Newbie and a little worried

[Lunawf]

So I got my bp on Friday, i held it 2 times, and figured to let it be for a few days to get use to his new home...well today just a few mins ago..i went to clean up the poop he had so wonderfully left for me...and he struck at me!!! that totally freaks me out!!! I know that I will get bit...but want to do everything i can to avoid it. Im a little worried that I will be tempted to not hold him because of that....I DONT WANT THAT!!! I know that holding them too much will stress them...but just a little now and then. He was fed on Friday 2 small mice. I did not think it was that...so any suggestions!!!??? Please help!!

****sorry wrong forum****

[dr del]

Awww,


Your big and scary to the lil fella.

Leave him be as much as possible for a week to settle down - some take longer than others.


dr del

[scotty99]

Yeah, he's most likely a bit scared and stressed, just go in to change the water and spot clean any poop (wear some gloves if you feel more comfortable till he settles in), nothing else. He will ajust to his new pad fairly soon...........or may be he's just plain EVIL

Only joking, it's only the human species that can be evil

[nixer]

Yeah, he's most likely a bit scared and stressed, just go in to change the water and spot clean any poop (wear some gloves if you feel more comfortable till he settles in), nothing else. He will ajust to his new pad fairly soon...........or may be he's just plain EVIL

Only joking, it's only the human species that can be evil

i dunno about the only evil species i have some angry bp juvies and babies

[Lunawf]

i dunno about the only evil species i have some angry bp juvies and babies

I dont think he is evil...i have held him before and nothing...he just curled around my arm and out his head in my hand...that was the first time i held him while the breeder still had him....then i held him the day i picked him up...and then that night when i put him in his tank. I have not held him since. Just change the water and checked for poop and checked the temp. that's it.

Well there is one thing. I did have his light directly on the tank...(its a 10 gal tank) and we took it off and have it from a distance and now he has less direct light. and because of the size tank and the water dish there is no room for a second hid. Could that do it? I am working on a 30 gal for him i just need to get screen for the top.

Him and my Crested Gecko are going to be trading spaces!! LOL

[RoyalGuardian]

Ok first off take a DEEP breath and calm down. Your ball python has heat pits and when your excited or scared your body temperature changes and lets the snake know. You have to be COMPLETELY calm! The tiniest hint of fear or excitement could spell disaster for your hand or worse. Snakes are unlike most animals in the fact that they actually can "see"(via heat pits) and sense fear. Your new little buddy needs to get used to their new home. About 1-2 weeks(I know its sooooo hard >_<) is the correct amount of time to not hold/touch the snake. This is the hardest part about owning a ball python IMO. I'm so glad you decided to become a member! I wish you and your little buddy well and next time it strikes at you take a deep breath and relax. if you show fear from strikes or hisses your snake will realize that you are afraid and that its in control if it hisses or strikes and that will make him a "mean" snake. You chose a snake so you have to stick it out through thick and thin. Bits,hisses,giant stinky poo, prey, and the greatest pet you could ever imagine! Buck up! you'll do fine!

[Lunawf]

I know....I know....i feel like a wosey now...LOL I know im going to get bit..it comes with the package..ehehhe...its just the first one that i dont want..but what the hell. it will happen sooner if i keep on this track right?? LOL. I get bit by my gecko all the time. So i will deal. I will let him be for a while.

I guess i freaked cause i dont want him to be "Mean" and bite everytime, i have two very couriouse kids that want to pet him so badly. Its going to take time...I new that.

Thanks for the advise everyone! I feel at home here already!!

[RoyalGuardian]

no prob! never be afraid to ask questions! We LIVE for them! and our serpents of course!

[scotty99]

[QUOTE=

Only joking, it's only the human species that can be evil[/QUOTE]


I take it back, just been to the reptile room (specialist pet store near me) They have a Cooks tree boa!!!!..............it just wants to rip your face off!!! lol