Letting BP explore outside of enclosure?

[Moshimaru]

Hello,

I just got my first ball python 1.5 weeks ago. He's 2 years old, and eats well, based on the 1 meal I've given him thus far. I've taken him out a few times, and each time I've just let him slither around on my arms. He seems comfortable being handled. He moves slowly, and flicks his tongue. I want to give him the opportunity to explore if he so desires, but with all of the small pets I've had (dogs being the exception), I'm anxious with letting them go too far. I usually set up parameters so they aren't able to get somewhere I can't reach!

I'm worried he will quickly slither away into a vent or something! I know BPs are not known for speed, but I guess I am just asking more experienced owners: how do you let your BP explore and "stretch out their spine" for lack of a better term without worrying about them finding a hard to reach place to hide? I don't plan on leaving him attended, but if possible, I want him to get to explore without me hovering over him, ready to grab him at any second. There are a lot of things he can slither behind or under in my house!

Thanks in advance!

[KayLynn]

Don't leave them unattended, and keep other pets away. Ball pythons are capable of moving faster than you'd expect, especially if they see what they'd perceive to be a threat (giagantic hooman, big doggo, cat, etc.) coming at them or in the vacinity. In the wild, anything that would be predacious toward a ball python would attack from above because they're a terrestrial snake, so things that loom overhead are scary. If you have a cat make sure it's not near your python ever, as even slight injury from a cat can result in horrible infections. Dogs can cause injury from being excitable and may step on your snake among other things, so it's best to keep them away also.

Most cases of snake escapes are from easily escapable habs or taking your eyes off the snake while it's exploring. Always be close enough that you can pick your snake up easily, so within hands reach.

[KayLynn]

Also, keeping your ball python out for extended periods of time can cause stress, because they're happiest when they're hiding. If you'd like to take him out for exploration time, try to keep it short and sweet, and always wait a couple days after feeding before you handle him. Don't handle him when he's opaque and in shed. I wouldn't recommend exploration/handling more than twice a week once he's all settled in, especially as he's new to you. They're the sloths of the snake world, too much activity is overwhelming

[Zincubus]

Best thing anyone with a Royal / Ball python could do for their precious snake is to spend 30 minutes in a local woods / park and collect a few branches , then pop into a dollar shop and buy some cheap plastic/silk foliage .

They'll spend every evening getting some exercise and brain-work


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[hollowlaughter]

I do let mine out to wander, but only in my room, which has been snake-proofed. Door closed, roommate's cats removed. He does like this activity, when it's kept short (15 minutes or so, when not in shed/near food day/etc). The worst mine ever does is hide in the suitcase under my bed when he's had enough, but I've made sure there's no holes he can wiggle through to get out anywhere, and that I keep the floor register/heater off when he's out to wander (just in case).

[Moshimaru]

I would never leave him unattended! I do have doggos, but I put them into a separate room when I bring him out. I also keep him in a room with the door closed, so no pups will bother him.

[Moshimaru]

The few times I've taken him out, he's only been out for about 15-20 minutes. I left him for 5 days after getting him before picking him up. I also waited the 2 days after feeding him to pick him up again. And they are sloths for sure! I've never seen such a cute combination of curiosity and laziness!

Zincubus, do you do anything to treat the branches? Do you know if there is any type of wood to avoid? (other than cedar, I'm aware that the oil in cedar is poisonous to BPs)

hollowlaughter, I think I need to make sure my craft room is snake proof (the room his enclosure is in), and then I will keep him in that room when I set him down.

Thanks, everyone!

[Kit]

I let mine explore every now and again, but she puts up a real fight going back in her tank! I think you will be perfectly fine letting him explore as long as you keep an eye on him! Best of luck and take care!

[Zincubus]

So true . I would NEVER take my eyes off any snake ...whatever the species or size .

[RickyNY]

Zinc, how do you treat the branches you collect from the woods? Do you bake them?