I got a new 3 year old ball python and he keeps striking at me through his tank

[neonxspork]

I adopted a ball python about a week ago, and I knew not to really bother him so I haven't tried to touch him. I wanted him to get use to his space. But even if I'm just in my room, he strikes at the tank. If I go to turn his light on or off, he strikes more. And I just cant get near the tank. So I have no idea how I'm going to feed him. Any suggestions as to why this is happening? He was so calm when I brought him home and in the store.

Rachel

[Skiploder]

Rachel:

What kind of enclosure is he in? Is he in a high traffic area or by a TV or a stereo?

If it's a glass tank, or a cage with a large glass display front, the most likely reason he is still feeling threatened is that he feels exposed. Even under optimum conditions, a change of venue is very stressful to these animals. The key is to get him used to his new digs but to also minimize additional distractions and stressors.

If he's by a TV or a stereo, move him. The vibrations that these devices give off will stress him out.

Try covering the glass and adding some crumpled-up newspaper balls to his enclosure - and leave the light off. Continue to leave him alone for at least another 5 to 7 days and then see if he's settling down a bit. If your temps and humidity are in range, he should start to show signs of calming down.

[neonxspork]

He's is a pretty big tank. 30 gallons probably. He's in my room and I have a tv but I never use it cause it's really old. He's on the floor and against the wall. He has a giant stick that he won't come down from, but I can't get a hideaway in there becasue he strikes so much!

[Skiploder]

He's is a pretty big tank. 30 gallons probably. He's in my room and I have a tv but I never use it cause it's really old. He's on the floor and against the wall. He has a giant stick that he won't come down from, but I can't get a hideaway in there becasue he strikes so much!

Being on the floor is also stressful as vibrations from footsteps are going to easily transmit to him.

I'd put on a long sleeve shirt and some gloves and get two tight hides in there ASAP. Don't monkey around with anything else, just put the hides in, get the tank off the floor, and cover things up for about a week.

[neonxspork]

Thanks I really hope that helps. I feel so bad! I knkow he's scared caseu anytime I go near his head kind of shakes a little. I have a corn snake too that I've had for awhile, but I keep her elsewhere, and she's always been super playful and responsive, so I couldn't figure out what I was doing wrong here. But thanks!

[Figure8]

My ball python shakes whenever I go near his cage on feeding day - maybe its just really hungry? I'd throw an appropriate sized live mouse in there or invest in some feeding tongs if you're worried he'll strike you

[frankykeno]

Rachel, think from the snake's point of view. This is a 3 year old animal, one you've no idea most likely on what it's life has been like, what it's had to adapt to and survive. It's also only been in your care a very, very short time. It's not being mean or aggressive, it's just being defensive and trying to survive a situation it does not have the capacity to understand.

Pick up something like this from your dollar store. Get gloves on, get the snake locked down securely and make whatever changes you need to do to it's enclosure (then just gently tip the snake back in to avoid getting nailed coming out of the holding container).



You might want to add a lot of crumpled up newspaper, it's not pretty but it's very effective in helping snakes settle in and feel less exposed, especially in glass tanks. As the snake relaxes, feeds, etc. you can slowly remove the crumpled newspaper in a few months. I've tried it myself with both young and mature ball pythons and it's truly a wonderful trick Adam shared with us.

Tub prior to newspaper addition....


Tub after adding in newspaper (top view)....


Tub after adding in newspaper (side view).....


You might also want to cover some of that glass up with a dark sheet to help the snake feel hidden away and safe. Make sure you are still getting good ventilation and your temps and humidity is stable of course.

Don't lose hope or expect changes overnight. When we dealt with a larger female that was much like your snake, it was months before our kids were even allowed in the room she was housed in. It was months before she stopped fighting us and even more time before she was allowed to move around without one of us in control of her.

She now is handled happily and safely by children. She's over 3,200 grams now. Just don't expect miracles and don't blame the snake, they are just doing things instinctually, just trying to survive and likely scared beyond our ability to comprehend it.

[duffmanrc]

one of my snakes is very mean/jumpy, i am not sure which. All my snakes are in tubs in my rack and she is the only one that always strikes at me. The others may hiss a bit when i pick them up, but they don't strike. im guessing some snakes are just like that.

[wolfy-hound]

Some snakes are more defensive than others. They are individuals.
Use the tips suggested, covering the tank, putting lots of hides in, and leaving him alone to de-stress from the move. I'll bet you have a lot more success with that, and soon you'll have a calm happy snake.

[littleindiangirl]

I agree some snakes are just high strung and snippy. I have a female "peach" that will puff up, hiss, strike and try to make her self unpleasing as possible when I open her tub. She's calmed down with us considerably, but there are days she just doesn't want to be bothered, so I take things real slow with her.
She is a feisty gorgeous animal, and I love her to death; she is also an EXCELLENT feeder.