Corey help!

[Kathy]

The little male Ball I got from you yesterday at the show is Striking like crazy!

He is in his new home and I have left him alone, but any time I walk by he strikes in my direction and crashes into the screen. I've never had a ball this testy before, any suggestions or should I just try to limit how many times I walk by his enclosure?

We have nicknamed him Striker for the time being, both because of his little behaviour issue and his Striking good looks :D

[BurmBaroness]

You should cover his cage with a towel immediately, to help him feel safe and secure. Does he have plenty of hides? I would cover the front of the cage with a towel, and leave him alone for a week. I had a rscue that was like that, so I covered her, and then after a week, I uncovered a little more every other day. I still leave a protion of it covered, cause she feels safe in there, but she no longer strikes and I don't have to worry about her hurting herself.

P>S> yes, I know I'm not Corey, but I think he is just stressed from being in a new place, and I have dealt with this before. Hope I helped.

[JasonBrennan]

I would just like to second what BurmBaroness said. Cover the cage (also might want to move the cage to a "less than high traffic area" of the house.). Leave him alone for a while (just make sure he has water). He is just stressed out right now.

[Kathy]

I'll try covering him up, also should I have his light on, or should I leave it with no light? My snake tanks are set up in the basement so there is no natural light, so their lights are on timers. Should his be unplugged for the week or so that he's under blanket?

[BurmBaroness]

no, he still needs a photo period. You can leave the top of the cage uncovered, just drape the sides, so he can't get freaked out by alot of movement. He should be fine in a week or so. BP's.................gotta love, quirks and all.

[Corey Woods]

Kathy,

Try feeding him........the last time he ate was last Tuesday. If he eats for you he should settle down in his cage to digest his meal. If he doesn't eat then I'd cover up his cage and let him settle in. I have all of my hatchlings in rubbermaids in a rubbermaid rack so he's probably not used to being in a big cage with a get glass front.

He was eating frozen/thawed small rats here but I start all of my hatchlings out on mice. So, if he doesn't take a rat for you try him on an adult mouse. Dangle feed him and if he coils it and then drops it again go in there and dangle feed him again and shut off all the lights. Sometimes they get freaked out in a new home and want to eat but are too shy to actually eat it.

Let me know how it goes.
Corey

[Kathy]

Well, hes shedding now, so I guess that could contribute to why he was so grumpy.

I tried feeding him, he would strike at the rat that I dangled for him, but wouldnt actually bite it or attempt to eat it. He hasnt striked at the cage since Monday though, so thats a good sign :)

I'll keep you posted

[lanalizard]

hehee i named my bp Striker too!!!

[Burmies]

I hope he settles down for you soon.

Burmies

[Kathy]

Just an update for ya, he shed last night, a nice perfect shed. He seemed calmer and let me hold him for about 5 minutes, and hasnt striked at the doorway to the enclosure in a few days. He still wont eat, but Im not too worried about that. I will try him again on Tuesday when the rest of my snakes eat.

[HetForHuman]

yeah some get a little testy while they are in shed. i usually leave them be while in shed .
have fun with your new ball