Worried about my Python

[Tiny_loves_Roxanne]

So last Saturday I purchased a ball python (a female) about 10 months old from the a reptile show,and she seemed lively and docile like a ball should (I named her "Roxanne" cause I'm a fan of 'The Police') .though over the past couple days she's been acting odd (odd is the best way to put it I guess). she's hissing a lot, whether i try to pick her up or clean out her water dish, and even when i'm not disturbing the tank she hisses. She's also rubbing up against things inside the tank often,and I've caught her a few times laying in the water dish. I think she's getting ready to shed, but I'm not sure...I'm also worried she might become a nervous snake,and be one thats quick to bite if handled etc.

I could really use any help offered

-Tiny

oh couple additional facts:

1. I'm a first time python owner
2.it's a 75 gallon terrarium with an eco-earth/coconut fiber bedding
3. She hasn't been fed since last Tuesday (the man who sold her to me told me to wait a week while she adjusts to the new tank)

if you(the forum) want a picture of what her tank looks like, I can post one as well


thanks again for any help

[Jchris1212]

I would first try putting her in a smaller tank, 10-20 gallon. Then fill up her water dish and ignore her for at least 7-14 days. After this time offer food. Only after you establish a feeding pattern begin to handle, but only handle for small periods of time, 5-10mins. Im a new python owner as well and patience is key when setting up a new home with a new owner. Best of luck and welcome to the addiction.

[Tiny_loves_Roxanne]

thanks, but i don't have the money for a smaller tank,the 75 gallon was a freebie courtesy of a friend who used to own a bearded dragon that passed on 5 or so years ago,and was looking to get rid of it...

i'll ignore her as you said, minus changing her water out.

[Jchris1212]

Pythons become very stressed in large areas....do you have hides for her to go into? The tighter the better. It makes them feel very safe. If they dont feel safe then they become stressed and can become agressive out of defense.

[bivman]

Why don't you try wedging a piece of wood in (gently), to cut down on the size of the tank? Mine is around the same age, and I have her in a 10 gallon.

[Tiny_loves_Roxanne]

do you think after the 7 days i could clean her tank, or should I ignore her still, I feel if i changed the tanks settings around a bit and add another hide (she has 3 hides at the moment) and maybe more fake vines and shrubs

[Elise.m]

Try checking your local craigslist for tanks. They go for pretty cheap on there, either free or $20-$30.

[RichsBallPythons]

So last Saturday I purchased a ball python (a female) about 10 months old from the a reptile show,and she seemed lively and docile like a ball should (I named her "Roxanne" cause I'm a fan of 'The Police') .though over the past couple days she's been acting odd (odd is the best way to put it I guess). she's hissing a lot, whether i try to pick her up or clean out her water dish, and even when i'm not disturbing the tank she hisses. She's also rubbing up against things inside the tank often,and I've caught her a few times laying in the water dish. I think she's getting ready to shed, but I'm not sure...I'm also worried she might become a nervous snake,and be one thats quick to bite if handled etc.

I could really use any help offered

-Tiny

oh couple additional facts:

1. I'm a first time python owner
2.it's a 75 gallon terrarium with an eco-earth/coconut fiber bedding
3. She hasn't been fed since last Tuesday (the man who sold her to me told me to wait a week while she adjusts to the new tank)

if you(the forum) want a picture of what her tank looks like, I can post one as well


thanks again for any help

What concerns me is the rubbing of the face. Have you inspected her mouth for excess mucuss. When they rub their face a lot their trying to clean off things that may irritate their face. open her mouth and check her to rule out RI.

[crusher]

the big issue is the 75 g tank... there is a good chance the snake may not even eat until you get a more suitable enclosure. as advised above you should try to buy one off of craigslist... there are ads on there that sometimes sell the tanks 10 bucks per 10 gallons.

make sure you arent using half logs as hides and just let the little one settle in before handling it... (though i should probably heed my own advice about the handling im a sucker for new animals)

that being said... my pastel male still strikes at the glass when i walk by his tank... ive had him for over a year now. if im holding him... he tries his damnest to do as much damage to me as his little mouth can... hes just plain sinister lol...

[BPelizabeth]

I think your cheapest option is to block off part of the cage. It could be pretty easy to do ....you could even do it with some cardboard though you would have to change it weekly.

Also you might want to take either aquarium liner....or even construction paper and line the outside of the cage....3 sides. This will make her feel safer as well. Make sure that your temps are right on on each side (refer to the care sheet via this site). Bump up your humidity in case she is getting ready to shed ...maybe go for 70% right now. Also double check the water to make sure no black spots...she could have mites as she is sitting in the water bowl....but again...she could be ready to shed too.