Help! New Ball Python mommy here.

[DooLittle]

If you don't like the lamps you could always use under tank heating pads. Those work fine.

If you use a uth, MAKE SURE it is controlled by a thermostat. Don't let it run unregulated, or you could fry your snake.

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[caleighgreen]

So I got her the red bulb last night and she is being super active. She's exploring and being all cute, she even pooped! Her eyes aren't blue anymore so I guess that means she shed her skin caps. I got her 7 days ago today. Do you think it would be okay if I handled her today or do you recommend me feeding her first?

[DooLittle]

She should eat 2-3 consecutive times before you handle her. Typically, her cruising around her tank means she is stressed. Ball pythons spend lots of their time curled up hiding. Thats why they don't male good display snakes. The saying goes " A hiding ball python, is a happy ball python".

Also, as far as she shed. It is a process and takes a few days. Typically you will notice they have a pink belly. Then a few days later the "blue" appearance. Then they clear up, and a few days later shed. You will find the shed in their tank/tub, and if you want can unroll it and check that the eyecaps came off. You will be able to see them on the shed.

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[caleighgreen]

In that case I won't be able to handle her for another two months! That's really depressing.

[Capray]

Ehh, if she eats well it probably won't matter if you handle her after the second feed. How often are you feeding her?


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[DooLittle]

In that case I won't be able to handle her for another two months! That's really depressing.

It shouldn't be 2 months, unless she doesn't eat. She should eat every 5 days as a baby. How often are you feeding?


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[caleighgreen]

I have had her for 8 days and have not fed her at all. The breeder told me to not feed her until she was finished shedding. There are currently pieces of shedding all over the place so it won't be much longer i am guessing?

[dr del]

I have had her for 8 days and have not fed her at all. The breeder told me to not feed her until she was finished shedding. There are currently pieces of shedding all over the place so it won't be much longer i am guessing?

Time to read this.

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...hed-No-problem

[DooLittle]

If there are pieces of shed all over, you have a bad shed. When humidity is right, snakes will shed in one complete piece. Your humidity is probably not high enough. How long have there been pieces of shed all over? Days, or you just noticed today? You made need to help her get the shed off. In the future, once she is settled in, you can offer food in shed. Some will eat, some won't. What are your temps hot end, ambient, and where's your humidity?

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[caleighgreen]

the pieces of shed were only there for a few hours. I gave her a soaking but when I removed the lid she lunged at me and moved REALLY fast and I had to chase her all over my bathroom and it was just awful. Most of her dry shed came off but she was being so aggressive that i was frightened and used a cloth to trap her and put her back in her terrarium

. At what point do I feed her? I have had her 9 days now and she has still not eaten. I am so turned off by this I don't even know what to do. I was told by her breeder that she was super friendly and that she was handled every day and whenever I go near her (to fill the water dishes) she tries to bite me. Soaking her was a nightmare and she did everything she could to get away from me no matter how gentle I was. She is absolutely gorgeous but I honestly don't know what to do. I am terrified to even touch her.


I work ridiculous hours and I have to travel pretty far to get her food. I have had her for 9 days so far without feeding her. Is it safe to wait another two days before going to get her food (my day off) or should I just suck it up and go today and deal with my lack of sleep? (I worked from 6 last night to 9 this morning) It is going to be my first time ever feeding her. Since she's three months old, I am assuming small mice or rat pups? she has only eaten live before and I want to eventually switch her to frozen thaw, so since she has not eaten yet since i've had her, should I feed her live one last time and then attempt the switch? Please give me any advice or help that you can and i will really appreciate it.