New Ball Python

[callmemacc]

I just picked up a 300 gram ball python its my first ball I also have a corn snake. My ball python is extremely aggressive. He shed today so I went in to take out the shed he actually unballed to strike at me help me please

[Daybreaker]

Can you detail your set up for him, your temps, and how you're measuring temps (maybe even post a pic)?

How long have you had him? It sounds like he's a very new pickup, and sometimes the stress of the move will make them act out defensively (ie balling up or striking). I usually leave new additions be for a few days (besides to clean out substrate/water changes) then try feeding. After ~3 successful feedings I then start to work with the snake: ie holding.

[callmemacc]

I have 2 hides one on the warm side one on the "cold" side with a water bowl next to cold hide there is a uth under the warm side as well. I live in tallahassee fl so temps are about 80-90 I have a zilla digital temp monitor he is new I just got him in the fed ex on friday he was blue when I picked him up and he just shed at some point today. Also he was fed live idk if that matters

[Capray]

As he gets used to you he should settle down. Just handle him for about 5 minutes every other day, just holding him and not trying to force him to un-scrunch himself.
Personally I think it's better to only take them out when they're cruising around, just feels more natural to me.

[callmemacc]

I'm really hoping he calms as he gets used to being here but as of right now he is acting more like a blood python than any of the balls I've ever handled

[BHReptiles]

I'm really hoping he calms as he gets used to being here but as of right now he is acting more like a blood python than any of the balls I've ever handled

Babies are defensive not aggressive. He's in a new place with a new home and a new owner. Give him some time to settle in (no handling until he's eaten 3 consecutive times for you) and then begin short handling sessions spread out and slowly get longer and closer together. He should grow out of that behavior. Just imagine if someone took you, dropped you in an unknown place with an unfamiliar house and then someone was trying to manhandle you. I'd bet you'd be defensive, yes? I know I would. Just be patient with him and he'll come around.

[Daybreaker]

I'm really hoping he calms as he gets used to being here but as of right now he is acting more like a blood python than any of the balls I've ever handled

lol My SSTP gave me a couple rodeos when she was younger.

Let him settle in and slowly start working with him; he should calm down in time. You might get results right away or it may take awhile. Some sometimes don't calm down but I bet your guy will when settled in.

[callmemacc]

Babies are defensive not aggressive. He's in a new place with a new home and a new owner. Give him some time to settle in (no handling until he's eaten 3 consecutive times for you) and then begin short handling sessions spread out and slowly get longer and closer together. He should grow out of that behavior. Just imagine if someone took you, dropped you in an unknown place with an unfamiliar house and then someone was trying to manhandle you. I'd bet you'd be defensive, yes? I know I would. Just be patient with him and he'll come around.

ok I will definitely take that advice which brings to me to another question....he has been on live since he was born but I don't want to have to keep live stock how can I get him to eat frozen thawed?

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lol My SSTP gave me a couple rodeos when she was younger.

Let him settle in and slowly start working with him; he should calm down in time. You might get results right away or it may take awhile. Some sometimes don't calm down but I bet your guy will when settled in.

thanks for the encouragement I appreciate it.

[BHReptiles]

ok I will definitely take that advice which brings to me to another question....he has been on live since he was born but I don't want to have to keep live stock how can I get him to eat frozen thawed?

If you have access to a petstore that sells live feeders, I would feed him live for a few meals and then switch him. If you don't have access to that, then switching to prekilled and then frozen is also not an option. Try a frozen rat/mouse (whatever he's eating now) and heat it with warm water in the room with the snake to get that rat/mouse sent going. Then, once it's warm, hit the head with the hairdryer (by hit I mean blast with the hot air from the hairdryer) until it's about 100* and then immediately offer it to the snake. Hopefully he'll take it right away and it won't be a problem for you.

[callmemacc]

If you have access to a petstore that sells live feeders, I would feed him live for a few meals and then switch him. If you don't have access to that, then switching to prekilled and then frozen is also not an option. Try a frozen rat/mouse (whatever he's eating now) and heat it with warm water in the room with the snake to get that rat/mouse sent going. Then, once it's warm, hit the head with the hairdryer (by hit I mean blast with the hot air from the hairdryer) until it's about 100* and then immediately offer it to the snake. Hopefully he'll take it right away and it won't be a problem for you.

will do