so i got a ball python.

[chrome730]

I have a ball python which we got from someone because they couldnt care for it anymore. Hes about a year and a half old. Its my first python, well my first snake over all. Any suggestions on find out what mood he is in. This is meant for a general ask and answer thread. If you ask ill answer if i ask feel free to answer. Also if you could point me in the direction of information on behavioral signs would be greatly appreciated. Again dont slaughter me for it being my first snake cause it was not my first reptile. Lol

[dr del]

They are normally pretty chill snakes.

Letting them settle in for a week to get used to the new environment with minimal interaction is usually a good idea.

[chrome730]

Thats what i was thinking. He ate with in the hour of being in the new home. All his new stuff will be coming shortly for now he has a heat pad, hide, water dish, and a branch. Basically everything the people had for him. They didnt really have any info for me so i just assume hes a regular python. Couldnt really tell the differences between some of them anyway lol. He seems pretty chill now. I dont want to handle him too early though.

[AKA Dave]

Yep. A feed is a good start. Let him settle in and then see how he is. If you change his setup much, I'd reset the clock except for basic cleaning and changing the water. That's the routine he'll get used to. As far as mood, a relaxed snake will have moderate tongue flicking and be more or less extended, acting curious. When agitated or cranky, look for a much more furious pace to the flicking and the "S" shape. It's a defensive/aggressive posture and you could get tagged. I just brought home a new one and she is very vocal about me being around her when changing water. Lots of hissing. More bluff than anything, but it can be intimidating. A gentle stroke not in line with her head is all I give her to get her used to the idea that I'm not the bad guy. Works for me, so you might try it too. Good luck with the new addition.

Dave

[frostysBP]

Do you have a thermostat hooked up to the heat pad?

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[chrome730]

[QUOTE=frostysBP;2372233]Do you have a thermostat hooked up to the heat pad?

Not yet frosty its on its way. The original owners didnt seem to have it on one and he seems to be ok with it for now i want to put one on it for its safety. And to make sure its home is regulated properly. One hide is where the pad is and he seems to enjoy that hide quite abit. Right now i just checked on him and hes on his branch basking in the uvb light. I know some people have mixed reviews about the pad and the light together but my house is a bit colder than normal. He seems to like the uvb light. Thats when hes more active. He didnt come with much so i had to order all of his stuff. I was actually shocked when he ate. The previous owners said they have trouble with feeding him and he wont eat unless hes covered. What causes that?

[chrome730]

Thanks man ive noticed the "S" position sometimes and i just leave him alone. I figured he will learn soon that im not bad.

[frostysBP]

Unplug the heat pad until u get the tstat... Look up some burn snake threads and you will see why I say that.even if it been that way the whole time it only need to get hot enough once to burn ur snake or worse your whole house

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[chrome730]

So unplug the pad and just use the uvb light till the tstat comes in?

[frostysBP]

How long until the stat comes in? A few days colder is better than burns.

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