Hello, I recently got a new ball python...

[Shannytaygans]

I just have two questions.
First let me give you some info, he's a baby. He's about 16" long and everything is going great with him. He handles amazingly, he eats well and such.
Anyway, how long until after they eat do they poop? He gets fed the little pink frozen mice.
And when I get him out he is really good but he does NOT seem fond of being put back in his tank.
He kind of turns his head around towards my hand that im holding his body with and is this a sign that he may bite or just that he doesnt want back in his tank?


Thank you!

[lady_bug87]

Hey and welcome.
About the poop: it really depends on meal size in relation to the size of the animal. Snakes have a very advanced digestive system so they use as much of the meal as they can. If the meal is on the small side it just may not leave enough to warrant a bowel movement

The other thing: you're warm so the animal wants to cling to the warmth. Also when you lower the animal down it may feel insecure and try and grip on to you for safety. When snakes feel threatened they usually give some warning. The 'S' shape strike position is an example. Some also hiss or huff when they feel bothered

[Starbuck]

Im not really a python person, so i can't comment on the food thing, but i can tell you what i've felt from my colubrids about their tanks, and their poop.

My young snakes poop about 4-7 days after eating, depending on how large of a meal and where they hang out (cool vs. warm). Make sure your warm side is warm enough, as this will ensure they can digest at an appropriate rate. My older snakes poop about a week after eating, also depending on size of their meal.

All of my tanks right now are 'top loading', and it seems to me that my snakes get a little uneasy being lowered down into the tank, I think they see the black rim of the tank and think that it looks like a much more stable, safer perch than my wobbly arm, haha. I generally let my snakes reach out to the tank on their own, and slip into it, But this may not work with such a young/small snake. I also try to point their heads towards a hide or tangle of leaves, so they feel like they are going into somewhere safe. Ball pythons are very different from colubrids though, so you'll have to get to know your snake to find what works for you :) I have never had any of my snakes try to bite me when being put back into their tank.

If you've only just recently brought your snake home, you'll want to try and refrain from handling him for a week or two, to give him time to settle into his new place.

[bcr226]

I just have two questions.
First let me give you some info, he's a baby. He's about 16" long and everything is going great with him. He handles amazingly, he eats well and such.
Anyway, how long until after they eat do they poop? He gets fed the little pink frozen mice.
And when I get him out he is really good but he does NOT seem fond of being put back in his tank.
He kind of turns his head around towards my hand that im holding his body with and is this a sign that he may bite or just that he doesnt want back in his tank?


Thank you!

Pinky mice are too small for that snake. He needs bigger food. A ball python will be happy with a meal that is the same diameter to 1.5 times the diameter of his body.

Our ball pythons and Boas are the same way when it comes to handling, they are handled a lot and like being with us. Going back into their enclosures is always a fun time...

Others have the poop issue covered so let me talk to you about his mannerisms. Ours turn their heads back towards our hands a lot. It's not a sign of aggression, it's them being curious and looking for a branch to support themselves on. If you hold still and let the snake move, he'll probably start climbing your arm. Just be gentle with him and he'll grow accustomed to you and you to him over time. He's a new snake to you and you to him so you both have to feel each other out to be comfortable.

We have 5 ball pythons in our house right now. I have to say that as a species of snake, they are probably the most laid back I've ever seen. That is not to say that they don't bite, they are fully capable of it. But you really have to work at it to make them bite.

Just relax and don't worry if he puts his head towards your hand or lays his head on your finger, hand or arm. This is typical BP behavior. I will warn you though... all of our snakes LOVE hair. Don't get freaked out if yours wants to check your hair out. They are very curious animals and really laid back.

[franks]

Pinky mice are too small for that snake. He needs bigger food. A ball python will be happy with a meal that is the same diameter to 1.5 times the diameter of his body.


^^ I agree with the above. The reason he is not pooping for you may be that he is not eating enough

[Aaron_S]

The best advice given is that when lowering a terrestrial snake they probably become insecure with the sudden "drop" and dislike it so they try to avoid what they feel may be a threat.

[Terranaut]

The poop advice might apply to a colubrid but not a python. They can consume a few meals before a big BM. My royal can go weeks without a turd then drop a monster. My female carpet held hers for 4 months last year then dropped a turd the size of my royal.
The rest of the advice given seems spot on. If your snake is eating and drinking they will poop but I doubt it will be days after a meal and then days after the next.

[Shannytaygans]

Thank you all so much! Super helpful advice :)