Snake Bit Me.....now What?

croftman · 07-17-04, 10:14 PM

Hey, I'm a new snake owner. I have aquired a five year old male ball python from a friend who could not keep him anymore. I took him home yesterday and everything was fine until I tried to feed him. I thumped the mouse and dropped him in the cage. The mouse then wondered into the snakes water bowl. Even though the snake was eyeballing the now ******** mouse having a spasm in his water bowl. I thought that he wouldn't eat it unless it was out of the bowl. So I reached down into the cage to drag the mouse out of the water bowl and was bitten sharply by my new friend. My question is: Now that he has tasted my thumb, will he believe that I am food from now on? Or was I wrong by reaching down into the cage while there was a mouse in there? Ultimately he ate the mouse and I was able to pick him up twice today with no problem. But now I am afraid that he will turn on me again when I try to feed him next. Any suggestions? Please help.

Jayson · 07-17-04, 10:22 PM

you made a feeding error, and the snake who was already in feed mode struck at what he thought was the meal. As longe as you dont make any mistakes like that again you will not have to worry about it happening again. Bp's do not see humans as food.

I went out and bought some 18" hemostats for situations just like that.

jparker1167 · 07-17-04, 10:36 PM

you shouldnt have any more problems if you avoid feeding errors. a 5 year ball could be eatting rats. you could get a large rubbermade to feed the snake in then you wouldnt have the problem with the water dish. i think most people like to feed f/t rats its alot safer for the snake. hope you post some pics of your new snake

mykee · 07-17-04, 11:26 PM

Your fault, get some tongs or hemostats or whatever to distance yourself during feeding time. I use the same enclosure to feed in as they live in, I just take out all accessories, (water dish, hide) for dinner time. I would also go with rats, medium at least (100-150g). Good luck.

Invictus · 07-18-04, 02:17 AM

Yes, definitely try to move him up to rats. Giving a 5 year old BP a mouse is like giving an adult human a single slice of bread.

Tigergenesis · 07-18-04, 11:10 AM

Buy some tongs or hemostats and you should be fine. You can feed in the same container. Also, you shouldn't handle a snake for 48 hours after eating to avoid stress and regurgitation. They need to digest their food and it takes some time.