New to site and to Having a BP

[python.princess]

okay, i just tried posting a really long reply but my puter decided to act up so now i'll keep it a little shorter.... sounds like you've got the shedding thing down alright! i wouldn't worry about your snake not drinking as long as you keep him supplied with fresh clean water. it's rare that i ever see mine drink. they're nocturnal so they usually do it when i'm sleeping! lol! that's also why he's more active when you have him out once the kids are asleep! as far as the snake/human relationship, there's a thread running around here titled 'i think my snake loves me' that you may want to check out!

welcome to the club! just a warning, these guys are very addicting! and so are pictures of them! so post some! i need a fix! lol

[frankykeno]

Welcome to BPNet, Melissa (and family and of course Mr. Snake)! Ball pythons are a great pet snake with some limitations that come with owning a snake and this species in particular. Sounds like a good fit for your family though.

When you see the vet ask if they can pop or probe Mr. Snake for you to determine gender. Also they should give you a weight in grams (important info to track with snakes).

As far as the feeding, depending on Mr. Snake's size an f/t fuzzy mouse is likely too small a meal to really cause much feeding interest, or are you offering an f/t fuzzy rat? It could be prey size, it could be that the f/t prey isn't warmed enough and giving off enough of a heat signature, it could be how you offer the prey, it could be something to do with the snake's home or it could be a bit too much handling. Refusing to eat is a symptom of a greater problem but we can help you sort that out. Right now, more than anything else including handling, it's important to set down a good weekly feeding pattern for your scaley friend.

There is an excellent stickied thread here on the whole shed process. Also another one for if the shed goes a bit wrong and you have to help the snake. He's likely drinking from his bowl. They tend to be very shy snakes so you don't always see them drinking and so forth.

Some snakes take to handling better than others but in the end, all are snakes and don't bond with us like cats or dogs do. It doesn't mean that they are less, just different. For me, I just don't over-think the relationship. As long as our family is happy with the snakes and the snakes are comfortable with us...it's all good. The rippling you are seeing is a reaction to the stimuli of touch. Those big belly scales (called scutes) are their locomotion so are made to be sensitive that way.

I'm glad you and your family are enjoying this experience. Snakes make a wonderful addition to any responsible home.

[Blu Mongoose]

Welcome to the site!!