Can I get an expert opinion?

[JoDirt]

We are new BP owners and brought her (or him) home yesterday. The previous owners say this is a very gentle snake and has never bitten them in the year they had her. We've handled her a couple of times and I gave her a mouse which she devoured very quickly. I was told to feed her a mouse once weekly. I guess it is good that she eats so quickly after being in a new place?

1. They said to feed her in a separate container but my husband just dropped the mouse in her tank. Will this be okay?

2. Also, I've noticed some mites on her, and we were given some mite spray, when would be the best time to use this on her and how should I go about it?

3. Se really does seem very gentle and tolerates handling well, she seems to want to explore and stick her tongue out, is this normal? My son says she was bumping the top of the cage last night.

I want her to he healthy and content. I'm reading through threads but still have so many questions. It will take awhile for us to get used to each other, I guess. I'm not sure how often I should handle her and for how long...the previous owner demonstrated by wearing her around his neck.

[A.VinczeBPs]

Use the mite spray as soon as possible, to clear that up fast. Directions should be on the back.

Feeding in the same container is perfectly fine, not a problem.

Exploring is normal, and so is the tongue flicking.

Everything sounds normal except the mites, and I can't believe the selling would sell a mite infested snake.
Make sure you have the temperature and humidity normal as well, and don't handle your ball python after eating for at least two days, and leave her/him alone for the first week to get used to the new home.

Good luck clearing the mites up, and welcome to the BP world.

[Elise.m]

Have you read the caresheet yet? Just to cover some bases.

[waltah!]

The caresheet listed above is a good start. If that's a one year old bp it should be eating larger meals than one mouse. Do you have a way to weigh the snake (in grams)? Odds are if that's what they were feeding that she's very small for her age.

[BPelizabeth]

Wow...you started with mites. YIKES!! I am not sure what they gave you but I would get Provent A Mite referred to as PAM. You may have to just order it...but it is really good good stuff. Mites can be a pain to get rid of. You do not need two to breed....1 can lay eggs all on its own. Be sure to really clean the cage...especially up in the corners. I would in the interim also you papertowels for a substrate. This way it is easier to see what is going on with the mites. Keep the cage right now really simple....2 hides and a water dish as well as your probes for temps. And like someone stated read the care sheet.