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Fresh and hopeful!
Hey all! new to the forums and proud owner of a 16 week old Ball Python. This is my first ever snake and i'm looking forward to sharing a long, healthy and friendly relationship with for as long as he doesn't decide to make a quick snack out of me. That is if it really turns out to be a he as the previous owner didn't have a clue herself.
I've a quick couple of questions if anyone could shed some info please..
Firstly his set-up. I have him housed in a plastic tank that they bought when purchasing him. It came with a cave hide, heat mat, habistat, water dish and some bedding. I tried not to bother him thinking not to stress him out for as long as possible, but thought it a good idea just to let him have a sniff about and he seemed fine. Then came the surprise.. I set him back down and was lowering the hide over him and wammo! he arched back and struck at it like lightening! I haven't bothered him since and have been surfing for answers as to why this could have happened. I came up with two things which i'm hoping can be confirmed here or more advice offered. The temp settings on the habistat were set to 80f but komodo dial reads as 65f. Thinking this was low I handled him again and he felt cold! I've now set this to 85f, is this right? Secondly he has been fed 1 pinkie every 7 days to the hour and he is at least 13-14" long. I have been told that he should be on a full mouse by now?? I'm guessing the strike is a combination of stress at being moved, me lowering the hide on him from above, possibility of him about to shed, and maybe more.
Any and all advice very much appreciated as I really want to care for him in the best way possible!
Cheers all, Cj
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