Reptile & Amphibian Forums

ok, so i was planning on getting a ball so i set up a cage i built, its about 3 ft long, about 18 in. tall and 18 in. wide...these are all just estimates, im not near the cage now. i have a water dish, hide log, a plant(fake) branch and bark. its in the high 80s ambient and a little warmer on the hot side. he looks great, hes a male thats about 2 ft. long. thick bodied but not real fat yet. i bought two smaller mice sunday but he ignores them. they would crawl on him and sleep! i tried the next day to give him one but he still wouldnt eat it. then, after i opened the cage(they are wood on four sides and plexiglass on the front, where it opens) and this ball, which was extremely calm, struck at me. so, needless to say i am a little confused. thanks for all the help in advance. btw, i got him at the hamburg herp show.
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1.1.0 bearded dragon
0.0.1 green iguana
0.0.1 emperor scorpion
1.0.0 knight anole
2.1.0 green anole
0.0.1 golden gecko
0.0.1 skink
1.0.0 american toad
0.0.5 oriental firebellied toad
0.0.1 green treefrog
0.0.1 asian longtail grass lizard
0.1.0 rat snake
0.1.0 eastern kingsnake

Give him some time to acclimate.
He needs to believe that he is "home".(Secure)
Once he does,he will eat.(Be patient,its a waiting game.)

The fact that he struck at you is a good sign.As they are overall timid creatures.To me this signifies that he has decided to defend his new home...next step..eating.

Once he has fed and has had a few days to digest,take him out for a few minutes.Use a hook if you must,once his head is out of the cage he should be fine(no longer defensive).
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Charles Glaspie