New BP, won't stop striking

[bkelley02]

I just received my first ball python through shipping ( delivery method, not snakes ) and it will not stop striking. I know they experience an immense amount of stress during the shipping process, but he's just striking at air right now. I have him in his tub now and he's still wrapped in some of the paper towel he was shipped in, but he's still striking out every few minutes at the air. I don't plan on bothering him other then to put water in a bowl for him for at least 4-5 days to let him get settled.

Is this fairly normal for shipped BP's?

He was so angry I couldn't even get a good look at him or take delivery day pictures as I didn't want to add to his stress.

[Jason Bowden]

It's best to put them in their enclosure for about a week before handling. Then start taking them out for short sessions.
it's a hot time of year for shipping! i think he needs some alone time. Crush up some news paper etc. to give him extra hiding spots.

[bkelley02]

Thanks, that's what I was planning on doing ( not handling ) but don't think I'd ever seen one so PO'd. Like I said, I only plan on disturbing him to add water if needed.

[Meghan]

How is the husbandry? Is it too hot? Too cold? Too dry? Too humid? etc. I hope the little dude mellows out for you.

[bkelley02]

Temp is about 90 ( hot spot ) to 80 ( cool spot ) with humidity at about 65%. I did just get him, so I'm sure that has a lot to do with it too. Just has a bit of an attitude right now.

[Meghan]

Yeah, definitely sounds that way. Is he real young?

[bkelley02]

Less then a month.

[derrabe]

Im wondering if he has some sort of nerological issue if he is randomly just striking at the air. Not to scare you and hope it is not but sounds like a nerological thing. But I am no expert just give him a day or two and plenty of places to hide. If after a day or two I would take him to get checked out he could hurt himself if he hits the wall or pull a muscle idk just a thought

[piper]

Sounds like you caught him on a bad day.. haha.. Just put him where ever he's going, he's probably just defensive striking and I'm guessing he's a baby.. Babies are very shy and defensive because they are so small.. Let the little one have some alone time hiding and start with handling sessions in a week.. Keep in mind, if this snake came from a big breeder, he probably hasn't been handled much, on top of that he was just shipped.. So as I said, give him some hiding time and only disturb to change substrate and water, monitor temps. etc.. Good luck! And remember, changing his water is still interaction with the snake so that's good as well.

[Danounet]

Maybe the paper stuck in him is stressing him out, maybe he thinks he still in the bag traveling