, it's actually possible- so maybe use a
rubber or plastic cap instead of cloth to pad the end). This technique (offering a stick with your scent on it) is useful even with dogs that are defending their yards...I
once had a summer job reading electric meters...barging into back yards even with "bad" dogs to read the meters. It works because dogs want to sniff you, but it's not
safe to risk your hand with strange dogs...instead they read your scent off the tennis ball that's installed on the end of the stick you carry, & believe it or not, they accept
you! I never got bit...those that didn't bother to carry that tool sure did though. (boy do I have dog stories...LOL)

Haha, I always feel a slight tinge of mean-ness when I spray my BP accidentally. When she's shedding I like to use a spray bottle to bump up the humidity and it will barely touch her and she'll move across her viv in a flash. I always think what the heck would she do in the wild during the rain [emoji23]

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Originally Posted by Absololol

Haha, I always feel a slight tinge of mean-ness when I spray my BP accidentally. When she's shedding I like to use a spray bottle to bump up the humidity and it will barely touch her and she'll move across her viv in a flash. I always think what the heck would she do in the wild during the rain [emoji23]

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She'd be thirsty, for one thing, and she'd also get over it. :rofl:That's the trouble, our pets are divorced from reality. They need to experience more things...
though I can see where misting a BP, they might be a bit more sensitive since they have all these heat-sensing pits. Just a guess...

Please, please don't hear what I am about to say as having any judgmental or unkind tone - I know text is stark and I know you are doing your best. But I have to say that what I am reading here makes it clear that this is a tough situation - you're overwhelmed in terms of space and finances; you suddenly have an adult snake and you're inexperienced, uncertain, and a bit fearful about it; the snake is extremely stressed because its housing situation is less than ideal, the cats are likely keeping it in a state of fear (cats and snakes are a bad mix), you don't have enough time to keep it as clean as it should be so eventual health problems are likely between that and the ongoing stress, and you are about to add a new baby to this whole mix.

Just re-reading all of that tells me that for the sake of you, your family, and the snake, it might be a better idea to pass the snake on to a local reptile rescue group for re-homing. If you or your daughter really want a snake, that's great. Do it later, and start with a younger snake or a smaller species. Everyone here would support you along the journey - it's just that this time, under these circumstances, and with this snake, don't seem like the way to start.

Again, no judgment here because I know you are trying really hard - but I believe re-homing is the best option for all involved right now. There is NO shame in acknowledging that this just isn't the right time. I think many of us here have had to do the same at one point or another in our lives as keepers.

I disagree about the size issue. Even an adult BP isn't that big. I think you just need to get in there and get your hands dirty, once you realize that the worst situation (a bite) isn't that bad at all, it'll be all down hill from there! Good luck!

I agree with wnateg. It's a 4 or 5 ft BP. They really can't do much damage even if they do tag you. The fear of getting bit is usually worse than the reality unless you're dealing with really large or venomous snakes. Confidence is the key here. I agree with using a hook or paper towel roll to let the snake know that no food is coming but beyond that I can only suggest putting on some gloves, a long sleeve shirt, taking a deep breath, and just going for it. I like to swoop my snakes up before they even get a chance to react. Most defensive snakes will calm down pretty quickly once they're out of their enclosures. Once you get him out put him in a separate tub while you clean his enclosure and then promptly return him once you're done. Best wishes with the new baby and the new critter. I hope things get better for you all.

You need to get over the fear. When dealing with snakes it's more "when" than "if" in regards to getting tagged. It's not bad and over before you realize it happened most of the time.

I do wonder if you are reading the snake correctly. I was given a Dum several months back from a guy I know that said it would come at him every time he opens the cage. He gave it to me free because of this "aggressiveness." I took it in expecting a terror but found it's just a regular boa. Curious and active.... But not aggressive. A strong feed response.... But not aggressive.

However, he has tagged me. I reached in his enclosure with my right hand to fill his water bowl and he launched out and got my left hand. (Pics in my gallery) He's much bigger than a Ball and was the worst bite I've had to date.... But it still wasn't bad at all. I have some bites from Bloods in there too. Usually you can't even tell you were bit after rinsing it off. The Dum did bruise me but like I said he's much bigger than a Ball. My Ball tagged me once and I don't even remember bleeding. I certainly didn't have a bruise. I've been tagged by a Ball, BRB, GTP, Bloods, Dum, and Hognose. The Hognose got it's fangs in me a little and my finger bled, swelled, and had a little numbness.

Once you learn a bite is not to be feared you will be fine. But a bite can happen at any time. My BRB is always super friendly and very curious. One day I had him out and he was doing his thing when he suddenly bit my stomach. I don't know why and once he did it he went back to climbing around me like he does. It was really strange and that's the only time he's bit me. This is one example of why I control the heads of my snakes when non snake people are wanting to see them.

Also you should have a container to hold the snake for cleaning or any needed transport... Think vet trip or picking up a new purchase. I have several sizes to accommodate all my collection. I'll move them to a tub to deep clean their enclosure and then move them back after. They are super cheap so you have no excuse.

Yeah, I figured that out actually. I sprayed him to just like change his water bowl, or have to do something minor in there... Just need to get those paper towels out from under him and out some fresh ones down. I'm going to try to be more brave today and see what happens lol. The last time he was in his hide, I just lifted it up, and his body language was non threatening, so I picked him up and had my daughter hold him while I cleaned it. She's been with her dad over the past few weeks. I hate having to put him in a tub to clean in there. If he would go to the other side of the enclosure and not be so curious about what I'm doing(or mistake my hand for food), then I can finish one side, while he's on the other. I scrubbed it all out with vinegar water, last time we took him out, so I don't think I really need to scrub it out just yet. By the way! His name is Houdini!😊

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Originally Posted by Miranda324

Yeah, I figured that out actually. I sprayed him to just like change his water bowl, or have to do something minor in there... Just need to get those paper towels out from under him and out some fresh ones down. I'm going to try to be more brave today and see what happens lol. The last time he was in his hide, I just lifted it up, and his body language was non threatening, so I picked him up and had my daughter hold him while I cleaned it. She's been with her dad over the past few weeks. I hate having to put him in a tub to clean in there. If he would go to the other side of the enclosure and not be so curious about what I'm doing(or mistake my hand for food), then I can finish one side, while he's on the other. I scrubbed it all out with vinegar water, last time we took him out, so I don't think I really need to scrub it out just yet. By the way! His name is Houdini!😊

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Just put a towel or old shirt in the tub to hold the snake while cleaning. It will be completely fine and completely hidden. Then you can concentrate on cleaning.

Thanks for the advice. Yeah, I just have to stop being so nervous. I just need to get used to him more. I still have the tub he came in. After I get done with my morning cup of coffee, I'm going to just going to get back in there. Not sure if you read, but I was a nervous wreck last night, had a long day, so I said screw it, and didn't finish it in there. I knew he'd be ok for a night. He rarely even goes on his cool side of the enclosure, even since the temps have been where they are supposed to. He loves being on the heated end in his hide(and yes, he has a hide on both ends😊)

And I just added a profile picture of Houdini and I, to prove that there have been times that we've been comfortable with each other! I actually really enjoy holding him, but I've only picked him up when he's tried to get away from me, not come at me. Trust me, I've watched videos and studied their body behavior and what it all means, so when he's in a defensive, or strike mode, that's when I'm nervous. I know I need to overcome my fear regardless, when he does this!

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Originally Posted by Miranda324

And I just added a profile picture of Houdini and I, to prove that there have been times that we've been comfortable with each other! I actually really enjoy holding him, but I've only picked him up when he's tried to get away from me, not come at me. Trust me, I've watched videos and studied their body behavior and what it all means, so when he's in a defensive, or strike mode, that's when I'm nervous. I know I need to overcome my fear regardless, when he does this!

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Trust is a 2 way street...I mean that sincerely. You expect HIM to trust you (even though being held goes against his instincts) so YOU have to trust him too. Not saying blindly though...learn to read his body language, understand his thoughts are likely elsewhere or on incoming food, & you'll be fine. It's a BP...not a pit-bull. :D Even though it's not with words, it's still a "conversation" with a snake...using scent, touch & any which way you can communicate that (a) you're not prey and (b) he can feel safe with you. ;)

I also agree with KMG's post, that you might be mis-reading his curiosity for "aggression". BPs tend to use their heat-sensing pits first & best, when identifying all things
"incoming", whereas with most of the snakes I keep, I can just blow some air across my hand (thru the screen) in their direction, & they'll get my scent & recognize me
very quickly that way. Yes, they visibly back up as if to say "Oops, nevermind!" Like I said, just because snakes are deaf & silent doesn't mean you can forget to have a
"conversation" when you work with them...it just means you have to do it on their terms, using THEIR best senses. ;)

While I agree that non-venomous snake bites are mostly no big deal, I personally avoid (prevent!) them as much as I can. You (& anyone else) have nothing to "prove".

I like your profile picture with him...you CAN do this! Have faith in yourself & empathy for any snakes you deal with. Imagine life from their perspective. :snake:

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

While I agree that non-venomous snake bites are mostly no big deal, I personally avoid (prevent!) them as much as I can. You (& anyone else) have nothing to "prove".

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I do too. My point was it's going to happen at some point, if you keep snakes long enough, so don't be so afraid you fail to give care to the animal. I never try to get bit and prevent it whenever possible. My friend who gave me the Dum never got tagged and because he was so afraid of it he gave away a beautiful well behaved snake.

My usually tool with one in feed mode or just being cranky is the paper towel roll. After that I have sprayed with the mister.... Usually the GTP at night. This usually gets him to tighten up on his perch and hide his face, giving me time to reach in without being tagged. At night he bites at anything that moves.

And no I do not consider this mean as I mist him and the ETB daily. I do not avoid spraying them so I really see no difference. When I mist any of my snakes I usually mist them directly in the process. It's a mist of water, not a high pressure stream.

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Originally Posted by KMG

... My friend who gave me the Dum never got tagged and because he was so afraid of it he gave away a beautiful well behaved snake...

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:D...:gj:

That's how I got the BCI I had for many years- never 1 bite from her in all that time, but it wasn't for her lack of trying initially. She scared off multiple owners before she cameto my house, & after about 2 months, relaxed having learned she had nothing to fear with me. :cool: I've had my share of snake bites- been keeping lots of snakes for many years-but most bites are predictable & therefore avoidable...what I call a "failure to communicate".

For those who may not know, most snake bites are under-whelming...over quickly, like an injection from your physician or an accidental pin-prick for those who sew clothing.The ones to seriously avoid are feeding mistakes, bites from venomous or rear-fanged snakes, & bites from large to giant snakes (because their teeth are long enough to do real damage to nerves & cause serious bleeding if an artery is hit.) All the rest are inconsequential...I've never even had a snake bite get infected (& that's also without first aid).

FAR more damage & infections result from bites from most other commonly-kept pets, like cats, dogs, birds, hamsters-rats-mice, etc. ;) If you have some lasting issue with a bite from a harmless snake, it might be one or more embedded teeth that broke off & became "splinters" when you jerked your hand away, so "try" not to do that.

And yes, I'd NEVER use a "high pressure water stream" to spray a snake so it backs off...my tool is just a harmless pump spray bottle, for sure!

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

And yes, I'd NEVER use a "high pressure water stream" to spray a snake so it backs off...my tool is just a harmless pump spray bottle, for sure!

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My misting comment was not directed to you, or anybody actually. Just saying what I do sometimes with an explanation of why I don't see it as a bad practice as it is business as usual for my collection.

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Originally Posted by KMG

My misting comment was not directed to you, or anybody actually. Just saying what I do sometimes with an explanation of why I don't see it as a bad practice as it is business as usual for my collection.

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We agree, & I didn't take it that way, it was just more of a good reminder to better explain what I was suggesting also.

Any updates?

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Just wanna know what happened the next day.

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Originally Posted by Miranda324

Well I've been traumatized since he lunged at me once, mouth open, when he was hungry soon after we first got him. I almost got his head stuck in the enclosure door trying to close it shut when he did that. I had a rat ready to put in there, and I didn't even get in in there yet to feed him when he did that. His prey item was too small the feeding before that, so that's why he was so hungry that time... But I learned, and started feeding him rats, so he never did it again. I'm not spot cleaning. He peed all over the place in there and there blood from his last rat he ate. I use paper towels instead of a different substrate. He has scars on his head from where a past owner fed him a love rat and was injured(so he does not like his head touched I've found from the times we have safely handled him), but the last owner got him from a rescue so he had that before they even got him. The daughter of the woman who sold him to us, turned 18 and moved out and didn't want him anymore, and she said they handled him frequently and that he would be safe for us to handle. I still gotta get a snake hook I guess. I'm just having to ask my fiance for money for everything right now. I just recently quit my job and we are due to have a baby in the next few weeks(maybe less!). My daughter wanted a snake and someone I knew, knew someone wanting to re-home him at the time, so I jumped on it to be honest! I didn't realize the reality of how big he was either until she brought him over, but I didn't know everything would become so nerve wracking, and stressful with him. I did research stuff about his care and everything before we got him, but didn't realize I would still be in this boat after getting him. I'm not going to lie... I'm exhausted and just left that side of the enclosure bare that I didn't finish (for now), until tomorrow so I can maybe go back at it more prepared and less stressed out, because I just got so tired and upset about it. He will be ok for a night with it like that. It needs more than a spot clean though, so that's my point is there is pee and poop all over. I'm also looking into utility shelves so I can get him away from view of my cats and vice -versa, but they are too expensive right now until we get caught up on some other things financially... I just feel like a failure with this snake!😭😭😭

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I can see that you really want to keep him and care for him properly. I have found the videos posted by snake discovery very helpful. https://www.youtube.com/c/SnakeDisco...efensive+snake. I have a 28 year old ball python, we have had her since she was a baby. She has only bit my brother once, years ago when he was feeding her.

My advice:
1) remove your snake completely when cleaning, I put mine in a plastic tote.
2) be confident in yourself, don't reach in hesitantly, just go for it! if you touch him from behind and pick him up she will warm up to you the more you a handle him.
3) He might associate your hand for food if you only reach in his cage for feedings. Try feeding tongs.
4) Ball pythons are extremely docile and they only bite when really scared or smell food, so learn his behavior. their FIRST sign is that they will ball up hiding their head.
5) look up snake bites and know how to remove your snake without harming him (snake discovery on you tube)
6) if you have a lot of other things to focus on right now, then don't put too much pressure on yourself. It will only harm you and mr. snake. Find him a good home and make sure to vet your potential buyers, they should have some experience.

P.S your snake seems to be eating really well, great job converting him from live mice to frozen rats

Well if ur anywhere near Houston Texas I’d be willing to teach u what to do and help out with the husbandry as I have multiples of everything needed. But that’s a gamble that u live close. Lol

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Danger noodles

Well if ur anywhere near Houston Texas I’d be willing to teach u what to do and help out with the husbandry as I have multiples of everything needed. But that’s a gamble that u live close. Lol

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Actually that's a good point. If people having issues put their location in the post or profile and they're close, I'll send a PM offering help.