Finally got him...(Dial up beware)

[Enve]

Just got back from NERD......









This is my first snake, his name is Neek (what my 2 y/o daughter calls him). Thanks to all who helped me with my setup!! He's been out and about since I put him in his tank, I thought he would hide and not come out for a couple days but he seems pretty happy and adventurous, thats a good thing right? NERD was great very knowledgable sales guy and great selection. I was on a budget so had to get a pastel but they had some tremendous bp's!

[JLC]

Heeyyy....a pastel for a "first snake" ain't bad at all! Congrats on the little beauty!!

I would only critique one thing I see. You've got the probe cord taped down. That's an accident waiting to happen. When one corner of that tape gets loose and a curious snake crawls near it....stick!....tape peels off glass and sticks to snake...snake panics and tries to get away....tape gets more stuck to snake.....etc. It's not a giant piece of tape, so hopefully it wouldn't get that bad...but there is a definite risk of scales getting torn off due to "tape-encounter."

As for the activity part. That's quite normal for a ball python coming into a new home. They will spend a few days exploring every single millimeter of space...and it takes them awhile to be absolutely sure no other animals have claimed those little caves. In a few days, you'll likely see less and less until it is finally comfortable enough to sleep 98% of the time like most ball pythons do.

[Enve]

Heeyyy....a pastel for a "first snake" ain't bad at all! Congrats on the little beauty!!

I would only critique one thing I see. You've got the probe cord taped down. That's an accident waiting to happen. When one corner of that tape gets loose and a curious snake crawls near it....stick!....tape peels off glass and sticks to snake...snake panics and tries to get away....tape gets more stuck to snake.....etc. It's not a giant piece of tape, so hopefully it wouldn't get that bad...but there is a definite risk of scales getting torn off due to "tape-encounter."

As for the activity part. That's quite normal for a ball python coming into a new home. They will spend a few days exploring every single millimeter of space...and it takes them awhile to be absolutely sure no other animals have claimed those little caves. In a few days, you'll likely see less and less until it is finally comfortable enough to sleep 98% of the time like most ball pythons do.

Ok cool, I removed the tape. I'm also going to grab something to cover up the back and sides of the tank. Also he was beeing fed live hoppers, the guy said I could switch to f/t but I should wait 2 weeks before feeding for that, that sound right?

[JLC]

Yeah....the wisest course is to make sure the little guy is comfortable enough in his own home to eat what he's used to eating....so try to get a couple (at least) of good meals in him first. Once you're sure he's eating...then try switching to f/t.


The reasoning: If he refuses to eat...you won't know if it's because of something wrong with his environment, or if he's just turning his nose up at the f/t. If he refuses live hoppers that he's used to...then you'll know you may have some environmental issues to address first.

[Enve]

Sounds good, I appreciate the help! I'll go live for a few feedings.

[JLC]

Always glad to help!!

[Kennyxemerson]

beautiful snake!
I love pastels

[dr del]

Hi,


Wow he is a little firecracker.

You are going to have so much fun watching him as he snakes on about his life I promise.


dr del

[Enve]

He's in his hide now, seems pretty content. Going to be hard waiting a week before I can grab him again

[frankykeno]

That is the hardest part of getting any new snake whether it's your first or your 20th....leaving them be that first week or so. In the end though it's great advice and it's been proven to help these snakes settle in better. You have 20 years or more to have a wonderful handling experience with that little beauty but only a finite time to get him eating well and regularily for you so that's the first priority.

Beautiful snake, a lovely pastel from NERD for a first ball python...I'm impressed!