Ball Python FAQs

[JLC]

11. How long after feeding should I wait to handle?

Generally 48 hours is adequate, but if your python has had an exceptionally large meal and still has a visible lump in it's belly after 48 hours, it may be prudent to wait a bit longer. Handling too soon can cause regurgitation, which in turn can cause damage to your snake's throat and is very stressful.

12. How do I "tame" an aggressive baby?

Many baby snakes are (understandably) afraid of humans and will try their best to scare you away. The best thing you can do is to gently, but consistently handle it for short periods of time until it begins to trust you more. Do not make sudden movements, and refrain from touching the python's head and neck as this is particularly sensitive and will scare them. Let them crawl over you unrestrained, if you are gripping them and restraining them, they may panic. After time and patience you should have a wonderful lap snake.

13. My BP sits in its water bowl all the time. Is this normal?

No. A ball python will usually have a specific reason for soaking. There may be problems with the temperatures in the enclosure, or it is trying to get off stuck shed, or it is trying to drown mites.

13. Are there any good BP books I can buy?

Yes, there are many. Searching on Amazon.com is likely to get some good results. One of the best books available is The Complete Ball Python by Kevin McCurley. It can be found here: http://www.newenglandreptile.com/book.html

15. What does BP poop and/or urine look like?

Snake poop looks like… well, poop. It's brown, generally log shaped, and doesn't smell pleasant. Snake pee comes in two types. Urine, which looks like you’d expect, and urates. Urates are mostly solid, chalky white or yellowish excretions.

16. I see white chalky stuff in her tank. What is it?

This is urates. A normal excretion similar to urine.

17. My BP skipped a meal, should I be worried?

No. Ball pythons are quite notorious for going on feeding strikes, sometimes without any reason we can understand. The time to start worrying is if you start noticing significant weight loss.

18. My BP has not eaten for a whole month! What should I do?

As long as it seems to us, a month without eating is not a big deal for most snakes. Make sure that your husbandry is all correct (especially temperatures) and make sure your snake has enough tight dark hiding spots. Try offering mice instead of rats (or vice versa) and offer live if you normally feed frozen-thawed. Always wait a week between food offerings, and keep handling and outside stresses to a minimum. Feed at night, and if you are feeding frozen-thawed, leave the food item in the cage overnight with the snake. Leaving it in the doorway of the hide the snake is occupying can help.