hi all. i just got an '05 female ball python 5 days ago. she fed 3 days ago, and she pounded that mouse. i have honestly never seen anything move that fast. today, i went to handle her, but she would come out of her hide box (8"x4" cardboard box with a door cut out). so i took the hide out of her cage, and while waiting for her to come out, she struck at me (no teeth, just bumped me hand with her nose). it scared the living sh*t out of me, but otherwise no harm done. before i fed her she was docile as a baby, but ever since she just guards the entrance of her hide box. she even follows the movement of my hands outside of her tank in a strike position. so, what gives? any thoughts?
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1.0 Cranwelli Horned Frog
0.1 Ornate Horned Frog
1.0 '05 Snow Corn Snake from SMR
0.1 '05 Ball Python
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New BP "guarding " hide box? Need some help!
Replies (4)
LOL either she's taken up residense and decided she doesn't want company she hasn't personally invited, or maybe she's still hungry. I'd try and feed her again.
Quig
She is stressed out and you startled her - leave her be for a week or so - let her hunker down in her hide until she feels secure. She'll probably do some night exploring and eventually learn her environment and settle in, in the mean time give her space, don't bother her, make sure there isn't a lot of traffic around her cage. When she's settled you can take her out and handle her - btw - always best to wait until they are out of thier hide and cruising around their cage before you go pulling them out. That way you know they are awake alert and receptive to handling. Imagine if you were asleep in your bed and this big giant person tore off your sheets and grabbed at you. Give her time - unless she is just one of those balls that has a bad attitude - she'll come around.
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Tosha 
"Nihil facimus sed id bene facimus"
7.33.0 Ball Python (Harry and Fluffy and gang)
1.0.0 Angolan Python (Anakin Skywalker)
0.0.1 Green Tree Python (Verdi - yeah I know but my kids love the book)
0.2.0 Feline (Pippen and Pandora)
0.0.1 Desert Tortoise (Pope John Paul aka JP )
2.2.1 Fish (1,2,3,4)
0.0.2 frogs rescued from pool skimmer
LoL I hope your not dangling your fingers infront of her hide box... They do sense heat ya know. Also she will calm down, I had a few snakes that I was scared crapless before because they started turning into little rattle snakes, after awhile I got mad and started to put my fist in there face to show dominance and they stopped.
it's definitely either a defensive or feeding response. or both!! i have an 05 pastel male that was a very aggressive feeder for the first month or so that i had him. he would come to the edge of his hide and sit there like he was saying "feed me" and everytime i put a mouse in there he'd nail it within seconds! he's slowed down some now but he's still a good eater. i suspect you'll find that yours will be the same way.
