some more ball python questions

[NCKarlov]

ok, maybe some of you guys remember me...the overly cautious newbie. Anyways an update with some new questions..

She has calmed down alot, alot in part to her temperatures getting appropriate (78-80 a little cool on her cool side, and 94-96 on the hot side) her humidity is still low with an average of around 35 probably. i have added a whole lot of stuff to her cage for security as well.

My new questions are lighting..how important is a normal cycle to her? like lights on during the day, off at night. I find myself in a tuff place with this because i work everyday almost from 5-12, so that natural time is a time when i am not around.

she is in her cool side hide 90% of the time. it is not exactly identical to her warm side hide so that might be the cause, but it is roughly the same. My step dad is a professional potter so i've commissioned him to make me some identical hides that look very earthy and have the qualities i'd like. so if it's a hide problem, i got it under control!

I have had her for about a month now, and i haven't cleaned her cage yet.. eco earth, some rocks and branches, and a vine (cardboard for the hides). i stuck my face in there and it didn't smell odorous at all, i clean poop anytime i see it as well. Should i clean it once a month just to be certain? and how cool is it to change substrates on her?

My biggest concern is handling her. I am a bit skiddish around her after she striked at the glass when i was looking at her. So i'd REALLY like to not get bit by her. she was lounging the other day and rubbed her belly for about 2 seconds, she swelled her stomach up a bit and i quit. Is this just natural and should i just pick her up and have her get used to it?? or is it pretty likely she is gonna snatch at me?

I really do apologize for always making these lengthy posts...i'm just kinda in the dark about this snake as i've never kept a snake before. If i went on what the guys at the pet store told me, i'd have a snake sitting in a cage with a 60 watt light on one side, 1 hide in her cage, 1 water bowl, and no thermometers. You guys have been more than helpful with me and i'd like to try to get some photos up to show u what i'm working with so you can call me a fool more adequetly (sp?)

[recycling goddess]

(78-80 a little cool on her cool side, and 94-96 on the hot side) her humidity is still low with an average of around 35 probably.

have you read our caresheet? it may help you a lot. specifically:

TEMPERATURE
~90F (warm side)
~80F (cool side)
75 or below is unhealthy

Your warm side is too warm and you cool side could use it a little warmer (not falling below 80) - and your humidity needs to come up.

HUMIDITY
50-60%
70% (or humid hide) impending shed

My new questions are lighting..how important is a normal cycle to her? like lights on during the day, off at night. I find myself in a tuff place with this because i work everyday almost from 5-12, so that natural time is a time when i am not around.

a light cycle of 12 on and 12 off (or 10 on and 14 off) etc. should be fine regardless of the time it is outside.

she is in her cool side hide 90% of the time. it is not exactly identical to her warm side hide so that might be the cause, but it is roughly the same. My step dad is a professional potter so i've commissioned him to make me some identical hides that look very earthy and have the qualities i'd like. so if it's a hide problem, i got it under control!

good to hear.

I have had her for about a month now, and i haven't cleaned her cage yet.. eco earth, some rocks and branches, and a vine (cardboard for the hides). i stuck my face in there and it didn't smell odorous at all, i clean poop anytime i see it as well. Should i clean it once a month just to be certain? and how cool is it to change substrates on her?

that's an expensive substrate to use considering at minimum once a month you want to throw it all out and do a complete clean. i do a good clean every time my snake defecates... and then a major complete clean once a month. many snake owners do a complete clean weekly!

My biggest concern is handling her. I am a bit skiddish around her after she striked at the glass when i was looking at her.

follow a routine when you pick her up. always remove her hide and then stroke her side gently to let her know you are about to pick her up and then just do a nice swift pick up and place her in your hands so she feels safe (not dangling from one hand). she'll learn this routine quickly. don't be afraid of your snake... it's not sitting around thinking about hurting you...

I really do apologize for always making these lengthy posts...i'm just kinda in the dark about this snake as i've never kept a snake before.

try using the search function on this site as all your questions have been answered many times before. it doesn't mean we don't mind answering them again... but it's always quicker for you to use the search function!

in light,
Aleesha

[frankykeno]

Getting nipped by a baby snake is really no big deal. It's just that we are used to pets like dogs and cats and not snakes generally. Most folks have been nipped by a puppy or scratched by a kitten and don't even worry about that when they get those types of pets. Believe me a puppy bite or a kitten scratch is generally way worse than what a baby BP could ever do. It's just we are conditioned to expect it of puppies and kittens. The more you worry about possibly getting bitten I believe the more you are likely to get bitten. I think snakes can pick up on fear scents (being predators it makes sense to me that they should), so try and just relax a bit. Take the snake out with gloves on if it helps you at first, sit quietly with it on your lap in a quiet room and just watch tv or something. Don't fixate on the snake, just let it sit there with you for a few moments then return it gently to it's home. Do this a couple of times a week and I bet you and your snake will just gradually adjust to reasonable handling time. Some snakes never do adjust but it seems the vast majority of ball pythons will accept some handling if we don't overdo it and stress them.