1st time BP owner looking for help

[Shake_n_Bake74]

Hi everyone. I am new to the site and the Herp world. I just became an owner of an 8 year old male BP this past Sunday and find myself with LOTS of questions and, unfortunately, not a lot of resources.

Here's our history: I found him on CL and went to take a look at him. I thought he was beautiful as soon as I saw him. The PO (previous owner) had him for 6 months and was selling because of a necessary move. The purchase included Finch (his new name ), a 50 gallon terrarium, extra large hide, water bowl, thermometer, plastic vines/branches, heating pad and bedding. The tank has a mesh lid (non locking). Also, just remebered, he just finished a shed.

The PO kept the temp around 70 degrees as she did not have a heat lamp. I have since purchased a lamp, a 50w red bulb as well as a 2nd thermometer for the hot side.

When I brought him home, I noticed a strong smell of cat urine on the tank, bedding as well as on Finch! I gave him a bath, cleaned the tank, water bowl and hide, threw out the bedding and replaced it w Aspen bedding. All seemed good for the first night (Sunday).

I generally get home about 6:00pm and after getting changed from the day and getting dinner ready, I go into my room to check on Finch.

The next night, he was out of his hide so I removed the lid to spend time w him. Every time I plan to handle him, I rub his back (around mid length) so he isn't startled. When it seems like he's ok to be picked up, I always use both hands. I also stay away from his head/neck area as well as his tail; I've heard those are quite sensitive. I would also, ideally, try to handle him about 30 minutes and then return him to his tank. This day was also without incident.

Tuesday night, as usual to try to establish a routine/schedule, I opened the lid to take him out to play . I stroked his back but he responded differently. His muscles seemed twitchy and almost like he was spasming. Ok, maybe I still startled him, so I kept rubbing his back. After a while I tried to pick him up and he hissed at me. I backed off just giving him space and time. Maybe he just wasn't in the mood. So I waited a couple hours and tried again. Same body response followed by another hiss. So I called it a night.

Tuesday was when I bought the lamp and 2nd thermometer. I leave the light off at night and turn it on during the day while I'm at work. Temp on the hot side is around 80 and 70 on the cool. However, it seems like he doesn't like the heat lamp on as each day of using it, it looks like he's staying away from it and lying on the cool side. Maybe because the PO never used one idk.


Wednesday now and I'm thinking maybe he's hungry. PO said he ate 2 adult mice Tuesday the previous week but he should be good for a couple weeks. I decided to stop at the pet store and pick up 2 adult mice to see if he'll eat. Seeing as how this is the first time I'm feeding him and how agitated he was Tuesday, I feed him in the tank. I've read on numerous sites of the suggestions to feed in a different area to avoid potential bites, but did not want to cause him any stress of forcing a handling. He ate the first mouse within seconds. I waited about 5 minutes and fed him the 2nd mouse. Another night goes by.


Today (Thursday) I get home and look in on him. He is coiled up and is very aggressive. He actually struck out at me as I was removing my socks. So now, seeing this behaviour, I reach out to seek help/answers. What am I doing wrong? What am I missing? Please help

Thanks