New pastel python very curious?

[Jaseb1987]

Hi all, new to the forum, like most I did some research before getting my new pet but some things i never realised, just after some advice really, I only read today that once you get him home you should leave him a week to settle in but I had him out the same night, I thought if he didn't wanna come out he would of balled up but he was very curious and still is. He even fed last night, snapped it right up and gobbled it down.

I have him in a one of them plastic fanarium things which I'm not sure is the best? I have a heat mat with a thermostat set to 34c which is under the tank about 1/3 across, have a temp gun coming tomorrow so will know exact temps, using zoomed repti bark as substraight and he has a hide in the hot side and a skull in the cold side and the water bowl.

How often should he be fed as the internet seems to have a 1000 different answers and the reptile shop said once a week but he ate and was roaming like he was hungry last night which would be 5 days.

Any advice, critism and tips would be very grateful

Many thanks

Jase

[Jaseb1987]

Oh and just too add he's out now like he is exploring but are they not meant to be sleeping and digesting his food? I'm at work in the day so don't know what he is doing but no sign of him this morning but he's out and about again now. Just hope he is ok.

[StevenL]

On your question about leaving your snake alone for a week to settle in. In my over 3 decades of having snakes I'm really glad my snakes never read that rule. Each snake is it's own individual. I've had nippy snakes and I've had puppy dog snakes. Regardless, I've always held them on day 1 and day 2 they are fed.

The size of prey for a ball python is between 10 and 20 percent of the ball pythons weight. Myself I never go above the 20%. You will find some ball pythons prefer smaller prey over larger prey. Frequency I go 5 to 7 days between feedings when they are little then stretch it out 7 to 9 days subadult then 12 to 14 days for adults. Feeding during shed is a crap shoot at best. Some people say never feed during shed. Once again I'm glad my snakes don't read the rules some people have set for them. With that said a lot of snakes will not eat during shed. 2 of my balls will not, my other ball and Burm will. It isn't a big deal to skip a meal during shed .

Good luck with your snake and it sounds youaredoing great

[EL Ziggy]

Sounds like everything is going well Jase. I agree with Steven on the feeding amount and frequency.

[Jaseb1987]

Thanks for your replies, just a little bit worried as everywhere I read there saying a happy ball python is one you don't see, not sure if it's because a new environment but he's active quite alot, he's out now, I needed to check his water and poo and he's just got himself out the cage, hoping my temperature gun comes today so I can be accurate with the readings and I'm getting my own humidity gauge today too as had to borrow the octanes (the milk snake) do you think he could still be hungry or literally I just have a active python? I hope there is nothing wrong with him, he's literally just came out I put him back in and now he's going round the cage with his head at the top like he wants to come out.

Am I worrying for nothing, I really just care about him and want him to have the best life ever.

Any tips on upgrading his home, not sure i like the one he came with, I know they like small spaces but it's not that big, I'll put up some photos so you'll can see.

[IDvsEGO]

the "no handling for a week" rule is kind of like training wheels I think. Once you kind of know the signs of stress in a snake and are aware that each one is different, you can get away from that. I 6 now and only one has been stressed in the beginning. All of the others had no signs of stress and ate right away.

[Jaseb1987]

Here he is bless him, do you think that this faunarium is enough for him at 4 months old? I have added a Exo Terra Silk Abutilon Reptile Hanging Plant, a log hide in the cooler side, a bigger T rex skull for him to investigate and a better bowl.

I just really want him to be happy :D

Thinking of putting him in the same size viv as our milk snake but adding more hides and branches etc, what do you guys think?

many thanks

jase