Hello all, this is Carol. Hubby and I got our first ball python today...and I have been reading like mad to learn all I can. I'm told our new snake is a male, still don't have a name yet. He is still fairly young yet, only about 18 inches long and appears quite healthy. Something I haven't been able to find out is how soon after they have eaten that they can be handled? and if I feed him in a separate area...if I can't handle him right a way...then do I just...sort of gently dump him back in his tank??? As you can probably see I'm less knowledgeable than I prefer to be. If any of these questions are in the wrong place, forgive me and tell me where there are to go. I have already read the "Ball Python Care Sheet". Also, our house is fairly cool in the winter..do I need a red heat light at night in addition to the heat pad under the tank and then in the a day bask light? I better stop now...I'm sure I will have more questions as time goes on. This site is awesome! Everyone seems so friendly and eager to help out.

Welcome! I just got my first Ball as well (I have 4 colubrids).

Excellent question on the feeding/handling. Feed in a separate container, give about 5 minutes after full swallow/yawn/jaw reset, then gently pick him up and place him back into his enclosure. Careful, though, you don't want him still in feeding response mode. Make sure your hands are totally clean of rodent smell...

You are going to love it here. Best people on the net!

Welcome to HCN and feel free to ask all the questions you want. Someone here is bound to have an answer Also, be sure to post pics.

I always give my bp's a coupe of days to digest then handle. Knox got it right, once the rodent has disappeared (meaning into the belly), pick up and move to the enclosure.

There should be a basking spot of 90 degrees and a cool spot with a temperature of 80. Night time temperatures around 75-80 are acceptable.
If you need to add additional heat to reach those temps then you can either add a red light or even a heat emitter would work .

__________________
MARSHA

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

Welcome to HC Network! Enjoy your ball python...I love all 5 of mine...they are great snakes.....

__________________
Warmest Regards from Lyn

Hello,

Welcome to the HC Network! I hope you find the site useful.

I personally wait about 10-15 minutes before I return my ball pythons back to their enclosure. This gives them ample time to "relax" and to help ensure they have the entire rodent down where it needs to be. (I would hate to have them regurgitate it. I have yet to experience that and would like my streak to continue!)

You are right btw, we are a friendly bunch.

__________________

Between my five minutes and Rich's 10 - 15 min. I would error on the side of caution and go with the 10 - 15.

Hi and welcome to the HCN! We are glad to have you. Post pics of your BP when you get the chance!

Thank you all very much for the welcome and the much needed info! I'm looking forward to learning from you and being a part of this forum.

Welcome to the site, I don't have a BP of my own but i'm sure the day will come.

__________________

"If you're not falling, you're not trying." - Sonni Trotter

~*~Lacey~*~

My Photos

Hi Carol,

Welcome to Herp Center! I too agree with Rich, 10-15 min, make sure that rodent is where it should be. But also do not hold your snake for a day or two afterwards to give him time to fully digest the rodent. They can regurgitate if you handle them too much, too soon after a feeding. Good luck and glad to have you here!

__________________
Smile and the world will think that you are up to something!

Steve