NEW OWNER first feeding *pictures*

[travis_1989]

So my new ball python is shedding right now, but I offered her a small mouse today, and she did what she was supposed to...
The only thing was is that she didnt get the mouse on her own... I guess the caps on her eyes made it to where she couldnt see...
Am I correct?
I picked the snake up and let her head get close to the mouse so that she could smell it, and then she struck. was this an okay thing to do??

[Vypyrz]

There's nothing wrong with it. Some snakes eat during shed, some don't. Some people feed during shed, some don't. Personally, I don't feed once they go blue. As far as picking the snake up like that, remember, once they go into blue they can't see very well and once they catch the smell of prey they may mistake your hand for prey...

BTW that second pic would have been super awesome if it had been clearer...

[blackcrystal22]

That snake looks like it has a full stuck shed, which is what makes it look dehydrated and wrinkled. What is the humidity of the cage? How are you measuring it?

Also, you'll probably have to soak him to get all that shed off.

[travis_1989]

I am not sure of the humidity of the cage right now.
investing in the electric thermometer and humidity reader this weekend.
I know this isnt good, but i didnt have the money for one now,


and can i pick her up and put her in something to let her soak even though she just ate today???

and she has shed some skin, but not all of it, but she still has chrome caps... can you help me with this?

[blackcrystal22]

I am not sure of the humidity of the cage right now.
investing in the electric thermometer and humidity reader this weekend.
I know this isnt good, but i didnt have the money for one now,


and can i pick her up and put her in something to let her soak even though she just ate today???

and she has shed some skin, but not all of it, but she still has chrome caps... can you help me with this?

Wait 36-48 hours after feeding to soak her in lukewarm water in a tub with no holes for about 40-60 minutes.
Don't have it so deep that she has a to swim, but so that it's about halfway up her body.

You can get an accurite digital thermometer/hygrometer in the plant section of Walmart for about $10.

[travis_1989]

okay sounds like a plan...

thanks for the help. still new to all this.

any other tips would be appreciated

[seeya205]

I wouldn't recommend picking it up during feeding time! When in feeding mode, they will grab anything they see!

[singingtothewheat]

I would put a towel in the mix of luke warm water, then your probably going to have to run her through a luke warm towel over and over. She does look to shiny and I'm guess that the one poster was right and she has a full shed stuck. I'd wait, like poster said, then I'd soak her daily if not several times daily and work all that old stuff off her. Don't worry, you can't get hurt to bad by a ball bite. I would not suggest the hand feeding though. I know some folks do it but it's an added stresser and you can get bit really quickly.

[BPelizabeth]

You can in the meantime put in a humid hide with spagnum moss that is damp. This will help as well and the snake can go in it if he chooses.

As far as picking him up.....lol.....I wouldn't suggest it. You are going to get bitten eventually. Just take the mouse and dangle it in front of him.....he will get it from there.