Quote Originally Posted by Zargoon View Post
Here's what I posted on another thread about what's gong on with him:

So about a month ago I got my ball python Syntax.

He's awesome. However, he seems really stressed out. He moves all the time, he seems to try to escape his cage a lot, and when I feed him he has zero interest in his food and just tries to escape the box that I put him in. It's been about a month since he fed (when I got him).

I know that part of the problem is that he was previously feed live food, and I am currently trying to feed him frozen. I have followed what I've read online, use tongs to make it run around, I've even left him in the box with the rat for extended periods of time and when I come back he is still trying to escape. I eventually take him out because I'm worried for that so much activity is bad for him.

I change the water about every day, mist regularly, and monitor the temperature. I try to cover is already rather opaque enclosure with a towel to make it seem more secure.

Now when I bought this snake my friend also bought a ball python too. They both live in the same enclosure right now, but we are planning to separate them in a few months. I know that this can cause stress to the snake, but right now there isn't anything I can do about it.

So my question is: other than separating them, what can I do to try and minimize his stress? How long should I wait before giving him live food, taking him to the vet, ect?

Also it may be relevant to note that both of the snakes are juveniles. The other snake refused food at first, but has feed the last two weeks. We got them from the same breeder so that's what makes me think that he should be feeding by now, and that the rats are the right size.
Is your cage not escape-proof?

There are two main things here that are stressing out your snakes. Having both in one enclosure and feeding in a separate bin.
However, with two in the same cage, you HAVE to feed in a separate bin to avoid cannibalism.

I'm sorry to tell you this, but no, there is no other method to reducing their stress. If the cage itself has good husbandry, isn't too big, and the temperatures are right; the stress is from being with the other.

Have you seen them 'cuddle' at all? This behavior demonstrates dominance and the top snake is being extremely dominating. This is very stressful.
If one gets a RI from being so stressed, they'll both get it. Double the vet bills.
Also, cannibalism is possible; especially if one is bigger than the other.

If price is the problem, get yourself one or two tubs with lock on latches and set up the snake in that. They cost around $5-10.