Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am about to get a ball python next month. I am doing my homework but have a couple of questions.

I will have a seperate feeding container for my ball. When I feed my ball. How long should I wait before I pick him up and move him back to his enclosure? I am afraid he will give me his lunch if I pick him up too quickly.

Also, I am a teacher and hope to some day introduce my ball to my 5th grade class. Are males or females more docile? Does it matter? And how do I prepare the ball to being petted by a group of kids? Of course I will only allow about 3 at a time to come up.

Thanks in advance for any and all help.

How long should I wait before I pick him up and move him back to his enclosure?

- My general rule of thumb is as soon as they're moving around and trying to get out of the box, they're ready to be moved back home. Haven't lost a lunch in 25 years

Are males or females more docile? Does it matter? And how do I prepare the ball to being petted by a group of kids?

- Balls in general are extremely docile snakes, I've heard that females can be a bit temperamental, but haven't seen that in either of mine. As for the kids petting the snake, just make sure it's used to being handled, make sure you tell the kids to move slowly around the snake and make them aware of signs that the snake may not be liking what they are doing. if you are keeping the snake in the classroom, make sure that you have someway to block it off from the hustle and bustle of the classroom, that will stress out the snake.
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Tosha

1.1.0 Ball Python (Harry and Fluffy)
0.1.0 Siberian Husky (Kita)
0.2.0 Feline (Pippen and Pandora)
0.0.1 Dessert Tortoise (Pope)
5.4.2 Fish (1,2,3,4...)
0.0.1 Frog rescued from pool skimmer
0.0.2 Lizards rescued from pool skimmer

On top of what Tosha suggested, I would make sure the Ball has a strong feeding response. Somtimes balls that are feeding but not aggressivly will stop feeding if stressed. Just take a few months to be sure you have a strong animal and then your plans for the children will be no problem. Pick him up a hadle him a few times a week. This will give you a good idea about the snakes disposition, Also, if you let the children hold the snake do it over a table or sitting down. Little ones like to drop snakes.
Kevin

I had a huge problem with feeding. I live in southern Ontario, Canada, and I was told it's because of the weather changing, I handled it too much (once a week didn't seem all that bad), to try frozen pinkies and fuzzies, but served thawed, try this try that, but to no avail. Luckily I ran into a female at a local petstore who owns 15 ball pythons of her own, who told me to simply drop in a "hopper" mouse in the tank when it was time for bed. Lights out and a towel wrapped around the tank for added security for my snake. Add a piece of carrot or lettuce...it lessens the chance of the mouse gnawing on your snake. I don't feel there is a need for a second tank, as the snake, from what I have learned will only eat when it feels safe. So why not in the tank where it spends most of it's time hiding in it's clay pot or what have you. Needless to say after 2 months of frustration, my ball has taken 2 hoppers in the last 5 days. Then again, not all snakes are the same, but their eating habits should not differ I assume. Hey, I'm no expert, but it worked for me! If you follow the guidelines on this forum, you should be okay. There are alot of informative posters here, and never be afraid to ask questions. Also consider the geographical location you live in. It plays a small part, but it is important.
Thanx to everyone.