1. i just purchased a new ball python, and because i haven't been bitten yet, i guess you could say i'm a little fidgety and scared. when i'm handling him, and he slithers away out of my hands, it's sort of intimidating to just pick him back up. would a ball python bite in this sort of situation? if he is trying to slither away and i pick him back up, would this aggravate him or is he just exploring?
2. the first time i'll feed him is in a couple of days. many websites say not to handle the snake for a couple days after feeding him, but to feed him in a separate container such as a tub or a box. how is the snake supposed to stay in that container for a couple of days without the heat lamp, uv lamp, etc.? to move him back to his cage, i will need to handle him.
help would be greatly appreciated.
2006-12-12 15:15:22 · 17 answers · asked by musicaxxrave 1 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
I had one for many years also, she was great.
You should have no problems with biting, I NEVER was bitten, neither was my vet, who was a total stranger putting a tongue depressor down her throat.
Yes, feed it in a separate area, you don't want it confusing your hand movements for a meal, they see the warmth I am told. (I used the tub also)
You can pick it up and put it back in it's cage when it has finished eating, but then do not handle it for a few day's, as it may throw it back up (been there too) Also, do not handle when it is shedding, but keep a piece of wood in the cage, it will like to scratch and rub on it.
Your instincts were right, they need that heat.
(I had to give her away, I miss her)
2006-12-12 15:29:16 · answer #1 · answered by Daniele 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most ball pythons will not bite if you just pick him back up, however, it is possible. Just be careful how you pick him up, move slowly and don't just grab and swoop him up. He may get startled and bite out of fear rather than aggressiveness.
As far as feeding goes, It is completely fine to feed him in his original cage. It is a myth that you have to move them out of their cage and into a separate container. Just make sure your hands are always washed before you reach in to get him out during non-feeding times.
We have 250+snakes and feed them all in their cages.. even our 16 foot ones. We have never had a problem.
And yes, you should not handle your snake until the lump from feeding goes away. Generally 1-2 days after feeding.
Also, just to let you know.. your snake does not need a UV light. They only need a heat lamp.
Good luck, hope this helps.
2006-12-13 01:24:10 · answer #2 · answered by Jen 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well I have disagree with Patt. You never feed a snake in the same cage it lives in. The snake will start to associate any movement in or near it's cage as food. A ball python is more likely to try to bite you when it is trying to eat or has just eaten. I have several ball pythons and I have never been biten. I use small rubber maid totes for feeding that I can just pick up and put into there cage and the snakes come out when there ready to. It is wise not to stress them out right after they have eaten because they will throw there food up. And if you don't want to get biten make sure you never stick your hand in there feeding box when there eating because ball pythons do have teeth and they will leave a nasty mark,
2006-12-12 22:16:34 · answer #3 · answered by xxmack675hpxx 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is best to feed in a separate container, the bath tub is to cold though. Don't pick your snake out until you see the food stop moving down his body and wait a day before handling again.
Don't be scared of handling your snake, watch his tail if it move like a rattle snakes tail and if he curls bad a little with his head up, he is likely to be in a defensive stance.
2006-12-12 15:35:41 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
ok the feed box is only for the feeding part you dont have to leave him in it to digest his meal, but beware becuase this is the time he is likely to bite you so take a face cloth and through it over him so he doesnt think your hand is more food and put him back in the cage. then wait a couple of days before attepting to hold him again also make sure you dont leave him away from his heat source while in the procces of digesting because heat is vital for a successful digestion. being bit by a ball python is more alarming than painful youll ask why he did it rather than being in alot of pain ive been bitten by bigger snakes and you get used to it after awhile id be more affraid of lizards and crocadillians they remove flesh rather than giving you a few pin holes.
2006-12-12 23:41:13 · answer #5 · answered by Frank s 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ok first thing don't be scared a ball typically if you touch will curle up with its head under a layer of itself, and if you really scared take and keep a small dish towel handy and you set it over the snake to pick it up. Next you pull the snake out put it in shoe bow or I use a paper bag, feed it then when he/she is all done eating put the towel back on it (don't leave the towle in the bag while feeding it may catch the towel and ingest that) and put it back in it's tank don't pick it up for three days after the feeding and you put it back in it's tank, sometime the stress from being handle to early after eating causes them to regergitate thier food. Now one important thing if you feed thawed dead mice your snake will be less likely to strike at your hand. He will search for food by heat not movement and heat. Petstores will sell frozen mice just thaw them out and stick them in cup of hot water. Plus it is better for your snake no parasites when frozen, and a dead mouse doesn't attack. If you have any other questions just e-mail me.
2006-12-12 15:28:28 · answer #6 · answered by maximus 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have had many snakes including a ball. My advise is to feed in the tank but take out water bowl and any other objects he might get hurt on. Balls are a little fear full so handle him as much as you can,but not after eating. Wait 24 to 48 hrs.
2006-12-12 15:27:15 · answer #7 · answered by pattc68 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1) Ok handling part is perfectly normal. All mine d that at times and sometimes they will just sit. How long have you had her? you may wanna leave her in the cage for a week and then try holding her she may be stressed if you just got her. Also there is no need to be scared of her bitting you. she wont just strike for no reason and bringing her back after she slithers off is fine. you dont wanther to get loose do u? They only strike under consiterable stress or irratation and anything your doing dosent sound to be bad enoug for her to strike.
2) Thats good if se ate and yes its goo tofeed her in another tank or whatever and awhile beoe movin her backto te cageits ok to mve her back to her normal cage but thats it then let her rest a few days and it should be fine. just wait about a hour after she consumed her meal ok.
If you need anything else let me know ill be glad to help
2006-12-12 16:25:00 · answer #8 · answered by andy s 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You will get used to his movements, they really are not a bite first ask questions later kind of snake. And when you feed in a seperate container you can move him back to his home just give him 45 min to a hour to calm down. So you are not mistakin as food:)
2006-12-12 15:34:05 · answer #9 · answered by Bluies101 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
dont be afriad to handle him i would say 99 % of the time you wont get bit. if hes is slithering away just pick him up. you can feed inside of the cage, you dont need to take anything out of the cage, but you dont want the snake to swallow the substrate.
2006-12-12 20:18:25 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋