Ball Python handle

[albinoTy]

Got a question i went to a breeder to look at a albino ball python. The Ball is about 1yr old 2ft long. When breeder got the ball out it didnt ball up it wasnt head shy, when breeder let me handle the ball it just kinda secured himself on my hand flicked it tongue and starred at me seemed very calm it stayed like this for about 10min. I am new to the ball python thing this seemed to be a good thing to me can i get some feed back on how everyone else feels. Also i read not to handle them for a few weeks once you get him home is this true is be gonna lose his calm ability to be handled. thanks

[SnakeyJay]

Seems about right from what I've heard about royal pythons (ball)... If he seems alert, skins in good condition and it's not dull, stuck shed skin etc then all should be ok.. Also have a quick check for mites, these are little black dots inbetween the snakes scales.. Good luck with your new snake :D

[alessia55]

Yes- what you are seeing is normal behavior. My ball pythons aren't head shy or anything either.

It's best to leave him alone for at least 7-10 days when you first get him so that he has time to settle and get used to his new environment. After that time, you should attempt feeding him. If he refuses to eat, it's a sign he might not be comfortable yet and needs a little more time. You would then give him another 7-10 days before trying again. It would be best if you got him to eat twice before you start handling him regularly. You've got nothing to worry about....... in the time he takes to get settled in and eat, he WON'T become aggressive or any less comfortable being handled. Ball pythons for the most part are pretty "tame" and tolerate handling really well. If anything it'll help his temperament more because he'll be well adjusted and comfortable in his new home.

Good luck! And please post pics when you can :D

[albinoTy]

Thanks for the feed back. Also the breeder said he has been feeding him in seperate cage is it fine to handle him for now to move him to another cage to feed? Also once i feed him in seperate cage and it time to move him back to his regular cage should i expect some aggression since he in hunt mode from just being feed??

[alessia55]

Feeding in or out of the cage is entirely optional. It won't affect his temperament. After feeding just be really gentle because he has a full belly :)

[albinoTy]

Ok thanks so much for answering my questions...Im sure ill have a million more?

[alessia55]

Just keem 'em coming. The more you learn the better :) Browse the threads in the ball python section and you'll find a lot of helpful info too :)

[Jay]

That's one of the reasons I don't like to feed in a seperate containor. Imagine devouring a huge thanksgiving dinner and being lifted and placed somewhere else lol. That's just my .02

[Lankyrob]

I personnally think feeding in the viv is a better idea as the snake will feel more comfortable in its own environment - during eating they are at their most vulnerable.

I place a plastic picnic plate into the viv and get the snake to strike over the plate to avoid any risk of substrate being eaten.

[zamaya]

My snake eats in his viv and nothing bad has happened

[albinoTy]

Can someone tell me what viv means?...

[Swany]

It's short for vivarium ;-)