Questions about growth, feeding, handling

[FaulerHund]

So, my ball python is 90g, so still pretty small. I think my husbandry is pretty good, because he spends probably 50% of his time on the warm side and 50% on the cool side, and he spends most of his time in his hides. But today I tried handling him, and he was pretty defensive. He kept getting into the striking position, and nipped at me a few times. He didn't draw blood, but he was very anxious and stiff and bitey. Then when I put him back, for about an hour he was frantically travelling around the inside of his enclosure and poking his head up into the corners, as though trying to escape. I took this to mean he was stressed out about having been handled. How do I proceed? Do I just continue to handle him anyway and let him bite at me until he wears himself out and realizes I'm not a predator? Or do I wait for him to mature a little? Now he's just the same as before - hanging out in his hides - so whatever stress from handling him couldn't have left a lasting impression, could it? Another question is about growth and feeding. So currently I'm feeding him fuzzy mice, which are about the width of the widest part of his body, and I have 3 left. I was thinking about moving to rats ASAP to get him accustomed to this early and not have to make the switch later. My question is, is this a good idea? And how quickly do ball pythons generally grow, from where mine is at right now? He looks like this.



Thanks for the help!

[Stewart_Reptiles]

It's an hatchling so defensive behavior is completely normal and will go away as your snake grows and start putting on some size, usually you will see a improvement around 250/500 grams so long you keep your husbandry optimal.

As for feeding the prey size is way too small even hatchling get started on hoppers and at this size your snake can handle a small adult mouse or large rat fuzzy.

In my experience transitionning work best once they have a few meals, some will switch quickly some not so much however because your snake is so small you can't resort to tough love as you would a bigger animal.

As for feeding you should feed a prey equal the girth size up until your snake is about 500 grams.

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[FaulerHund]

It's an hatchling so defensive behavior is completely normal and will go away as your snake grows and start putting on some size, usually you will see a improvement around 250/500 grams so long you keep your husbandry optimal.

As for feeding the prey size is way too small even hatchling get started on hoppers and at this size your snake can handle a small adult mouse or large rat fuzzy.

In my experience transitionning work best once they have a few meals, some will switch quickly some not so much however because your snake is so small you can't resort to tough love as you would a bigger animal.

As for feeding you should feed a prey equal the girth size up until your snake is about 500 grams.

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Sorry, I made a typo in my post. I meant to write that I feed him adult mice and want to move him to fuzzy rats, but accidentally wrote that I feed him fuzzy mice.

[redshepherd]

Just need to wait for him to mature, and don't over-handle the hatchling for now, which can lead to other issues.

I personally handle twice a week for hatchlings, only about 10 minutes each time, and they eat every 5~6 days.

[FaulerHund]

Just need to wait for him to mature, and don't over-handle the hatchling for now, which can lead to other issues.

I personally handle twice a week for hatchlings, only about 10 minutes each time, and they eat every 5~6 days.

I just handled him again today for 30 minutes, and he was significantly less apprehensive today. Also when I put him back in his enclosure, he just hid in his hide and presumably has gone back to sleep, instead of wandering and trying to escape.

[JusBlaze365]

I've been looking at ball pythons for a very long time and have owned a few at different times of my life. I have recently picked up a pastel lesser female. She's only 2 months old and I don't have an accurate weight on her yet. The breeder said he fed her twice a week. Advised me he feeds twice a week until they hit 500 grams then cuts them back to once a week. This girl seems to want fed everyday. I've seen lots of post saying feed every 5-7 days. Should I slow this girl down or feed twice a week. I know I've probably answered my own question with the every 5-7 day schedule just wasn't sure if she would be more upset by slowing here down so much.

[JusBlaze365]

A few years ago I heard you could power feed them every 2-3 days but now it seems that's not a good feeding schedule for healthy snakes. She has had 2 meals since Saturday when I got her.

[FaulerHund]

I would also like an answer to this. I'm feeding every 5 days, but he always very enthusiastically takes the food, and I feel like I could even do every 4 days. But probably I'll keep doing every 5 days

[Neal]

I would also like an answer to this. I'm feeding every 5 days, but he always very enthusiastically takes the food, and I feel like I could even do every 4 days. But probably I'll keep doing every 5 days

If you're just going for a pet, then honestly I would feed once a week, though feeding every 5 days won't hurt it may increase the likelihood of him fasting. I'm not saying it will, just an increased chance. Especially if he's a pet, then there's definitely no rush.

Also with regards to switching over, you may want to try it sooner than later. He could easily take a rat fuzzy. I would try a rat before you ordered some if you do ft though because there's no guarantee he'll make that switch.

[JusBlaze365]

Thanks for the response. I will eventually breed this girl but I'm in no rush to get her ready. I mean the sooner the better but only if she's healthy. I know it's a long process and this is just a fun hobby