New ball pythons, first time owner, one angry snake

[Moneypit]

Went to my first reptile show today with the intent of buying one, possibly two BP's. I am set up for the two and that's what I came home with. Both are 2013 captive bred hatchlings. One is late 2013 and the other is mid to late but is about 30% bigger (longer and wider).

The younger one was very angry coming out of the bag. It coiled up and was hissing a lot. The other one came out of its bag, and immediately started exploring the counter top. When it passed in front of the younger snake, the younger one struck the head of the larger one and held on for several seconds. I was kind of shocked. I covered the younger one with the bag and it stopped hissing and we were able to pick it up and put it into its enclosure.

Each is in its own identical enclosure. Glass tanks with all sides covered, two (large sides) are completely covered and the other two on the bottom third. Each has two hides, a UTH, CHE, cypress substrate (same as breeder used) and are thermostat controlled. The hot side is 91-95, ambient temp is 89-95, cold side is 81-85. Measured with a temp gun and probe. My plan is to leave the two alone for 7-10 days and then try and feed (I was told they are both eating mouse hoppers and rat pinkies). I have two corn snakes I feed in containers separate from their enclosures. Most of what I'm reading and all I've been told is to feed the Balls in their enclosures. Is that the consensus?

Im hoping the settling in period is enough to improve the younger ones temperament. Any one else experience such an aggressive young snake?

[The Serpent Merchant]

Yes, feed your BP's in their cages.

Your little guy had a stressful day. He might have just been freaked out. Let them settle in then reevaluate.

[Darkbird]

Yup, sound like normal stress, and hatchling defensiveness. Hatchlings are hardwired to think that anything that's not food is going to eat them. Some more so than others. With time and patience most grow out of it and learn you won't harm them.

[ZacharyPoller]

Why is consensus to feed in their tanks? i feed mine in a feeder tank and he does just fine he actually prefers it because the second i put him in to the feeder tank he goes into food mode he strikes the second i put the rat in, i say he prefers it because i assume he then knows food is coming

[200xth]

Why is consensus to feed in their tanks?

I can only speak for me.

Less stressful. Less chance of getting bit. Easier.

Mine know it's food time when they smell rats in the air. No need for a special container.

[ZacharyPoller]

I don't feel a chance of getting bit when i move him to the feeder, I don't know if it stresses him out, I think he does well with stress he never refused a meal and never struck at me, and as far as taking him out of the feeder and move him to the tank i just make him aware its my hand i rub him and then pick him up. I guess it would be easier to feed in the tank if you had A. either a lot of snakes B. Snake that gets stressed easily C. Snake that likes to tag you.

[200xth]

I guess it would be easier to feed in the tank if you had A. either a lot of snakes B. Snake that gets stressed easily C. Snake that likes to tag you.

Main reason I can think of off the top of my head where it makes sense to feed in separate tank is housing multiple BP's in the same enclosure. Everything else, in tank seems easier regardless of numbers of snakes or attitudes of snakes.

Steps to feed in separate tank:
1. Open primary tank
2. Remove snake
3. Place snake in feed tank
4. Place food in feed tank
5. Wait til snake is done feeding...
6. Open feed tank
7. Remove snake from feed tank
8. Place snake back in primary tank

Steps to feed in tank:
1. Open tank
2. Insert food
3. Snake takes care of everything else

[Lubana]

I agree with Zachary's comment, above.
I had read that you should feed them in a separate enclosure to avoid them thinking that you're reaching into their habitat to feed them (when you're actually trying get them out and 'play'), thus getting tagged. You don't want them associating their habitat with food, for that reason. Seems to be working. Personally, I'd rather take the extra steps to avoid getting bitten. But that's just MHO.


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[ZacharyPoller]

Main reason I can think of off the top of my head where it makes sense to feed in separate tank is housing multiple BP's in the same enclosure. Everything else, in tank seems easier regardless of numbers of snakes or attitudes of snakes.

Steps to feed in separate tank:
1. Open primary tank
2. Remove snake
3. Place snake in feed tank
4. Place food in feed tank
5. Wait til snake is done feeding...
6. Open feed tank
7. Remove snake from feed tank
8. Place snake back in primary tank

Steps to feed in tank:
1. Open tank
2. Insert food
3. Snake takes care of everything else

Very true its saves a lot of time to feed in tank. Thanks

[200xth]

I had read that you should feed them in a separate enclosure to avoid them thinking that you're reaching into their habitat to feed them (when you're actually trying get them out and 'play'), thus getting tagged. You don't want them associating their habitat with food, for that reason. Seems to be working. Personally, I'd rather take the extra steps to avoid getting bitten. But that's just MHO.

If you only reach in to feed them and for no other reason ever...maybe.

I open their tubs for all kinds of reasons. Water changes, cleanings, handling, food. I open the enclosure to change the water more than any other reason. Food is last on the list by count.

If anything, mine should expect fresh water when I open their tub.