New here!

[xbambamx]

Hey yall, just thought I'd introduce myself, my name is Ian and I'm eighteen years old! I have a baby ball python that I bought about two weeks ago, he's about 15 inches long. Here are my questions: I've had BP's in the past, but this one is VERY skiddish, I can handle him, but he still jerks back, and doesn't enjoy to be touched too much. Very good eater (sometimes I think he eats to much, about twice a week AGGRESSIVLY!sp) Lately he only comes out for a few hours during the day, and when he does he is completely balled up and his head is no where to be seen. I currently have him in a 10 gallon tank (plan on upgrading very soon) with a hidebox, water disk, 70 watt heat lamp, and an undertank heater. Why has he been so balled up and shy lately? Also, what can I do to make him a little more friendly, I've considered switching to another animal such as bearded dragons, but BP's are so much more interested. He's bitten me twice, no blood or pain, just scared the crap out of me! I wear gloves now. Thanks in advance

[Stewart_Reptiles]

First


I have some quesions for you

How long have you had your BP for

Do you have one or 2 hides and what do they look like and how tight are they.

Do you know your temps and humidity and what type of device do you use to measure them.

[xbambamx]

I've had the BP for about two and a half weeks, I have one hide box, it's not overly big, has a nice opening, and he hangs out in there mostly, temp is about 85, and the humidity is about 60%

[Stewart_Reptiles]

I've had the BP for about two and a half weeks, I have one hide box, it's not overly big, has a nice opening, and he hangs out in there mostly, temp is about 85, and the humidity is about 60%

Well seems like you went a little fast with him, you should have let him settle for a week before handling or offering food which could be part of the problem.

Also you need 2 identical tight hides with all side touching your BP's body you can make them out of plastic flower pot dish, plastic bowls, or get something that look like this

Now for the temps you need to offer gradient temps of 80-84 on the cool side and 90-94 on the warm side.

Make sure yu masure both temps and humidity with a digital thermometer/hydrometer like this one that can be found at Walmart for 12$ (Dial and stick do not work)

For now do not upgrade the enclosure size, it is fine just make the adjustment suggested, let him settle for a week try to offer food and then start handling.

Also keep in mind that snake are wild animals and he could simply be acting like a snake.

[xbambamx]

Alright, I'll go tonight and get it, so give him about a week to settle? How can I keep my humidity up?

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Alright, I'll go tonight and get it, so give him about a week to settle? How can I keep my humidity up?

Yes once you make all the changes he will need to settle down so limit you interaction with him.

To keep humidity up between 50% and 60% as needed you can

Have a substrate holding humidity better (Cypress Mulch, Repti-Bark)

Spray your enclosure

Have a humid hide

Place and additional water dish on the warm side above the UTH

Partially cover the screen top of your enclosure

Here is a good link http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?p=569004#post569004

[Cassandra88]

Hi! and welcome! Good luck with your new ball python im sure you'll find everything you need to know on here!