We got our BP today!!!

Hey All,
Just wanted to share that we bought our ball python today. We went with a yearling who was captive bred. My son and hubby are so happy. I really don't know who's more excited! We want to make sure he is use to being held so is there a thing as holding too much? Once I figure out how to post a pic I'll share!
Jennifer

Thats great. DONT HOLD OR BOTHER IT FOR ATLEAST A WEEK. 10 DAYS IS BETTER

i have been told no more than 30 min a day, also make sure you let it settle in for about a week before taking it out.

Congrats! Yes, you can hold too much.. as hard as it is, don't hold him AT ALL for one full week. Ball pythons are very shy creatures that are easily stressed. After the week is up, feed him. If he eats, wait 48 hours after the feed before holding (always do this.. holding soon after feeding can result in regurgitation)

We'd love a picture though!

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Originally Posted by Shelby

We'd love a picture though!

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um, yes!

Congrats!

Yes, it's better to start slow after at least a week of no holding at all...the snake get used to his new home and then slowly get used to your family. Remember we look like Godzilla's to them, so move slowly and with gentle but firm movements. =)

CONGRATS on ur NEW bp! I hope u find everything u want to learn about bp's here... I know I did lol... ^_^

Congrats!! The settling-in phase is soooo hard! But when you consider how long you'll have him for (20-30 years is not an unreasonable expectation!)...a week or so doesn't seem quite so long. Well...that's a lie. It DOES seem long. But it's worth it to help you have a "happy" well adjusted snakie!

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Originally Posted by JLC

It DOES seem long.

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Just wait until you have to wait for ovulations... and layings.. and hatchings.. OMG... the time will just stand still! :)

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Originally Posted by ddbjdealer

Just wait until you have to wait for ovulations... and layings.. and hatchings.. OMG... the time will just stand still! :)

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I remember feeling that way the last couple months of my pregnancies, too. :rolleye2:

http://www.vmsherp.com/LCAcclimation.htm


Here is a very good site on acclimation and what you need to do for your new snake. I found it very useful.

and congrats on your new scalie baby.

regards,
Beauty the BP

You all are just to good us! Thanks for all the info. I only have these two pics from the day we got him before we put him in his cage. I'll get better ones next week once I get him out. So ladies and gentlemen, here's.....Pirate (yeah, my son named him!). LOL!


http://images.andale.com/f2/113/114/...521_Pirate.jpg

http://images.andale.com/f2/113/114/...JoeyPirate.jpg

awww!! it's so little!

Soo cute (kid and snake!)

ah that's sooo cute. i love pics of kids and snakes ;)

Nice lookin' kids you've got there!! :)


Is it just me or are you in for a shed sometime soon? The eyes look kinda blue, of course it could just be a reflection or something I guess...

I love his name! What a cute little baby snake! And the young man in the picture is rather cute himself! ;)

Ah, thanks! My son thinks he is the Croc Hunter! Scares me half to death sometimes! I do believe we are in for a shed. The breeder said it was about time and the eyes are starting to get that blue hue to them! Ah, our first shed! LOL!

Jennifer

Oops - I got my bp on saturday and have held him once a day since (only for about 2 mins at a time). Have I blown it - will he be stressed for life? He seems fine and not skittish at all. Should I leave him alone for a while now - even though I'v e held him from the get go?

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Oops - I got my bp on saturday and have held him once a day since (only for about 2 mins at a time). Have I blown it - will he be stressed for life?

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Nope, you haven't blown it! Just give him a full week to acclimate and ideally wait until he's sucessfully fed for you at least once before you handle. And always hands off for 48 hours after feeding (to prevent regurgitations).

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Originally Posted by gwench

Oops - I got my bp on saturday and have held him once a day since (only for about 2 mins at a time). Have I blown it - will he be stressed for life? He seems fine and not skittish at all. Should I leave him alone for a while now - even though I'v e held him from the get go?

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They're mighty hard to "ruin"...so I wouldn't say you've "blown it." However, it would be in the snake's best interest to leave them completely alone for at least a full week, even if you've already spent some time handling. You should not start regular handling sessions until the snake has eaten at least once for you.

Thanks for the advice. I will leave him be until his next feeding.


BTW - the pet shop indicated he last ate this past friday. Should I wait just a full week or should I give him a few extra days before I try to feed him?