help agressive!

[SnakeLos]

OK, first - this is coming from someone who feeds live. I gather from your post, this is your first ball python.

Please be aware that even an adult ball python really requires nothing larger than a small/small rat (like 3-4 weeks old). I would hate for you to purchase a rat that is too large for your snake for your first live feeding attempt.

Also, only leave live prey in with your snake for about 20-30 minutes. If you notice that he's moving around a lot, but not going after the prey, remove the prey. If he's settled properly, your temps are perfect, and he's hungry, he should hunt from his hide rather quickly. If he hasn't eaten in 20-30 minutes, he's mostly likely not going to, so you should have a plan how you plan to house a rat for an additional week (only offer food one time a week, even with a refusal).

First and foremost, you say you're moving him into a tank. What have you been keeping him in? How large is the enclosure?

You didn't mention how long you've had your snake? Did you give him a full week to acclimate before you began handling him?

What are your temps on the cool and warm side, and what device do you use to measure those temps?

Remember when you move him to the tank, you need to give him another full week to acclimate to yet another new home.

My general rule of thumb is that I do not handle any new snake until after they've had their first meal with me (preferably two meals, so at least two weeks). Also, any of my kiddos that refuse a meal, do not get handled until they feed again, even if I know it's just an off week for them.

It sounds like "something" probably isn't right in your set-up, if he's defensive striking, or you may have moved more quickly than he was comfortable with.

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w...s/DSC00200.jpg

okay heres a pic of his enclosure... i have a heat med size heat mat for him... what rat size would u recommend for him?
by the way... i got him a week ago (last sunday feb 25)... tried feeding him last wednesday (f/t fuzzy but he didnt take it)... and i left him alone for about 6 days to acclimate