First Ball Python ever!

[ATTFighter]

Got my first BP today. He is a Male Super Pastel. I got him for 250$. The store does not know exactly when he hatched but they said he is probably around 3 months old. I don't have a scale so cant weigh him yet. I want to try and start him on F/T i am guessing he is eating rat pups? He is getting used to his enclosure finally at first he was roaming all around, 4 hours later he was curled up in his hide. I have not held him yet, I think i should wait a few days?

[Diamond Serpents]

You started out with a nice looking snake and morph. Switching to f/t can be a pain or it can go quick patience if it doesn't take first time.

If you already put him in his cage leave him be for 3-5 days to settle in. Also I recommend picking up a temp gun with a scale ASAP.

[cschneider]

It's a good idea to make sure they eat before you hold them so you know they aren't stressed out. You got a nice little super there! Congrats!

[Eric Alan]

Nice new addition - great looking guy for your first!

I have not held him yet, I think i should wait a few days?

I'd wait to hold him until you're sure he's eating without hesitation for you. I'd leave him alone (except for cleaning up messes in his enclosure, etc) until he's had at least three meals without a refusal. Good things come to those who wait in this hobby!

Best wishes to you and your new addiction!

Eric

[ATTFighter]

thanks guys! yea, since i am only having one BP as a pet I wanted to splurge a little bit on a nice looking one and I believe 250$ is a really good price for a super. I am going to get a scale asap. I am going to try F/T on his first feed I just dont want to order a whole pack and have it go to waste. Should I try rat pups?

[cschneider]

I would try rat pups or small hopper mice.

One day long ago I got a ball python as a pet. Was only going to have one I swear! Now I have about 30

[DPBallPythons]

Awesome start, a super pastel ! As the other said, wait a few days or a couple of meals until handling (except for cleaning of course). I usually want my new ball pythons to eat atleast once, then wait until the snake poops for the first time in my possession 'till I handle him/her. Wait out though, they are addictive ! Just listen to what Cschneider said (above this reply).

[ATTFighter]

thanks for all the comments guys! I do love him, its so tempting to not hold him. I think I am going to feed him rat pinkys for now I think rat pups are still to big. Do they make rat pinkies frozen, or should I feed him live until he starts eating rat pups? Apparently the store i bought him from also sells F/T so ill get them from there.

[Tribal]

Looks good. ... I think you made a good choice

[CrystalRose]

Very pretty baby. Congrats!