Hi everyone.

I am newer to the hobby and brought my first baby ball python home about a week ago ago. He ate the day after being brought home and has been super chill when handling. He enjoys his hides and sometimes comes out to explore.

He does not seem to mind handling at all - No aggression, and he will just crawl into my clothes, curl up, and rest, or sometimes explores a bit and then will find a spot he likes. When I'm watching youtube videos or doing homework he will sometimes come out and 'stand up' to look at the screen, it seems. I can even "pet" him, along his body and even under/top of his head without him flinching or recoiling.

I'm a behavioral therapist, but snake behavior is something newer for me, and I just want to make sure he really is this chill and I'm not just making a mistake.

I have included a video of him breathing here, sometimes he seems to be breathing like this, other times slower. I have also included some photos of how he hangs out when he's out of his enclosure to see if it looks "normal." I know there is variance from snake to snake.

Here's an unlisted link to a youtube video showing his breathing and some photos of him during various hangouts to show what his body is like. In one he's asleep on my leg, in another he's wrapped on my arm, in another he's just hanging out in the blanket, not really hiding just kind of sheltered and hanging out. Two others of him hanging out on the bed or computer.

Thanks for any help you can provide. I haven't seen any mucus or signs of illness. I don't see him near his water bowl often but I know that doesn't necessarily mean he's not drinking.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUWHvmMey4U

Pictures aren't working for me for some reason right now.. will try again, here's the video.