Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey Ya'll, (Can't tell that I'm southern can ya?)

I'm new here, so please forgive my ignorance if any question that I ask may seem completely brainless, but I just came into possession of a beautiful "Normal" Ball Python and want only the best for Monty. I'm sure someone can help me out with my three basic questions, and I thank you in advance for all of your help and consideration.

My first major concern is whether or not I should be misting him. I've read that they don't like moisture and that it does horrible things to their underside, but if this is true, it goes against everything that I've learned about reptiles in grade school. I would like to know whether he should be kept moist or not, because I would hate to do so and harm him or refuse to do so and kill him.

Secondly, I'm extremely concerned (not scared) when holding him. While lying in his tank, he's calm, docile, and even adorable, but when I reach in and take him out, he goes into "active mode" and begins going everywhere he can, flicking his tongue as if he's sniffing for food. I've also noticed him recoiling into an "S" like pattern. I'm new to snakes, so is this his way of telling me to get lost or what is going on here? Am I in any danger handling him this soon (two weeks). And should I wait and, possibly doing as suggested in an earlier thread, leave a worn shirt in his enclosure for him to get used to me or put him in a pillow case on my lap to get accustomed to my presence?

Finally, I've got him in a 10 gallon enclosure that's standard sized. He's approximately 30" long, and appears to have plenty of space to me, but I'm not sure. Should I purchase a longer/larger enclosure for him?

Thanks again for all of your help, I hope to make this my new resource for my new pet, I want only to give my baby the best.

R.C.

First off, welcome to the ball python (and snake) world. As for misting, this is usually done just before shedding (when their eyes start to turn blue). They really don't need high humidity except at this time. You don't want Monty sitting on constant moisture. This will promote scale rot. Most balls don't even need to be misted but if you find your ball having trouble during his shedding than this would be your best option. Another way of boosting humidity is to just add an extra water bowl in his tank during shedding time (although you probably won't have alot of room to add an extra bowl in a ten gallon tank.) As for handling him, has he eaten for you yet? If he is eating regularly, then he is ready to be handled. With regular handling he will calm down, although him moving around and flicking his tongue actively is a good sign that he is healthy. The more time you spend with him, the more you'll be able to judge his mood and figure out what his body is telling you. The 'S' position is a defensive posture but not always meaning he's going to strike you. He may be just bluffing and the regular handling will make him realize he's not in danger and he will calm down. I would suggest just keeping him away from your face while he's in this defensive posture (my one fear is getting tagged in the face ) As for the enclosure, a general rule of thumb is as the length and width of the cage and if this is larger than the length of the snake your all set. You will eventually need to move him up to a larger cage (especially if Monty turns out to be a female, unless you know for sure Monty is a boy.) Good luck with Monty, Scott.
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Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

"In any civilized society, it is every citizen's responsibility to obey just laws.
But at the same time, it is every citizen's responsibility to disobey unjust laws."
—Martin Luther King Jr

Add the length and width of the cage.
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Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

"In any civilized society, it is every citizen's responsibility to obey just laws.
But at the same time, it is every citizen's responsibility to disobey unjust laws."
—Martin Luther King Jr

Hey, I've got another question. You made reference to Monty possibly being a female ball. If this is a reality, why would I need a larger tank? Also, I've had my first case of a lost snake...Monty sent me on a wild goose (snake?) chase throughout my condo for well over 2 hours. Finally ending in a closet after promoting activity by raising the temperature in my condo to approximately 90 degress. What a weird episode, but all ended peacefully...There was no struggle and with a few modifications to my enclosure, monty has yet to show any interest in escaping again...(And didn't have any success if he did) well, anyone with answers, please help me. I'll post pitures as soon I get them posted.

R.C.

My first major concern is whether or not I should be misting him. I've read that they don't like moisture and that it does horrible things to their underside, but if this is true, it goes against everything that I've learned about reptiles in grade school. I would like to know whether he should be kept moist or not, because I would hate to do so and harm him or refuse to do so and kill him.
** different animals live in different environments, some more moist, some less. BPs need a bit more moisture when they shed, but a normal temperate zone house should be fine between sheds (60-75%)
and only wet amphibions like to be damp all the time (as far as I know)
Personally I like the idea of a tupperware cereal container with damp substrate in it and the door removed for shed time (humid hide)

Secondly, I'm extremely concerned (not scared) when holding him. While lying in his tank, he's calm, docile, and even adorable, but when I reach in and take him out, he goes into "active mode" and begins going everywhere he can, flicking his tongue as if he's sniffing for food. I've also noticed him recoiling into an "S" like pattern
**Trust me if you get bit on the hand, it will scare/startle you more than hurt
and the increased activity is him/her exploring this HUGE new environment, and looking for something familiar
the flicking of the tongue is like smelling, and feeling

Finally, I've got him in a 10 gallon enclosure that's standard sized. He's approximately 30" long, and appears to have plenty of space to me, but I'm not sure. Should I purchase a longer/larger enclosure for him?
** you will eventually need a bigger place for him/her to live in to avoid bone and scale damage, and it is not so much height s/he will need as floor space

This is just my understanding from what I have learned here and from my daughters research, I M not a big breeder, just a temp caregiver to a BP, and a RN with a Biology background (not a herp degree)
Hope I helped
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Elizabeth (ecb)

Make this world a better and more beautiful place that You have been in it
*Edward W Bok*