New ball python!

[Torix]

I just got my first new ball python, I had a few hideing spots for him but I heard a tissue box works great for a new ball python. So I had to move his cage around and i had to pick him up (Bad idea) I left him alone since then he is now staying in the tissue box but he hasnt moved from that spot since(besides recently pokeing his head out)...They last fed him on tuesday so I wanted to try to feed him but I feel like I shouldnt touch him and leave him alone... Any ideas? Also when should I start handling him? I got him friday night.

[dragonboy4578]

I usually do not try to feed or handle any new bp for at least week. I know that it will be difficult to leave it alone, but that is what is best for it. The only time I bother a new addition is to clean the enclosure, or add water. I really try not to handle any new snake to much until it has eaten a few times.

[Vypyrz]

Hello, and to BP.net...

Yes, tissue boxes can work, but keep in mind that every time they get urine or feces on them, they will have to be replaced. Some cheap alternatives are to get a couple of plastic flower pots or plastic bowls from Wal-Mart, Target or your local Dollar store and cut or melt some entry holes. These will last alot longer and are easy to clean.

You should also have 2 identical hides. One on the cool end and one one the warm end. Here is a thread with photos of the flower pot and bowl...

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...0-Hides-my-way

[Monster Dodge]

I think you should do as much reading and learning about your snake as you can so you both can grow and it be an enjoyable experience for both of you. Any question you can think of has probably been asked 100 times over I spent a good 3 months reading and doing searches before I ever even made my first post.
Good Luck

[Torix]

Yeah I am not handleing him anytime soon and leaveing him alone until he seems to be a lot more comfortable. Also I do have 2 identicle hideing spots on the cool and warm side (they are two huts). I just have the tissue box in the middle because I thought it would be a better more secure place for him. I am going to change the tissue box into something else once he starts getting out of it. Im just giving him his space.
And thanks for welcome

[don15681]

some good information in the above posts, some but not all the very young ball pythons will go thru a nippy stage. they will strike and some will bite everything that moves in front of them. If you do nothing than just feed, water and clean their enclosure, most will grow out of it with no handling and instead of striking they will just hiss. I have many hatchlings each year and don't handle very much and if any, it doesn't amount to anything. and this is what I see. if you want to pick the snake up, gentle tap it with something that's not sharp and come from the back where it's harder for them to strike. at first when you handle the snake. make it for short periods as this is stressful on them until they get use to it. you don't want a young snake going off feed from too much handling. hope this helps. don