Okay got my first ball lastnight and it is such a pretty baby (actually it is 2 yrs old). I'm not sure of the sex... I'll take it to the vet in a couple weeks to get a fecal done and will probably get it probed then. I was wondering if balls have a general difference in the shape of their tails between males and females. My snake seems to have fat stubby tail that tapers abrubtly at the end.

I held it before I brought it home and it was pretty calm because it was chilly in the room so it just stayed in a ball and after a while relaxed a little in my hands but still hid its head.

When I got it home I put the critter keeper on my bed and opened it and let the snake come out on its own. I have to say I was a little wary about just reaching down and picking it up because I thought it was probably stressed at least a little from the trip and being in a new place with new smells.

I finally picked it up and held it for a couple minutes. Then I put it in its new home, and I am glad to say that it spent a bit of time exploring and even took a drink before curling up in the hide on the warm end. Today I have seen it stick its head out a couple times to look around and even seemed to be checking me out a little.

I was wondering if you guys could tell me what is the behavior of a snake that is scared, stressed, and about to bite? I'd rather avoid getting bitten if I can help it, especially until the snake and I can get used to each other. I've decided to wait at least a week and feed it again (just ate 2 days ago) until I try to handle it again so it has time to settle in... unless you guys say different.



Thanks in advance for any advice you can give me!

Monica

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