Alright guys and gals, I just got a ball python. The shop said he needed to be feed so they gave me a mouse to give him when I got home. The snake seemed very stiff and was wound up when the pet shop guy took him out.

So back at my house I fed him the mouse that they gave me and put him in his cage left him be for the night and today had a friend that has a ball python try and handle him/her, and he struck at her like four times and when we put him back into this cage he struck at us from the cage several times what should I do?

Thanks a lot

Justin

Don´t handle her for 3-4 days and wait until she is adpated to the new environment.

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Regards,
Joao

Welcome to the site and congratulations on your ball python.

Hopefully when the shop owner sold you the ball python, he also gave you some care advice for it. From your post, it seems as if he pretty much tossed you the snake and said here is a feeder, have fun. Fortunantly for you, that isn't how we operate on this site. lol

From the sounds of it, the "ball" python was acting instinctively from the description of "stiff and wound up". When a BP is nervous or scared, it will coil itself into a ball and keep itself tightly wrapped to protect its head. Its a normal behavior for the BP and since it resembles a "ball", its partially where their common name comes from.

As João stated, your snake needs time to settle in. You were actually lucky the snake even fed for you. Most snakes will not feed when they are first transported to a new environment because the move is extremely stressful.

Trying to handle the snake less than 24 hours after it has eaten is risky business. Not only do you risk being bit, but you risk causing the snake to regurgitate the meal it just ate.

You should always wait at least 2-3 days after a snake has fed before you attempt to handle it.

Are you certain that the snakes enclosure is all set and adequate for him? Having the proper heat gradient, humidity, hides, size, etc. will help your snake acclimate faster. (I know you posted your friend has a bp, but that doesn't mean they are experienced. After all, they didn't bother telling you that you shouldn't handle the snake for a few days after its fed, and thats basic husbandry info.)

We have a caresheet on the Ball Python here: Ball Python Caresheet

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I am with Rich. The snake is scared and stressed. The balling up is a protective device, frequently with the head buried to protect it. I would be concerned that they even suggested that you feed the snake immediately after purchase. It is good procedure to leave the snake totally alone for a week or two to let it settle in and get comfortable. No handling or feeding during this time.
You are fortunate that the snake didn't regurgitate the mouse. And believe me it would be nasty!
You should not bother it for a couple of days after a feeding.

Please check out the link you were given and in the mean time give us the details of how your setup is.

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Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!

Welcome to HC Justin, ditto to what all said. Let us know where this petstore is so we know where not to buy.

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Ken
" The United States Marine Corps......sure we are a department of the Navy,,,,,,we're the MENS department "

Welcome to HCN Justin. Hope you enjoy it here.

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MARSHA

:D I'm smiling because I have no idea whats going on!

alright guys I read your responses and I feel a little better now. my set up is a 30 gallon take with a UV light from my iguana and a heat pad under one side with astro turf for carpet with a hide box on the cold side of the tank and a good size water dish the hot side is 90-95 while the cold side is 83-86. i got the snake in upper MI they don't sell many snakes and seemed like they care about it really so I wanted to get it out of there.

Thanks justin

Your set up sounds good though I would add some type of hide on the warm side also to give the snake a option of where it would like to hide. Also keep a eye on your humidity. I keep my levels 65-75% during the day and up to 90% nights in summer (wet season).

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http://www.ig-phelsuma.de/
http://dght.de

Good catch Titus!
Yes a hide should be on both ends so the snake doesn't have to choose between temperature and security.

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Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!

alright guys today I went out and got another hide box and put it on the warm side of tank.. he is still an a$$ though wont let me pick him up and still striking at me.... i just think this is weird becuase other people get there bp and hold them right then and they are all nice wrap up there arm and live happily every after. oh btw I don't want to get bit


Justin