Help! New BP Strikes Frequently

[TheMadNucleus]

I Just received a Ball Python from Graziani Reptiles on the net. He is about 3 feet and 500-600 Grams. He arrived about 5 days ago and has eaten 2 small mice. His environment is buy the book.

However, Everytime I take him out he snaps, sometimes repeatedly. I thought Ball Pythons were suppose to be docile and easy to handle.

Any thoughts?

[kurgan]

BPs temperments vary wildly but most will calm down and handle well in time. With a new snake it is vital that you leave him well alone for at least to week to settle in. Most advise not to feed for a week to ten days then leave another week before handling him. Short handling at first eventually stretching it out, let him know that you are not a threat. If he is really bitey then some leather gloves may not be a bad idea at first.

[BPboy]

you should leave him in his enclorure for the first week you get him to let him settle in and so he doesnt get too stressed out. his stres level is probably just really high.

[TheMadNucleus]

Ok Thanks folks - appreciate the quick response.

Actually the breeder recommended that I feed him upon arrival. My feeling on this animal is that he will not stop striking and if that's the case I have a huge problem on my hands.

When I was shopping for a python and doing research, it's funny that no one mentioned that they bite - the answer on this was always - ball pythons are docile and rarely bite.

If this is the case than one that bites is far out of character and I'd be suprised if he changes.

[Kennyxemerson]

new snakes will always bite at first ddude, let him get used to you, my 3rd ball would strike at me every time I walked past her enclosure at first but after her getting used to the fact that im always going to be around she calmed down now i can just sit around my house and chill with her while i watch tv or something.

[kurgan]

I think ti is true that most BPs will rarely bite even if stressed but any BP *can* bite - the great thing about a BP bite (that I have luckily avoided!) is that they can't really hurt you. Dont give up on the little guy leave him well alone for a week then try again. the key is gentle, smooth movements.

[TheMadNucleus]

Thanks Again - hope you folks are right, I'm going to apply your advice.

On other question: I have a 55 gallon (4' by 1' floor space) and I have 2 22watt zoo-med heat pads under it.

I have 2 50 watt haolgens on top and 2 50 watt incad. red lights - the halogens are on during the day the red lights are on in the evening.

The heat pads are always on. The temp in the tank runs a bit over 82 deg during the day and 75 degs at night.

Sound ok?

[Halfdawg]

Something that needs to be remembered for new comers is that make sure you wash you hands before handling your snake, if you have touched any rodents. The scent of the rodent can stay on you hands for a long time and your snake will see your hand as food. I have a friend that has Hamsters and he just got his first Ball Python and he was not thinking when he refilled the hamster’s water bottle and then tried to handle his BP until it struck at him. He did not get bit but he has learned to wash his hands.


Richard

[kurgan]

Thanks Again - hope you folks are right, I'm going to apply your advice.

On other question: I have a 55 gallon (4' by 1' floor space) and I have 2 22watt zoo-med heat pads under it.

I have 2 50 watt haolgens on top and 2 50 watt incad. red lights - the halogens are on during the day the red lights are on in the evening.

The heat pads are always on. The temp in the tank runs a bit over 82 deg during the day and 75 degs at night.

Sound ok?

The tank sounds large even for an adult BP for your little guy the large open space will add to his stress. I think you will be better off ditching it entirely and switching to a tub - see the FAQ section for this. If you are sticking with the big tank then you need to make sure that there are lots of hiding space - at least two hides that are a snug fit.

Re: the temps - I'm afraid your set up does not sound ideal. BPs need a heat gradient in order to thermoregulate. The cool side or ambient temp should be around 80/85F the warm side needs to be 90-95F (one of the hides needs to be on the cool side one on the hot side). Properly heating such a big tank will be a real challenge - 75F at night is too cold really and BPs do better with constant day/night temps. Heat lamps are useful to raise ambient temps but tend to dry the humidity out a lot.

My real concern is those heat pads - they can cause potentially lethal burns to a BP unless they are connected to a thermostat - they should *never* be directly plugged into the wall.

I mean this as helpful advice - others who are more knowledgeable will doubtless add their wisdom but in the mean time I would advise that you read the caresheets available here. I think a 55gallon tank is unfortunately a very bad home for a BP, although with a lot of work it can probably be made to suffice. Plastic Tubs are cheap and considered the best way to house a BP - I'm afraid they fail on the aesthetic front though which is why I went with a custom built cage - but they are pricey.

Good luck.

[Royalherper]

The most common question I get from people when they find out I have snakes is.."do they bite?". My answer is always.."yes". All animals, even the most trusted dog can bite. Give him some time alone. I can't believe the breeder told you to feed him right away. It's pretty common practice to leave your new snake alone for a week, no feeding, no handling. Right now he sees you as a threat. Some balls roll up in a ball (hence the name) when threatened and some strike out. I'm sure after a short period of time he will chill out. Keep your first handling sessions short, 5 minutes or so. Then stretch it out. Don't give up, he'll come around.

Check out the caresheets for sure. There are also some great threads on here about cage requirements.

Good luck.