Opening and closing the enclosure for water or to clean up her mess is fine. When we all talk about leaving them alone we are talking about people that constantly want to handle them and also that think the more handling the better. There is a limit with Ball Python's as to how much they want to interact.. They are a solo roll and feel best let be.. I handle 2-3 times a week and that includes maintenance. It sounds to me like your girl is doing exactly what she is suppose to and the fact she came out at night is a very good sign. Usually a stressed Ball Python skates the glass during the day almost frantically as if it was trapped in a Bottle... Exploring in the evening or at 11pm looks totally different, that is healthy behavior.Originally Posted by Caali
First of all: Welcome to the world of ball python keepers!
You worry a lot
She'll calm down. Just change the water normally and try give her some space.
You don't have to be overly careful. Just leave her alone for the rest of the time.
Once my snakes are going into Shed Prep Mode i don't see them until the entire process is complete & that can be 3 weeks from start to finish. Most BP's also wont eat during this time.. They get a cloud over their eyes, skin dulls, then the eyes clear and the skin gets a bit loose and wrinkly.. Shedding can then start within the week after.. A lot of new keepers get nervous during all this. These little Guys & Gals know how to take care of themselves and as long as your environment "Husbandry" is within the recommended temps etc things will go just fine. I myself find as long as my Humidity is 58-64 they never have a problem shedding. Sometimes a snake that is a few months old coming from a Pet Shop has a bad shed the first time it comes into someones home. When this happens it tells you the Pet Store did not control their Humidity and sometimes not even the heat. I can walk into a handful of Pet Stores within a couple Miles here in NY and not one of them has thermostats or Humidity above 35-45%.
Take things one step at a time and dial it all in and you will enjoy your new addition. Congrats on the Noodle
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