New owner need's a little help

[Ironhead]

Need a little help people. I am new to the world of owning a Ball Python, though not to the world of owning snake's. I have had 2 Indigo's, a California King snake, numerous Hog Nose and Black Racer's in my tiime, all from the early 60's to mid 80's. I purchased an udult Ball Python (well i say he/she is an adult), the former owner was the second owner and did not know how old he/she is. It is 34 inches in length. Now to the problem. The former owner fed it 2 grown mice every 6 week's. I know people who say they feed every week, up to this 6 week period. What is a good set period of time between feeding's? He fed it 3 day's before i took ownership and I have had it for 2 week's, and if you ask me, hungry. Has been very active the last 3 day's has allway's been active, but really is moving around and look's to me like searching for a good meal, or a way out. :lol: Any help would be much greatly appreciated.
VERY nice site. Sorry such a long question, must be an age thing.

[BallKingdom]

An adult can take rats. So it'll need feeding every 2-3 weeks when on rats. Every week if you use mice. 6 week periods is practically staving it. I'm not suprised it has not hit 3 feet yet. If that snake were properly fed it'd be 40+ inches long as fat. Good thing it is in your hands. Try rats, see if it will take them. Maybe it is too late to switch.

[Ironhead]

Thank's for the info, I too thought 6 week's was way to long. The former owner also said that it would only eat mice. White mice, no mice of color. Is this normal for a BP to go for only one color of food? Or is this guy pulling my leg? Either way im heading to the pet store today to grab him a meal and hopefully a bigger home (tank). Again thank's for the info.

[RPlank]

It happens sometimes, where they won't take any prey items but a certain color. It is rare. I had one that did it for about three months, then stopped being picky.
IMO, six weeks between feedings of two mice is not enough. The metabolism of a BP is such that it could survive on that schedule, but I feed my adults a large rat every 2-4 weeks, depending on the snake. I agree with Ballkingdom, switching to rats would be better, and cheaper, for you both.
You may have to scent a rat, since it is used to mice. Scenting is getting the rat to smell like a mouse, usually by obtaining some used bedding, and letting the rat sit in it for a while.
Let us know how it goes, and if you need any other help!

[BallKingdom]

Just to be sure go get a big brown rat at the shop. If you're lucky he'll take it. I doubt with the starving he's had he'll be picky. Give it a shot.

[Ironhead]

Well I had allready gotten back from the pet store with 2 mice when i saw your last post. Didnt take him long to go on the hunt and have a feast. Now, Monty Joe (noticed another Monty on the site so added the joe) fell of his perch and landed partly upside down and I believe hit his head on one of his hide's. Just as I was gettting ready to addminister CPR he started rolling back over. Scooted back up his perch and is basking in his simulated moon light. This was all about 3 hours after he ate both mice. Feel kinda stupid here, but is there anything I need to look for? He made a pretty good thump when he hit. I think he was so used to being held up in the 20 gallon tank that he didnt notice there was an extra 40 gallon of open space. I just purchaced a 60 gallon tank today and other goodies that he was deprived of. Kinda feel like a first time father again.

[BallKingdom]

I've heard of snakes dying from hitting their heads, but I doubt that will happen. As long as it is not swollen, or the jaw isn't maimed, don't worry.

[Ironhead]

OK Here I go again. Monty Joe obviously is allright in the sence that he is doing ok and showing no ill effects of his fall. Now here is where again, I need some input. As I had stated earlier Monty Joe had been deprived of alot of things by his previous owner, one thing was his water dish. I say dish, because the one that he had held no more than 2 cup's of water. I put a 5 quart rubbermaid container with a hole cut in the lid in the tank for him. He immediately checked it out and spent the next hour and a half in side soaking up the warm water. I took him out because I thought that was long enough for a first time and he scooted up his perch to do some sun bathing. He visited it one more time that I know of that day for just a few minutes and then came back out. I then was not worried, thought he now was acting correctly. Well, Woke up this morning and he is inside the container, not his hide where he is every morning when I wake up. So I immediately got him out, dryed him off, layed him in his cage and he scooted right to his hide on the warm side and currled up. Should I just let him do what he wants? or did that blow to the head make him not think clearly? Or am I just being way to over cautious? Thank's for the help.

[RPlank]

I would say you are going to worry yourself to death! As long as he has hides to choose from on both sides of the temp gradient, plus a water source, let him do as he pleases. Sometimes mine show a preference for one particular hide. I just make sure to get an identical one on the opposite end. That way they aren't choosing between proper heat and a good hide, because they will choose a cold hide they like over a warm one they don't. I always put the water dish in between the two identical hides. That has worked well for my critters.
I would say the only thing you need to watch for is for him to regurgitate his meal. Barring that, I don't see any problems. BP's are clumsy climbers, and mine fall short distances all the time while climbing around their cages. They are pretty resilient.

[BallKingdom]

I once had one of mine act like a conda for a week. Nothing to worry about. BUT, it is often a sign of mites. Look very closely for them. As long as the water is nice and warm, no worries.

Like Randy said, you're gonna worry yourself to death. But thats a good thing, it means you care. Great to know there are people like you out there.