Why is she angry ????

[chrid16371]

Reward good behavior. When you handle the snake establish a pattern of putting it back in its tub when it is calm, not when it is hissing or trying to escape.

I agree with this but that doesn't mean start now. You need to wait until after a few feedings before you try this. She may be settled in and stop hissing after she's settled in.

[pariahdog]

i thought feeding her in her tank isn't good because then she remembers the opening of the cage as "feeding" time and it will be more aggressive.?

I think most people here would agree that's a myth, or at least not relevant to ball pythons. As dumb as bps are (I love em to death but they're not that smart lol), I think they can tell the difference between a human, and a human with a rat dangling in tongs.

[Hammertime1977]

I don't even know where to start. So I'm going to take my mothers advice she gave me when I was a kid.

I have nothing nice to say, so I'm going to say nothing at all.

[Pug50]

i thought feeding her in her tank isn't good because then she remembers the opening of the cage as "feeding" time and it will be more aggressive.?

My girl has a STRONG feed drive (she will grab off the tongs, often reaching out of the enclosure to get it) but only when the smell of rat is in the air - I wouldn't dare put my hand in there when a rat is in the room! I'm also very careful not to touch her rats with my hands; I don't want my smell mixed in there.

But between feedings she is friendly, shows no sign of aggression and will occasionally crawl onto my hand in the enclosure.

Extrapolating from my piggy, I'd presume that feeding in another enclosure puts you at some risk of being bitten if the smell of food is still in the air and they mistake your hand for a second meal when you reach in to move them back?

[JodanOrNoDan]

I think most people here would agree that's a myth, or at least not relevant to ball pythons. As dumb as bps are (I love em to death but they're not that smart lol), I think they can tell the difference between a human, and a human with a rat dangling in tongs.

I would agree, not relevant to balls. Them being able to tell the difference thing I am not so sure of at least when there is the smell of rat in the air. I have a large albino girl that I would swear is as blind as a bat. When she smells rat she goes from being an angel to a demon. She has on more than one occasion struck past the rat and at my face instead. I have to be pretty alert with her when I am feeding. I don't think she knows she is supposed to be a ball python.

[Meech]

Thanks everyone

[Meech]

oh i meant if i switch from an 100 watt heat lamp to a 60 watt heat lamp will it not affect the humidity as much, not a regular light bulb (although it would be nice for viewing) I dont need that much heat just maybe 5 more degrees Fahrenheit at night... How does everyone feel about those blue day heat lights?

[Snoopyslim]

I think you should leave her alone for 2 weeks to get settled. She's probably very nervous and has been transported multiple times. Let her get used to her surroundings and realize you are not a threat. Go over to the tank everyday and look at her but I wouldn't try to bring her out until after she's eaten. Try feeding after 1 week would by my opinion. You said you got her Sunday - feed this upcoming Sunday.

Don't forget they are snakes and they will never 'love' humans...they just tolerate us. Sounds like you are a very caring owner just give it some time, I know it's hard because you must be super excited!

[pariahdog]

oh i meant if i switch from an 100 watt heat lamp to a 60 watt heat lamp will it not affect the humidity as much, not a regular light bulb (although it would be nice for viewing) I dont need that much heat just maybe 5 more degrees Fahrenheit at night... How does everyone feel about those blue day heat lights?

If it's a CHE go ahead. It's kind of a give and take when it comes to heating+humidity in tanks, you just have to find that balance.