1st time snake owner

[sheena]

Today I bought my first snake, a ball python, approx. 2 yrs old and approx. 3 ft long. It's previous owner wanted to find someone to take him who could give him more time, as he's on the road for his job a lot. It seems healthy in appearance, and laid back in temperament. As you might judge from pronouns, I've not yet sexed it or had it checked with the vet.

It's been doing live feeds, something I'm a bit nervous about.

I've wanted a snake since I was a little girl, but because of my dad's HATRED of snakes, this never worked out. I'm sure it's going to be fun when he visits my home now!

That's my snake and me in my AV.

So, hi from DC! I'm off to browse the forum!

[edie]

Welcome! This forum has tons of great members and information, its helped me out a lot!

I was nervous about feeding live too when I first got snakes but if you take the time than converting to frozen/thawed rats might not be too hard!

[starmom]

Glad you found us
Feeding live is terrific and lots of snake keepers feed live without any mishaps. Feeding F/T is also terrific for those who choose to do so. It just comes down to the preference of the owner and availability of food.
We love pictures, so let us see your new friend!!!

[Bruce Whitehead]

Congrats on the snake.

Hope it is a great experience for you and her/him. We all started with a first snake at some point.

Nice looking "it" you have there.

Bruce

[Bruce Whitehead]

Oops.. I missed the live feeding part.

I feed live, and I have never had a mishap. Snakes are good at it. Every animal is a perfect example of evolution and BPs are no different.

If you are feeding appropriately sized prey, and not taking risks, then your feedings should go successfully.

And you can always try to switch him over to frozen-thawed (FT) at some point if you are not comfortable with it. Snake forums are probably the only place where you will find people that can feed one animal they love and respect (rodents), to another animal that they love and respect (snakes).

I would suggest searching the forum for threads on live feeding, appropriate prey size, and switching over to FT. This is all good information to have as a new keeper. And if you cannot find it, then start a new thread and ask for help, information, and support.

Bruce

Who feeds 15 snakes live (all pythons), and 4 FT (all colubrids).

[sheena]

Thanks guys!

As it is, I fed my snake for the first time last night, FT with tongs- the mouse slipped, but the snake ate anyways! Snake was a bit figity after that, and I sensed it was still hungry- had been getting rats and I'd given small mice- so I dropped another one in. After having a staring contest with me (I lost), I backed up even more off the cage, and the mouse was then quickly wolfed down.

I pre-scented for about 30-1 hr.

[Jerhart]

Hola! Congrats on the pick-up! And Welcome!! Once he/she gets all settled in post some pics! Your avatar is a tease!

Welcome again!

[Bruce Whitehead]

Excellent... sounds like you are off to a great start with the new snake.

As a keeper the best thing is getting successive and consistent feeds with any snake.

Bruce

[STORMS]

[sheena]

LOL @ the av tease

I'll post more pics when I get 'round to it, on the photo forum, promise!

I'm sill adjusting everything, and learning lots. This place is awesome.

Thanks for the replies!