Let me preface by saying I own 2 PB books (Ball pythons 'Sutherland' and The Complete Ball Python 'McCurley') and have done quite a bit of online research so I'm not coming in here completely blind..
A few weeks ago I purchased a BP at a pet store and tried to feed him to for the first time last night to no avail and would love some help and over all tips about my set up.
Heres some info:
-Unknown sex, believed to be 4-7 months of age and weighs 97 grams (as of last night)
- 10 gallon tank and plan on either a 20L or a small rack system by the time he out grows it. My first BP and I already want 15 more
- Fleece blanket surrounding 3 sides for protection and better insulation (room temp fluctuates a lot).
- Hot Side = Small zooman UTH under the tank and to a corner connected to a Temp for control at 90-92 degrees. Half log hide on top. A humidity pad next to the log with a red light 60 watt on the same side (just for cold nights and raising ambient if necessary).
- Cold Side = large water dish. Hide next. Towel over the top with a small opening to help regulate temps.
- Climbing branch going from hot side hide box, to opposite cornered cold side hide (it rests on the half log, but rests on the corner glass higher up on cold side).
Anyway, the pet store said they feed live but I bought frozen fuzzies and would like to get him to switch to F/T. My problem is that I attempted to weigh him yesterday a few hours before feeding which did not go well. He was scared as i slowly took him out, weighed him and as I was moving him back to the tank, he got super defensive like he wanted to bite. Adrenaline filled the air, mostly from me which i'm sure he sensed.
In the tank, he bugged out. Crawling around really fast and up the climbing branch to escape.. He was on a mission, but I was able to keep him inside and close the lid..
It simply did not go well, he was pissed off and I was admit-tingly very nervous the whole time which I know he realized and added to his upset demeanor.
In retrospect, it was a bad idea to weigh him the first day I am also trying to feed.
About 5 hours later I had a thawed fuzzy warmed up by the light and dangling infront of his hide but nothing. So left it a few inches outside the hide overnight. Across the room i could see him using it as a pillow and laying on it which i found very strange. Whats that about?
Either way, he didnt eat it and i removed it this morning before work.
What is my best coarse of action from here? I know I did stupid things but am still learning as a beginner snake owner.
Sorry for the really long post and spelling errors as this was pretty rushed. I just want to rectify the issue and feel like I might have left a bad taste in his mouth in respect to his first impressions of F/T. He gets super stressed then his owner drops in a cold mouse.. I know I would not be a happy camper after that. Please help
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