New member with new ball.

[dball]

About a week and a half ago I bought myself a 19" female ball python. She was CB. She is my first snake. I did a bunch of research before I bought her, but the problem I have is much of it is very conflicting. For one everyone says different things about feeding. First I would like to say I have fed her twice and she eats well. Since she seems less active during the day I feed her in the evening around 8-9pm. I was told not to handle them before feeding as it can stress them out but I find with mine it gets her a little more active and aware if I hold her first. She does not seem to stress at all. When I first open the cage she will wind up a little but as soon as I pick her up she is extremely active and friendly. Before I put her back in I let her sniff the air holes of the container I have the mouse in. Seems to work. As soon as I put her in I then put in the mouse on the other side of the tank and she takes it right away.

I have read to feed young snakes every 5-7 days. The owner of the store says every 4 days is optimal. He has owned hundreds of reptiles and knows his stuff. He has owned his store exclusive to reptiles for over 40 years. Other guys at the store say every other day or 2-3 times a week. I am thinking of going every five days as I don't want to shorten her life AT ALL.

I was also told by some to feed her in a seperate container. How are you supposed to put them backonce they have eaten if they risk throwing up for 24-48 hours?

In your stickies it mentioned stargazing. Once in a while she will rest her head on the side of her water bowl head facing up. Is this a problem?


I didn't mean to make this a long thread but I want my girl to be as happy and comfortable as possible, with as long a life as she can possibly have. She gets her privacy since I am gone a good 10-12 hours every day. Though I stop in to check on her. I am a responsible person, I have done the research, and am keeping a log of her feedings, BM's, and how often she sheds and tank gets clean. Just want some others advice. Thank you everyone in advance.