3 month old striking? feeding help

[nicole<3]

I just got 2 babies the other day and I waited a couple of days to try and feed them
Well my one eats no problem, her sister on the other hand...
I put her into her feeding tank, she struck at me 2-3 times I put the mouse in and she cared more about me then the mouse I moved the mouse closer to her head she killed it didn’t eat it and then stuck at me 3-4 more times until I put a shirt over her and put her back into her tub
I will not tolerate this with her
What can I do?

[iCandiBallPythons]

try to feed her in her own enclosure instead of putting her in a "feeding tank" this could be stressing her ,getting bit really doesnt hurt at all. Some babies are just defensive, you know ppl are alot bigger than they are, they will calm in time.

[cmack91]

well first off, its a snake, your going to have to tolerate it, you have no other choice. give her time and she'll stop striking at you, for now, i would feed her in her enclosure, she's probably more comfortable in there and might be more willing to eat

[VEXER19]

Well I'm no expert but I have done a lot of research into my BP and If you just got them then sometimes you should let the BP get aquainted to its new enviroment. Some say not to handle the BP for about 2 weeks. Then after that you need to handle your BP on a regular basis so you BP can get used to being handled. Also make sure that you do not have the sent of the meal on you or the BP may be confusing you with the meal. Also don't reach in from above your BP, but from the side so she can she you coming. Remember, they do not see like we do and their senses are different as well. But the whole not tolerate it thing needs to go out the window. This is a wild animal, not a dog that you can just snap you fingers and they will obey. They are in control and you just have to deal with that. It takes a special person in my opinion to own a reptile because you adjust your life to it, not vice-versa. BPs are also very picky eaters and she may just like her meal a certain way. Mix and match and try different things to see what works for her. Like lights on or off or your humidity or temp. Or just let her adjust. Ever had culture shock? Well it sucks so let her get used to her surrounding. Also don't make any quick movements with her. Just move slow and let her know that your there. My albino BP would constrict and not eat 3 times in a row when I first got her. I figure out what she likes and now she eats. Plus do you know when she had her last feeding? Young BPs tend to bite first and ask questions later. She will grow out of that. Well I'm done with this novel and I hope it helps you with some ideas on how to get her to feed good luck.

-Joe

[nicole<3]

My male has never once stuck at me once nor hissed even when he was shedding and didn’t eat for 3 weeks
Her sister didn’t strike at me either
Sadly, if she continues to do that I will have to get rid of her, I understand she is a snake and snakes bite but my others are also snakes and they don’t bite
I do hope she grows out of it but thank you, I was kind of angry because it was like she knew she was doing it
I’m thinking because her breeder feed frozen, so she might have thought I was going to give her a mouse

[Stewart_Reptiles]

I put her into her feeding tank

And this is the best way to get tagged.

Moving an animal in feeding mode is risky even after their meal they still remain in feeding mode as well which mean you are at risk to get bit as well.

Solution? feeding in it's enclosure.

[ballpythonluvr]

My male has never once stuck at me once nor hissed even when he was shedding and didn’t eat for 3 weeks
Her sister didn’t strike at me either
Sadly, if she continues to do that I will have to get rid of her, I understand she is a snake and snakes bite but my others are also snakes and they don’t bite
I do hope she grows out of it but thank you, I was kind of angry because it was like she knew she was doing it
I’m thinking because her breeder feed frozen, so she might have thought I was going to give her a mouse

Moving a snake into another enclosure for feeding time is not necessary. I just recently got a hatchling male pastel. He strikes at me all the time and I feed in his enclosure because if I didn't I would surely get bitten. You are not being fair to the snake at all. Give the little one a break, would you please. It will calm down with time. I am not just going to get rid of my pastel because he strikes at me. My male normal was an evil little monster when I first got him and now he is 1354 grams and tame as a puppy. I can put this beast around my neck now. I trust my snakes a hell of a lot more then I trust my cat. My cat gets into moods where all he wants to do is bite and scratch. In all honesty, I would rather take a bite from one of my snakes.

[HerpIsAhobby]

I could be way off base but it seems like the snake struck at you and startled you and this is a little bit of a knee jerk reaction. Most likely with age and size and regular handling the little one will calm down. Ball pythons are great pets but sometimes people forget that they aren't mammals and are never going to be able to lick your face like a dog or purr like a cat. Every snake is different just remember that when you start comparing this one to your others.

I agree with the others who posted above as well about feeding in a seprate enclosure not being a good idea. People do this with success but it goes against the snakes nature and if they don't like it then you should read that. Plus as your collection grows its just going to be enormously time consuming to take each individual and spend 15 minutes plus waiting for them to swallow the prey. Good Luck