Striking BP

[pitbulls4me]

We have another Ball python at home who we got from someone who wasnt caring for it properly. The snake was always getting stuck in sheds and never came out of its hides. We did different lighting, changed the bedding and added a bigger water dish. The guy also didnt remember the last time he fed the snake... we knew it was atleast a month because that is how long the guy lived with us and we never saw him feed it. So I went out and got some frozen/thawed mice. I fed him one and he ate great! Now everytime we walk near the cage (its only open on the front all other sides are covered) he gets in a striking position. Now when i go to grab his water dish or anything I am using tongs to keep him away because he is intent on striking.

Now before I fed him we could handle him with no problem. I could stick my hand in there and everything and now I cant. Anyone have any input on why he is doing this? And if thats the way he is what is the safest way to move him out to change the bedding and what not? Could he still be hungry? Maybe I need a bigger prey item?

Thanks for any help!

[xdeus]

You might want to put another hide in there so he can choose a safe place on either the warm or cold side. Also, you didn't mention how large he is... that would give you an idea on the size meal.

It could be he's just a little stressed with being moved and the poor conditions he has been in. Give him some time and if he is eating well take him out a few minutes every day to get used to handling.

Good luck!

[pitbulls4me]

He has two hides on opposite sides of the tank. They are not identical though. I just joined and we are working on redoing his tank as well. His tank was redone about 3 weeks ago and he was fed almost a week ago. I red on here to feed once a week. I am not sure how to tell you how big he is. I would weigh him but getting in there to get him would be a challenge as he strikes at everything, even the glass if something moves on the outside of his tank. He is kept in a quiet room with minimal traffic. And like I said all sides are covered except for the front of his tank.

What is a good rule of thumb in prey size?

[Kaorte]

The prey item should be about as thick as the thickest part of the snake. Sounds like he is just really hungry!

[pitbulls4me]

The prey item should be about as thick as the thickest part of the snake. Sounds like he is just really hungry!

I will try a bigger mouse or maybe a small rat. And maybe if he is not seeing mice instead of hands he will be happier. I fed him about 5 days ago... is it ok to try and feed him again or should I wait the extra couple of days? Hopefully we can get him happy!

[Kryptonian]

How big is he? Just one f/t mouse isnt much unless hes just a baby. If hes bigger and all hes had is a mouse in a month hes probably still very hungry. Kinda like if you dont eat for a while and then only eat say a few fries out of your happy meal then the rest is taken away. You would still be hungry and probably pretty grumpy too. If he is just a baby though, a bite from a baby is nothing. Hurts more to get a flu shot.

[Kaorte]

I would say you can go ahead and feed him after 5 days. If he hasn't eaten in a month I am sure he could take a few mice. Do you know how old he is or his aproximate weight?

[West Coast Jungle]

5 days should be fine condsidering it looks like it was a smaller meal.

They usually strike for two reasons defense or feeding. The defensive strike is bite and jump back. Feeding strike is bite and constrict. If they are real hungry they may even strike at anything that has a heat signature(warm blooded animal) especially if they sense any presence of a rodent. I have snakes that get in strike feed mode alot and if I take a water bottle and mist them they immediate change their attitude and realize I am not food and go from strike pose to ball up/retreat pose.

Sounds like your guy is real hungry and that mouse was an appetizer and he is waiting for the main course.

I rescued a BP that was 8 years old and feed very infrequently. His feeding response was so crazy he had to be fed first or he goes nuts. Otherwise he is the friendlist snake. Sounds like your guy may be in crazy hungry feed mode.

[pitbulls4me]

The snake was really friendly before we fed him that mouse. So I went out tonight and bought him some f/t small rats. It was the right size for him based on the widest part of his body. He had some trouble with it at first but once he found the head he was good and went down with no problems! Hopefully that will help some. How long should I wait to feed him again? A week?

I am not sure how old the snake is or how long the guy had him before he left the snake and never returned for it. The other snake i am trying to get weighs 118 grams and this one is a good 8-9 inches longer and a whole lot thicker. Not sure if that helps. I do have some pictures of him though, I will post them in the picture section. But I am sure pictures wont tell you how big he is or anything.

Thanks for all the comments. It helps a lot, hoping he is just a hungry guy and not a grumpy one!

[West Coast Jungle]

Wait a week to feed again and two days after feeding to handle.