Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Okay, so we pick up this juvie ball this morning. The pet store guy brought him out after feeding and the snake was striking all over... no problem, he just fed... ok its been 3 or 4 hours now, the snake strikes everytime we pass the tank. We haven't bothered him, and I'm trying to let him adjust. I have geckos and have been around snakes, but this guy was supposed to be a join thing for me and my 12 year old stepson. I would like to know, how do I curb this striking? Will it go away as he settles??

Jeff

He probably is just insecure and defensive right now. Both the baby balls I recently aquired were snappy at first, but within a few days, once they settled in and began to feel secure, they calmed down almost 100%. Hopefully yours will do the same!

Nicole

Does he have a hide box?
If not you should provide him with one.

I would also line the outside of the tank with newspaper for the time being, let him get used to his new home. You don't want him striking the tank, he'll bruise his nose and it could get infected.

Matt

Yeah, he has 2 hides, and he's been in one since we put him in. The striking has decreased. He wasn't striking the glass (sorry if I worded that wrong), he was just snapping. Now he's under the "tree" looking out like I dare ya, I'll bite ya head off, lol

Jeff

These 2 things will make it stop. 'The Ball Python Manual' is a good resource for new BPs...

Naturally BPs are the better tempered of the Pythons, but that doesn't mean that they can't experience moments of aggressiveness as a defensive mechanism...