Scared BP

[waldo]

I took in a young BP that was left abandoned when the renters moved out. Its in good condition but was very cold, the house was unheated and there was only a small hotrock in the cage for heat.
I got him home and on a proper heat pad with more suitable cage furnishings. He seemed pretty docile at first but now that he is warm, the poor thing is striking at everything. I can't even walk into the back room without him going into defense mode. He even bit at me when I was giving him water.
I've never dealt with a frightened snake like this before, what is the best approach? Should I cover his cage for a couple days until he settles in more? How long should I wait until I offer food? He is about 1.5 ft long and a good weight.
Its been a number of years since I had a ball and I need a bit of coaching through this.

[Archimedes]

Definitely just leave him be for a few days. Make sure the tank is nice and dark, cover it with a sheet if need be, and use this time to make minor adjustments to husbandry if need be to get things ideal. Try to be as hands off as possible for a week or two. If you want, you can add a shirt you've worn recently (not filthy, but has your scent, without perfumes or aerosols) into the enclosure to get him used to your smell and learn that it's not a threat.

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[ZacharyPoller]

I was told when they are striking give them some food heck they get to strike at something and eat then give them a week to 10 days to calm down

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[shadowsnakes]

I was told when they are striking give them some food heck they get to strike at something and eat then give them a week to 10 days to calm down

Only problem with this is defensive strike is not a feeding strike, and you run the risk of associating food with a threat. Leave the little one alone for at least a week and then check on him. I hope he settles down for you.

[waldo]

Yeah, I know better then to offer food with defensive striking. He is slowly calming down, still nervous when I go in to the room but isn't actively striking the glass anymore.
I did cover most of the cage with newspaper so he doesn't have to see me as much. I do have to get into the cage tomorrow to double check temps but I will make it as fast and as non threatening as I can.
He is roughly 1.5 ft long, any idea how old he might be? I've never raised a BP from a hatchling so I don't know their average growth rate. I should also mention I have no idea of his gender, just needed something to call him.