Just got my first ball python. I have a few questions (:

[angllady2]

Congratulations and welcome to the wonderful world of ball python ownership.

Ok, first and arguably most important: You WILL get bitten. Period. End of discussion. Get used to the idea, it will go much easier on you and your baby. For reference on the severity of a hatchling ball python bite, see this thread: http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...icture-Warning!

Now, that you have that out of the way, at 150 grams a young adult mouse is acceptable. When he eats, look at his tummy. The food should make a noticeable bulge, but he should not look like he swallowed a football. If you don't see any bulge at all, or only a slight one, it may be time for bigger prey. I feed my babies young adult and adult mice until they reach around 300 grams.

Baby ball pythons are nervous by nature. They are very small, and small things become dinner quickly in the wild. you can handle him briefly each day, except for the two days after he eats. If he eats on Monday evening, wait until Wednesday evening to get him out again. Start out slowly, about 15 minutes at a time. He'll ball up at first, then he'll become a little speed demon for a while, eventually if you are gentle and patient, he'll calm back down again and get interested in checking you out and getting to know you better. I recommend two to three 15 minute sessions well spaced out for the first month or two. As you become more comfortable with each other, you can hold him longer. Generally speaking, try not to hold him for longer than say, 35-40 minutes. And that is at least 6 months away, you will be holding less frequently then, maybe twice in a day. Then as he reaches adulthood and becomes a real couch potato, you can hang out together for longer but less frequently, perhaps every few days.

Ball pythons to come to enjoy being handled, but remember they are not lap pets.

I wish you and your new baby all the best.

Gale