Doing so may cause him to regurgitate his last meal. It is also important to feel the wound carefully to ensure no teeth were left in your skin. I have a question about sudden behavioral change. Ball Python Behavior (Common & Unusual) & Illnesses - Terrarium Quest Ive tried multiple times to offer food and he just refuses it. It has been a while since he ate bc he was refusing meals . How to Tame an Aggressive Ball Python Easily and Handling However, the wobbling/shivering and head elevation may be a bigger deal. Question I just got a baby ball python and it will every now and then raise its head and open its mouth is that normal. Though some say that it can be reduced especially when you follow appropriate husbandry parameters for a ball python. Hi there, I recently adopted a rescued ball python who's behaviour is similar to yours. I just bought my hatchlin ball python yesterday and the pet store said that it was feeding day I got her when she was just over 1 foot long. 3. Can a Ball Python Kill an Adult Human or a Child? - Reptile Knowledge The Shedding Process of a Ball Python Explained (with Video) He had never done that before. If your ball python hasnt eaten in over two weeks, I recommend taking him to a reptile vet for a check-up. As for touching his head, most snakes will not like that. Terrarium Quest is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Nothing else seems to be wrong except for she sometimes breathes quite heavy but I think that might just be from stress. If they look good, I wouldnt worry. Also, your ball python is nocturnal, so hell likely be most active at night, when youre not watching him. All rights reserved. I have checked if he has any mucus and Ive listened to his breathing and everything seems to check out fine. This can cause long-term health problems in some cases, so it is important to take steps to eliminate the problem. Shes not moving but like shes sleeping? Your snake is stressed because of some perceived threat. Ball Python Feeding Chart, Tips, Schedule & Diet - Everything Reptiles If your python starts to lose weight or gets to 6 months without eating then I would suggest you consult a vet. Although it is somewhat rare, ball pythons can bite if they feel threatened or mistake your hand for prey. Unfortunately, we live in BFE where the vets around here know nothing about reptiles hence why Im resorting here. With the hook, you can use your hand to hold the middle part of the pythons body and cover its head. During that time she seems to be exhibiting happy behavior. Its important that you do not handle your snake at all after it has eaten, as any handling may cause regurgitation. He typically WILL strike when I feed him, so these past few times have been unusual. If he still refuses to eat, there could be a medical reason why hes not interested in food. When your ball python has grown and achieved the weight milestone of 350g, it's time to move on to feeding a weaned rat or a jumbo mouse of about 31-45g. We could always expect him to become more active around 25-27 days in, especially when he notices someone come in the room, letting us know hes hungry and ready to eat. Do not force any scales off especially those located around the eyes or face. Additionally, if she has been abandoned it is possible that she is not used to being handled and may be scared of people. Since pythons are cold-blooded, they cant produce their heat and thats why they depend on external sources that can provide them with warmth. Many keepers enjoy this aspect of snake husbandry, but others - particularly beginners - often feel intimidated by the entire process. However, it is important to note that ball python bites are rarely very painful, nor are they likely to cause much damage. Most nocturnal snakes are the same way. Go to ballpython r/ballpython by Ragnar_jormungandr Hi, I got my ball python about a month ago and she has been a really sweet and calm snake. My significant and I recently just bought a ball python from a local Petsmart, and was wondering if you could ease my worries a bit. While I find it kinda cute that he seems to be so polite, I was wondering if youve ever experienced this and if it means anything is wrong with him. Is yours still Doing it ? Assuming that your snake is actually healthy, hyperactivity is probably caused by one of three things: 1. A few of the most common symptoms of respiratory infections in ball pythons include: If you notice your ball python exhibiting any of these symptoms, contact your vet and schedule an appointment at once. Im also surprisingly a little nervy about handling him- sometimes he sits with his neck in an S-shape a bit tense and I get worried about how to get a hand in the viv to fill up his bath/ check for poop or shed etc. Like, dangerously hot. Did you just get a python? Hungry ball pythons also come out at night and observe things around the cage, as if hunting. Allow the snake time to settle into its new home before attempting any interaction. Hi! A quiet and calm environment will help it feel secure and calm. There could be a few reasons why your ball python reacted that way. These meals should take place only every two or three weeks. It may be worth your while to do some reconnaissance in your immediate neighborhood to determine whether there is any construction work, road repairs, tree-felling or even band practice with lots of bass and percussion going on. If I were to make any recommendation, it would be to bump up the hot spot temperature about 2 degrees, but thats being really nit-picky. But unfortunately, ball pythons who are sick, mite infested or dehydrated often shed in multiple pieces or fail to shed completely. By this stage its only necessary to feed about every 10-14 days. For example, you could try offering her different types of prey or changing the way you present the food to her. 5. With a hooked shape, their teeth hold prey as they constrict and kill. Ball pythons are generally shy and don't like handing. I hope youll still find this helpful. Snakes sometimes get a bit physically tense (for lack of a better phrase) right before eating, and you may interpret this as vibrating. Why is my baby ball python head tilting upside down and side to side? He went to the vet at 8 weeks old and he got a clean bill of health. Id never heard that and when monitoring him he no longer made the noise but was puffing air into his lower jaw and releasing it with a puff sound. Although they do not have visible ears, ball pythons do have a certain ability to hear. Although shes very socialized, it is her first few days living with us and I thought maybe the body vibrating has to do with stress. You do not have to replace the substrate that the mouse was on if the ball python doesnt eat. She made it like 2 times while she was exploring etc. They dont socialize or seek companionship like some mammals do. Sometimes she will even burrow into a blanket in my lap or crawl into my desk drawers while Im doing work and just stay there. I honestly dont know what to say Im not sure if youre serious or not. If your snake seems to be wheezing or making strange sounds when it breathes it may have a respiratory infection. Imagine owning a pet that possesses the uncanny ability to unhinge its jaw and devour prey whole. These meals should be spaced out at intervals of five days. Ive had my ball over a year now, shes probably about 4 years old now. When frightened, ball pythons may withdraw their head into an S-coil, hiss, flee or roll into a ball. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling to prevent the spread of bacteria or pathogens. So what is the issue? Many snakes also eat far less frequently during the winter months, so depending on where you are based this may have an effect. Watch your Ball Python's body language and avoid reaching quickly towards the head, from above or grabbing them suddenly. If this isnt effective, contact your vet and seek his or her assistance. Are snakes supposed to sleep for a few days after eating, or is it normal for them to be super active at night If you can still detect a food bulge, do not handle your snake. Doesnt drink from her water dish (prefers her humid warm hide) and was instructed to soak her in lukewarm water 2-3 times/week for hydration- but the vet didnt see signs of dehydration. That said, your husbandry all sounds great. When she just seems to want to hangout. Everything in his enclosure is normal although I was planning on doing a deep cleaning soon but now Im not sure if I should? How To Calm Down A Ball Python After Eating? Essential Tips For If this is the first time you have experienced this kind of activity after feeding, you may well be wondering if something is wrong, especially if it is not the way your ball python usually behaves. Dont handle it during this period so you dont end up stressing it. I wouldnt worry about it I bet your snake was just a little irritable and he or she may have just been expressing his grumpiness. We call him noodle because well he moves like one and is not very good at periscoping and tends to fall when doing so. Hey so my ball python was fine he was happy only had him for around 3 week and now he is starting to get jumpy and preferring to be in his cold hide he used to be fine when I picked him up he also aint pooping only little white drops I find in his cage nothing else could you help me please. My Ball Python is acting oddly aggressive. After a ball python has finished a meal, it is important to monitor its behavior for signs of stress. This afternoon I noticed that his head was sticking up like he was looking at something. Were getting ready to go into spring and the outside temps are raising. with her because her behaviour doesnt seem to match all ive read.. even if was for the better.51 q still her behavior doesnt add up should this be a. reason to be concerned or does this give you any kind of.clue that there is something wrong and what it could be or do i just have a rare case of a very tame mild mannered snake that likes attention? Ball Python. This is great for you as it gives you the freedom to pick a bigger or smaller snake depending on your preferences. Hes also in mid shed. I recently took my BP to the vet for a check up. After winter, feed your python once a week, every 5 days is a little too often. It may be best to start feeding your python in a different enclosure in case he is becoming food orientated, also when handling try to come in at the same level as your python, coming from above can cause snakes to panic as they are preyed on by birds in the wild. Best of luck! Do you have a cat that likes to sit in front of the enclosure? We have had him for about 3 months now and the previous owner who had him since he was small Im assuming said he was feeding a medium size rat every 3 weeks. I agree with your vet that as long as shes healthy, you dont need to panic. please help!!! They are docile. Monitor him for the next couple of days, if the behaviour persists, take him to see a vet. The thing that really affects them though, is the vibrations which travel along the ground. Shes very active at night so I just dont understand what Im doing wrong. And now Ive checked on my snake periodically throughout the day and he was being non receptive to me spraying him/his cage with water to raise moisture level so I decided to get him out. It's best to give it a few days before trying to handle it, or it may strike because it perceives you as a predator or threat. Your ball python needs to be handled because it needs to interact with you and the people in your house. Theyre easy to spot against a white enclosure wall, but theyre very difficult to see on the dark portions of a snakes body. She has refused to eat for nearly a year now, and weve both been very concerned for her health. You should be aware of when handling your ball python becomes uncomfortable for it, so you dont end up stressing it. Ive been feeding him every 2 weeks instead of every week recently so I can do it on a consistent schedule. Is she just comfortable in the hide? Have you noticed any other strange behaviour from her? Species that commonly experience serious health issues or problematic behaviors, for example, are poor choices for beginners. True constricting behavior is pretty serious business; its not a casual hug. So, I wouldnt worry about it one way or the other. 1. Your python may make funny sounds when it is breathing and you may also observe a strange discharge from its nose or mouth when your python has a respiratory disease. I just got a ball python a couple days ago. If your ball python is active and restless after eating it may well be suffering from some kind of malady. This will help prevent any regurgitation, which can be harmful to the snakes health. But, if your snake is not pooping (and he is eating), then he may have a medical issue. I am a little nervous with him but im fairly comfortable holding him. As long as hes not blowing bubbles or producing any fluid from his nose or mouth, and his breathing returns to normal after he sheds, I wouldnt worry. Hey could I ask for some advice I took in a ball python that was poorly kept and have taken it to the vet to be checked out. Thank You! Its probably also a good idea to seek out a second opinion from another vet. Ball pythons are known to enjoy hiding, so providing them with ample hiding spots, such as caves or branches, can help them feel secure and reduce stress. Ive also noticed a faint squeaky noise when he breathes. Do you have any other pets, for example cats or dogs that could be stressing her out? First things first: Youll want to bump up the temperatures on the warm side of her tank first. First of all, its really cool that you have a 20-year-old ball python! As an Amazon associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Aim to handle your ball python 3-5 times each week, up to 20 minutes at a time. Hes 1 year old this month. What to Know About Ball Python Bites - WebMD I just got my ball python a week ago. Ive never had a partial shed with her. ], Best Senior Dog Bath Tub: I Tested 5 Of The Most Popular Options, Do Labradors Have Henrys Pocket? Your email address will not be published. I do have cats that like to watch him so I was wondering if maybe they are stressing him out? I was trying to touch his head but he keep dodging me like he doesnt like to be touched there. She doesnt do it for long periods of time maybe just 10-15 min and Ive only seen her do it maybe 4-5 times. Mine is the SAME way. Check them out. 2. It is usually like one or two little spots that could go ignored unless you look directly at it. You may also notice a discharge or even bubbles from the mouth or nose and drooling. They have been in the same tank for almost 5 years now the guy says and they constantly look for each other, when we have them out they always have to be touching. Ensure that the temperature is between 80-85F (26-29C) on the warm side and 75F (24C) on the cool side. These optimal conditions will help your snake feel comfortable and reduce stress levels. Accordingly, beginners should visit their vet regularly (perhaps once per year) to ensure that their snake is in good health. So, double-check your cage temps. But the vast majority of (healthy) fasting animals eventually start eating again. 1. Each ball python has a different temperament, however, and therefore, one particular ball python may be extremely aggressive in comparison to the norm. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask . Its good you know how best to handle your python at all times, so you dont end up putting its safety and health at risk. Hi, I got my ball python about a month ago and she has been a really sweet and calm snake. He shed a few days ago so I had raised up the humidity to around 75%, could that extra humidity during shedding be a cause for an RI? Consider providing additional hiding spots or decorations in the enclosure. Just make sure to keep his temps correct and you should be fine! When we take him out hes moving around with my partner but when i get him hes basically motionless. Just double-check your temperatures: Sometimes, snakes will exhibit this kind of pacing or escape behavior when theyre too hot. Snakes can occasionally go a while between poops, but given everything you shared, Id recommend having your vet look her over just to be on the safe side. Any thoughts? At the start, nothing had changed in her environment other than moving her entire enclosure from one state to another. I was to nervous to grab him after that so I let him slither himself back into his home haha please let me know why he possibly reacted this way and what I can do to avoid that problem again. Theyre not a problem at all. Overall, it sounds like you are doing an awesome job, and I love that youre including so many hides. . Most importantly, just keep trying and experimenting with the way you present the rodent. Just watch for signs of dehydration, such as wrinkled skin, poor sheds, and indented eye scales. He wasnt eating the mouse, but laying his head on it. Maybe you guys can share some ideas. I can only remember caring for one snake out of thousands that had a legitimate eye infection and that was a water snake, not a ball python. Is this much handling harming her? My questions are 1. Does Lime Burn Snakes Belly? If your male is a normal-looking animal, youd have to breed him to a snake that has a co-dominant or incomplete dominant trait to produce morphs in the first generation. However, your snakes seem like theyre doing well, eating regularly, and using their hide space when they want to, so I wouldnt worry about covering the tank. While ball pythons occasionally recover from extremely mild respiratory infections without veterinary treatment, most will require medications to help combat the infection. Got my ball python about a month ago, and he is about a year and a half old. Im sorry about the novel, but wanted to make sure you have the whole picture. Calm ball pythons move about slowly but purposefully. In this article we will look at why your snake may be active after eating if it is still hungry, and discuss some guidelines on how much and how often to feed your snake. He climbs up and down his walls all night- (I built a climbing wall for him a few months ago so Im sure hes enjoying the adventure, but its non stop). Temperature and humidity is fine. We contacted the breeder and he just said they shed when they shed, and didnt seem concerned, but I wanted another opinion! Thats normal for ball pythons, and its actually a good sign. Hi there, Michael. One way is to look at the snake's body language. You can also help speed up the process by gently rubbing down their body with a damp cloth to help loosen any stuck pieces. Having read all this, maybe you have realized that you have been underfeeding your pet ball python, and maybe thats why it is still moving around after meal times. Im afraid hes going to accidentally cause himself to regurgitate. If the snake's eyes are narrowed and it is staring at you, it is . They may indicate the presence of a respiratory infection. The following is a basic guideline of snake weights, food requirements and feeding intervals. Some common signs of stress in ball pythons include hissing, defensive postures, rapid breathing, refusing to eat, hiding, and attempts to escape its enclosure.
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