Reptile & Amphibian Forums

We just bought a ball python from a pet shop in our area that was going out of business. Could I please get some advice on being a new owner, what to expect, etc.? How do you know if they are going to attack or bite you. When I hold him, he starts going towards my face and I'm just kinda not sure what to expect when holding him. He sticks he tongue out like they always do and it touched my arm so just kinda got a little nervous and put him back. Also as far as feeding him they told us to feed him small rats once a week. How do you know what size mice or rats that they need to eat and how do you feed them? Starting out do you feed them in complete darkness or what? The two times we have put him with the rat it has been in a 20 gal aquarium and if the rat goes towards him he gets scared and tries to get away. The pet shop said he ate live rats. Any suggestions or advice would be great.

Thanks,
Shannon

Bally pythons are actually quite docile, especially when they're captive bred. Most of the time they'd rather curl up tightly with their heads tucked underneath, rather than trying to bite you. I guess if he WERE going to bite you, he'd be in the "S position" (i.e. his neck will be in the shape of an S and he'll be tense). That's just how mine looks right before attacking the rats I feed him anyways. I don't know how long ago you got him, but hopefully you gave him some time to adjust to his new home before starting to handle him. You should make sure he has at least one hide in his tank so he can feel secure, and a water bowl large enough for him to soak in. As for feeding, the general rule is that you feed a rat that is no larger than the "widest" part of the snake. I feed mine at night or in the late evening since they're noctural and will be more active then. Mine is also eating live rats, which is bad because the rats can often bite, but I'll be switching him over to f/t this summer when I have more time and patience. That is something you'll wanna think of doing as soon as possible because it'll be easier. I usually take out his water bowl (so he'll have more space) and I drop the rat in the tank. Since you're feeding live, you should ALWAYS be there to supervise because as I said, sometimes the rats get a little nippy. I wouldn't leave the rat in there for longer than 20 minutes. If he's not interested after about 20 mins, take out the rat and try again the next day.

One thing to expect is that they are notoriously picky eaters and will go off feed for extended periods of time. This is normal for Ball pythons and you shouldn't worry unless he's losing a lot of weight. Mine is now on his 6th week of fasting...it happens. Another thing to keep in mind is that over handling causes stress (which can also result in not eating).

Sorry for rambling, I feel like I just wrote you an entire book, lol I just absolutely LOVE these snakes!! If you make sure to keep the temp and humidity in the correct ranges, provide the hide and water bowl and give him enough time to adjust to his new home, you should have no problems at all

I hope that helps!! If you need anything else, feel free to e-mail me! (misshyde31@aol.com) Also, this is a good website http://www.kingsnake.com/ballpythonguide/index.html GOOD LUCK!!
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Cindy :-D

just a suggestion....dont feed your snake in its cage. it can come to associate your hand with feeding when you want to handle it. i put all my snakes in another "feeder" tank, they have come to associate this tank with feeding time. i think this is why i have never had problems with my snakes taking food. good luck with your snake, they are great fun.

Deal

Thanks so much for the suggestion. I was well informed of this from another pet store and from reading several of the posts. Do you put yours in a dark container or in a small container to eat, or does the size or light or any of that matter? Like I said, when we have tried feeding him he shys away from the rat.
Thanks,
Shannon

>>just a suggestion....dont feed your snake in its cage. it can come to associate your hand with feeding when you want to handle it. i put all my snakes in another "feeder" tank, they have come to associate this tank with feeding time. i think this is why i have never had problems with my snakes taking food. good luck with your snake, they are great fun.
>>
>>Deal
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Shannon

0.0.1 ball python
1.0.0 stray cat that made this his home, part-time, LOL!
0.1.0 mixed dog, pregnant
0.0.1 betta fish
0.0.2 parakeets
Hopefully soon a cockatiel!
and currently a male rat that our snake won't eat