Advice on big stressed Python

[elkied243]

My college just adopted 2 snakes, a ball and a blood python and the blood python is NOT happy about anything.
She mostly seems very stressed and nervous, I went to pet her today and she hissed hissed hissed at me. The most advice I could give them as I haven't dealt with a blood before was that I would cover 3 sides of her tank (they're all exposed and she's in the middle of a room on a table) with some paper or something so she feels less exposed. I also think she's hungry (they fed her 2 large mice a week ago and she's a good 4 feet long and about as wide as a body builders biceps).

Any other tips? I may end up bringing her home with me because they don't want her because they're all very scared of her up there. I'll do my own research before that happens but I was hoping I could give them some help in the mean time! Thank you in advance :)

[Jim Smith]

I agree that giving her some more privacy is a good idea. Also, give her more time to settle in. I'd give her at least 2-3 weeks with no handling at all and then slowly introduce very limited occasional handling.

[reptiledude987]

I agree that giving her some more privacy is a good idea. Also, give her more time to settle in. I'd give her at least 2-3 weeks with no handling at all and then slowly introduce very limited occasional handling.
^^ agreed. as well from your description of its size it will need more than mice depending on its weight im thinking somewhere around medium rats should suffice.

Also make sure the terrarium has sufficient hides to help it feel secure as well.

[elkied243]

Thanks y'all! I only pet her to try to gauge whether she was aggressive or just stressed. She didn't offer to bite so I told him that she seems nice enough but she probably won't stop hissing until she's been there longer.

Her tank is way too small so hopefully they'll be buying a new one tonight. Its tall but not long enough to fit more than her and a water bowl so hopefully they get her some hides as well!

[KyleKennedy]

I honestly would just take her home with me since the people at your college seem very uneducated on how to properly care for snakes. I would ask to take her home, and maybe try to adopt her out to an experienced owner if you don't end up keeping her. I am not an expert on bloods though, but I know they are thick-bodied snakes, and at 4 feet long she should be eating medium rats, not mice. The poor thing is stressed and hungry.

[elkied243]

I honestly would just take her home with me since the people at your college seem very uneducated on how to properly care for snakes. I would ask to take her home, and maybe try to adopt her out to an experienced owner if you don't end up keeping her. I am not an expert on bloods though, but I know they are thick-bodied snakes, and at 4 feet long she should be eating medium rats, not mice. The poor thing is stressed and hungry.


I tried soooo hard to take her today but they have to clear it with another professor. I already have a perfect home for her (my supplier has been pining for a blood for a while). It's not up to me unfortunately but hopefully they realize they're not prepared for her and let me take over. I also hope to educate them for further reference

[Albert Clark]

In the meantime try to get a heating device on the poor reptile to really warm her up. She's probably cold and uncomfortable. Thanks for all your help.