Digestion Question

[casicassie]

First of all..sorry if this is not the correct section. Feel free to move as necessary.

I just have a quick question. I fed Apollo for the first time last Saturday (he had already eaten a week before coming with me). Well, almost immediately after he ate he went to hide. On average...how long will he be hiding? I am just a little unsure because he is my first BP. Also, should offer a mouse again next Saturday? Even if he is still hiding?

Thanks!

[Mindibun]

They will usually hide for two or three days afterwards, and sometimes even longer. It's a good thing. It means he feels safe and happy and is gonna go sleep off his dinner.

Yes, offer food again on Saturday since you should generally feed every week. He'll peek his nose out.

[Basketball303]

I feed about once a week, regularly. If you got him recently, he could still be stressed, so don't be shocked if he doesn't eat, BP's are picky eaters, some have gone months without food.

[Mindibun]

I feed about once a week, regularly. If you got him recently, he could still be stressed, so don't be shocked if he doesn't eat, BP's are picky eaters, some have gone months without food.

That's very true. I forgot to take into account that you've just gotten him.

[nevohraalnavnoj]

Some of mine barely ever come out of their hides, others eat and are out the next day hunting again. It's entirely up to the personality of the snake, some are shy some love to show-boat!

JonV

[casicassie]

Thanks to you both!
Apollo is new to me, but he ate last week without any problems at all. Actually, I was quite proud of him!
Except he did eat the mouse butt first. But the vet told me that it was normal and that he would eventually learn not to eat that way.
Thanks again!

[blackcrystal22]

First of all..sorry if this is not the correct section. Feel free to move as necessary.

I just have a quick question. I fed Apollo for the first time last Saturday (he had already eaten a week before coming with me). Well, almost immediately after he ate he went to hide. On average...how long will he be hiding? I am just a little unsure because he is my first BP. Also, should offer a mouse again next Saturday? Even if he is still hiding?

Thanks!

Feed every 5-7 days, but ball pythons generally hide, even when they are not digesting.
It's part of being a bp. They are naturally very shy and will probably spend most of their time hiding. :]

[casicassie]

So is it okay to take him out of his little hide now? To hold him? Or should I wait for a few more days?
I know that he will always have a wild streak, but I am trying to tame him a little bit.

[blackcrystal22]

So is it okay to take him out of his little hide now? To hold him? Or should I wait for a few more days?
I know that he will always have a wild streak, but I am trying to tame him a little bit.

I suggest waiting 48 hours before handling after feeding. Some people go 36, I go 48. :]

[casicassie]

I fed him on Saturday. So it's been 3 days. I just don't want to bother him. I guess I didn't realize that he will always be hiding.