Normal for a new arrival?

[AtlasDragons]

My new baby ball python just arrived, I put him in his tank and left him alone after making sure all was good. I've checked back up on him and he's still roughly in the same spot, is it normal for new arrivals to be that stationary?

This is my second ball python, I've had a normal for about 2 years, and I picked him up in person so I'm not sure what's common behavior for snakes that have been shipped over a long distance. I currently have him in a quiet, darkened space to relieve as much stress as I can.

[Bogertophis]

New homes are scary enough for snakes & shipping must be absolutely terrifying. That's why he's sitting still.

Usually when I get a new snake, as I gently put them in their new cage I try to aim their face to the doorway of a hide, and they usually go right in.

Ball pythons aren't real active snakes to begin with...it sounds to me like he's afraid to move, but when the lights are totally out, he probably will.

Keep doing what you're doing, you're on the right track to reduce his stress.

[Kira]

Yes, it's normal. My ball python was shipped too and when I put her in the enclosure next to a hide she just stayed there in the same position. After about 30 minutes or so she went into the hide. Here's a pic from that day:



Also, congrats on the new addition and welcome to the forum!

[AtlasDragons]

Alright, thank you both! I was really worried about the little guy as he's no doubt terrified after this whole process.