Care of a formerly neglected BP

[DooLittle]

Ball pythons can go on food strikes for months at a time, generally with out any ill effects. So he may not be as bad as you think. I would skip the gloves, that might just freak him out. Getting bit by a bp isn't as bad as you think. The anticipation of it happening for the first time is worse. Always wash your hands after handling rodents, and he won't confuse you with prey. You need to get a scale and weigh him, that will be best way to see if he is under weight. If he wants to, and will eat every 5 days, I would feed him. If a bp wants to eat, let it. Also, once they are settled in, and have proper temps and food, and feel secure, he may start to mellow. When you start handling him, just do it confidently, start with 5 minute handling sessions to get him used to you. Don't have a death grip on him, let him explore as he wants, moving through your hands. What are your temps, how is your heat controlled, and what are you using for hides? Pics of tour set up would be nice. If all this is in place, he should settle in. Congrats on your bp!

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