Ball Python Questions- hiding in the cold... - Page 4

citysnakes · 02-21-11, 09:57 PM

i think if you want to get your snake to eat then youre going to have to switch up its enclosure.

clmclark · 02-22-11, 09:28 AM

I was going to pick up a new one this weekend but we have a foot and a half of snow droppped on us AGAIN! I found a 20 gallon Critter Cage online. Just have to pick it up but it's not exactly close to me. Once we get plowed out then I'll pick it up and make the switch. Should be this week. I think thats the problem too. I expect that she'll be happier with more room and one thats not so tall. I'm not trusting the thermometers right now either. Uping the wattage until I get the new tank. Investing in a temp gun too.
A friend was over and helped attempt to feed her while I tended to her water dish and what not. He was trying to talk me into handling her more so that she gets used to me and less stressed. I told him that if he's going to be her "daddy" then he needs to do more research! (Best friend and "silent partner" in snake ownership. By silent partner I mean, I do all the work and pay for everything while he shares the intrigue and feeds her when I don't wanna touch the icky mice.)

citysnakes · 02-22-11, 10:15 AM

i'd would go with something closer to the size of a 10 gal. you dont even need to buy a critter keeper. hit up wal mart, they have these 12 QT sterilite tubs with locking lids that should work well. pick up a couple digital therms and youre good to go. drill a few ventilation holes and use paper towel or newspaper substrate, add two hides and a water bowl and youre done. you can house him in this set up until he starts feeding consistently for you and puts on some size. then move him into a nicely set up terrarium but dont forget that it still must provide for the basic needs of a ball python.

clmclark · 02-22-11, 12:36 PM

Why would a tub be more beneficial than a tank? I have 3 sides of the current tank covered with a black towel so he has security/privacy. As well as the top 3/4 covered with plast wrap and a towel as well. The only thing I don't like with her current set up is that I would prefer more ground space rather than height.

Reptile_Reptile · 02-22-11, 12:46 PM

tubs hold humidity better and warmth better and they are much easier to heat just throw a UTH under them and voila, plus it saves a bit of the electricity bill because your not using a light. Royals also like smaller enclosures much better they like to feel snug and secure. its just not as aesthetically pleasing

citysnakes · 02-22-11, 04:18 PM

you can use a tank if you want. the point is that you need to set up an enclosure that promotes a strong feeding response. a basic set up like the one described in my previous post works well in doing that for me. a similar set up may work just as well for you.

clmclark · 02-23-11, 03:22 PM

I spoke to the breeder this morning. He said that all their snakes are fed in deli cups or small boxes. His theory is simply that the box I've been feeding her in is too big. I'm going to give it another day and try. She's roaming around with her tongue since i tried to feed her. Going to find a shoebox and close the lid and just listen. Works perfectly since I don't want to watch it. he said if the mouse tries anything I'll hear it. Can't waith to get her eating and switch to F/T!

Lankyrob · 02-23-11, 03:30 PM

What size mouse is it eating? If it is big enough to bite the snake then by the time you have opened the box it could be too late. Live feeding should be closely supervised at all times.

clmclark · 02-23-11, 04:48 PM

Give me some credit :P Mouse isn't big enough and after 3 feeding attempts I've discovered this is a very very scared little mouse and knows to stay the heck away from fluffy. The will be supervised.

Lankyrob · 02-23-11, 06:36 PM

What size/age is the snake? I have assumed following the thread that we are talking about a yearling like mine? The size of f/t mouse that he is eating could cause some serious damage if it was live. If i have the wrong end of the stick then i apologise.

My concern is only for the animal, not trying to criticise you.

clmclark · 02-24-11, 07:19 AM

I was teasing, I took no offense

It's a small hopper. BP is about 8 months old. The breeder told me to leave the mouse with her in a shoe box over night in her set up if I need to and I'm not willing to do that. I'm thinking an open shoe box inside a paper box with my sheer black curtain draped over it so I can still see inside. I'll just set her on the floor next too me and keep everything but 1 light on. I'm going to keept he box on a heating pad too.

citysnakes · 02-24-11, 09:08 AM

see thats what im saying, it shouldnt be that complicated to feed a snake. if you were to set up a proper enclosure for this animal then it is more likely to eat and you wouldnt have to go through this complicated feeding ritual that obviously isnt working.

you need to have the basic security and temperature needs of a ball python met before it will start to eat well for you.

i would highly consider changing its enclosure to one similar as previously suggested and also feeding it inside the same enclosure.

Lankyrob · 02-24-11, 10:38 AM

A hopper is big enough and has enough teeth/claws that it COULD seriously harm your snake - PLEASE be careful!

Sapphyr · 02-24-11, 01:46 PM

I'll never forget when Wayne posted this image, and I'm sure you won't after seeing it, but if you don't watch the snake and the mouse together, this could happen. You wouldn't think a snake would allow a mouse to do such damage, but it very well could, and it obviously has happened before should the snake not be hungry or something else.

And I also found this:

Beginning to nom a snake.

mld · 02-24-11, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sapphyr

I'll never forget when Wayne posted this image, and I'm sure you won't after seeing it, but if you don't watch the snake and the mouse together, this could happen. You wouldn't think a snake would allow a mouse to do such damage, but it very well could, and it obviously has happened before should the snake not be hungry or something else.

And I also found this:

Beginning to nom a snake.

If these pictures don't deter people from feeding live rodents I don't know what would.