my ball python is acting strange i just got him but he is not uncurling out of his little ball and the first time i saw him before i bought him he tried to bite me what should i do?
2007-02-09 16:32:26 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Reptiles
If he has been cold he could be in hibernation mode -- use a heat pad or heat lamp to stimulate him out of it. Let him be for a few days after he has warmed up. Pythons will hibernate during winter months and not eat or uncurl...
Ball Pythons have a reputation of going for long periods of time without food. Specimens have been known to go a year or more without feeding but this is not common or safe practice. Long fasting periods can seriously weaken the snake and open it to disease. For best results feed every 2-4 weeks, and seek veterinary advice for fast periods longer than one month to ensure internal parasites or other health issues are not involved. For best results, food should be lightly dusted in a calcium or nutritional supplement such as Tetra's ReptoCal or ReptoLife Plus.
As with most snakes, a hiding place is a must. You can use anything from cardboard boxes, to hollow logs, to manufactured reptile houses. The hide place should be large enough for the snake's entire body. Snug or tight enclosures are preferred for sleeping and security senses. Don't forget to put a climbing branch in the tank, as Ball Pythons love to climb.
Ball Python should be kept at 82ºF at the cool end and 86ºF at the hot spot. The temperature can be safely lowered to 70ºF at night. A variety of heating methods such as; under-the-tank heating pads, specialty reptile heat/light bulbs, ceramic bulbs, etc can be used. A thermometer to test the temperature and check the heating devices from time to time is recommended. This species is vulnerable to thermal burns so direct contact with the heat source should be prevented.
Wild caught specimens can frequently have internal parasites. If you pet becomes sluggish, refuses to eat for several weeks, has discharges from the nose/mouth, or it regurgitates meals, seek a veterinarian for help. Ask you vet, but fecal samples are often helpful in properly diagnosing and treating your pet.
2007-02-09 16:43:15 · answer #1 · answered by TALLgirl 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
he is not uncurling because that is his DEFENSE posture, hence the name BALL python, when afraid they curl up in a BALL. They will bite as well, heck, ANYTHING with TEETH can bite!!!!! lol
Ball pythons should NOT have any heat LOWER than a 90 degress on the hot end and 80 on the cool end.
Ball pythons do not hibernate???they don't come from a place that usually gets cold enough to......that is why they are "cold blooded" their body temps and metabolisim adjusts to wherever they are so they can survive.
How are you heating the cage?
You should have a
heat pad (pet shop)
lamp dimmer (wal-mart)
digital temp guage with probe(wal-mart)
hook the heat pad up to the lamp dimmer and plug the lamp dimmer in, turn it down a bit. Put heat pad UNDER tank, do NOT stick it to the bottom of the tank!
Put the batteries into the digital temp gauge, leave "monitor" out side of cage, put probe into cage, over the heat pad (hopefully you have a hide over the head pad), under the substrate. And monitor the temps and adjust as necessary until it stabalizes around 90-95 degrees.
Leave alone for 2wks, do not worry about food, clean cage out AS NECESSARY.
Feed, once feeding continously (once a week on appropriate sized rat) wait 4 feedings until you start handling.
NEVER EVER EVER put a snake around your neck, even if it is a little 4 ft snake, it can stil CHOKE you. I had a male bp at 5ft. Remember for safety, that you need 1 person for every 5ft of snake.
2007-02-09 17:29:26 · answer #2 · answered by Sapphire 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well,ball pythons will bite if they are hungry,after all i have one.you probley know to feed it once a week,but when you feed it do not prevoke it,it will bite you.just drop the food in and watch,lol.
p.s snakes look soo cool when they eat there food,it sweet.
2007-02-09 17:34:20 · answer #3 · answered by celina r 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
not to b mean but it seems kinda stupid to ask that question. if she has always etin live mice and and now she wont eat the frozen ones then why question the situation. but.....if ur really intent on not feeding it live mice then u can try warming up the frozen one and wiggling it in front of its face (WITH TONGS AND NOT UR FINGERS) or maybe scenting it with a live mouse (although that may b tranatizing for the live mouse). but its best to just go back to live mice.
2016-05-24 20:54:06 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Leave him alone. Let him get used to his new home. Once he's settled in, take him out and handle him gently. Let him curl around your neck and whatnot. He'll get used to you soon.
Make sure you keep an eye on him if you let him on the floor. They are fast and behind the fridge is their favorite place.
2007-02-09 16:37:06 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
well i have a python and her name is sandra, she was the same when i first got her, all u have to do is give her a little extra food and soon she will want to explore her/ his new place or he will ****** eat ur hand off, one or the other:)
2007-02-09 16:37:13 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Leave it alone for a few days.
Make sure it has enough heat, water and somewhere to hide.
2007-02-11 17:25:50 · answer #7 · answered by rdrmn 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
put something in his tank for him to climb on.you may want to get it cheacked out for mites
2007-02-11 00:43:05 · answer #8 · answered by Dee T 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋