I have a new snake..... :D

kyryah · #1 (**permalink**) 02-11-2009, 11:25 AM

So yesterday, after a 3 hour round trip, I got home with my very first Ball Python.

I have only ever owned Cornsnakes and Garters, but I have been thinking about getting a BP for quite some time. A couple of weeks ago, I went to a pet store about 50 miles away (the closest one, ick) and they had four. I held all of them, and out of the four I liked one lighter colored female. She was very relaxed, but strong, and didn't coil up like she was nervous or wanted to strike. The others were a bit too jumpy for my tastes. They were all older snakes, as I really didn't want to start with a hatchling.

Being involved with rescue, I really prefer NOT to purchase from pet stores. So, about a week ago, I came across an ad while I was trolling Craigslist for a 3 foot BP that NEEDED a home. They could no longer care for it. Now THAT was more what I was looking for

I drove down to get him. It is GORGEOUS out yesterday, about 60 degrees (compared to below zero a week ago) so it was actually a very pleasant drive. I got there, and they showed me the tank. OF COURSE he was curled up on a hot rock. The guy showing him to me was scared of him (it was his girlfriend's snake) but the snake was very relaxed, alert, wrapping around my arm with some strength, but no signs of aggression. No scratches or wounds, very healthy looking, with his only flaw being a little bit of stuck shed right behind his head.

Anyway, I am very happy and excited, and glad that I got my first BP!
Here is the picture that I promised

Kristina

mrcarabao · #2 (**permalink**) 02-11-2009, 12:11 PM

what a beautiful snake!!!

congrats!

lowcountryfire · #3 (**permalink**) 02-11-2009, 07:05 PM

wow, thats a pretty BP!! I want another one now!! lol. Wife says no.....

repman01 · #4 (**permalink**) 02-11-2009, 07:27 PM

that is a beautiful snake

kyryah · #5 (**permalink**) 02-11-2009, 11:03 PM

Thanks

I think he (she? it? lol) is just gorgeous, I love the blush on him.

Kristina

Chu'Wuti · #6 (**permalink**) 02-12-2009, 01:13 AM

Kristina, that BP is lovely! I'm so glad you found a snake that needed you! What had they been feeding him/her? When did he last eat?

You said you love the blush on him--is he looking a bit pink on the belly? or is that you joking about all the compliments? Because some BPs get a bit pink on the belly right before they go into a shed stage. Did the people know when he last shed?

How do the blonde monsters like him? He'll look gorgeous against their blonde curls!

beckdg · #7 (**permalink**) 02-12-2009, 09:24 AM

puuuuuurty... nice pattern... well worth the ride!

kyryah · #8 (**permalink**) 02-12-2009, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chu'Wuti

Kristina, that BP is lovely! I'm so glad you found a snake that needed you! What had they been feeding him/her? When did he last eat?

You said you love the blush on him--is he looking a bit pink on the belly? or is that you joking about all the compliments? Because some BPs get a bit pink on the belly right before they go into a shed stage. Did the people know when he last shed?

How do the blonde monsters like him? He'll look gorgeous against their blonde curls!

He has been eating live mice, four at a time every three to four weeks. That is going to change.

His last feeding date was Feb. 5th, I am hoping to get him on a small f/t rat every two weeks. I feed my Corns every week to ten days, depending on the actual size of the pink, and I have never had a BP, so I am still on a learning curve there. If someone has suggestions, please do not hesitate to offer them. There is so much conflicting info on the net about how much/how often to feed. He is 4-5 years old, and about 3 1/2 feet in length.

No pink belly, lol, I was talking about the red "blush" in between the spots along his spine

I am not exactly sure when his last shed was, right now I am working on soaking him and getting the stuck shed off little by little. I haven't ever had a problem with my babies' shed sticking, but they have water bowls big enought to get into and humid hides. It always comes off in one piece. He didn't have much in his tank to "grab" onto, so I think that may have been part of it, too.

The girls are fascinated by him, but so far there has been no blonde to snake contact other than some petting, lol. I want to be able to really get to know his body language and moods first. That and he is definately strong enough to give a good squeeze

Kristina

Chu'Wuti · #9 (**permalink**) 02-12-2009, 03:14 PM

If you want him to begin eating F/T prey AND change him from mice to rats, you have some training to do. Potentially useful tricks:

Buy live mice and F rats, put F rat of same size in mouse bedding to scent. Warm entire body of F/T prey item and ensure head is good & hot for good heat signature. Feed one live mouse and chain-feed F/T rat, or offer it next while twitching it to make it appear alive.

Buy F mice and rats, thaw a F mice and a F rat together. Thaw prey items in or near BPs enclosure so the aroma incites his appetite. Offer rat first. Twitch rat gently while offering, not directly in front of snake, but off to side and on or near substrate or branch or whatever snake is on. I've learned through observation of my BP that he wants to see the prey item from the side before he strikes.

Try offering the different prey items in different orders.

Training to F/T prey may take some time, and training from mice to rats may also take some time. Some people have been unable to get their BPs to switch to rats (this includes me so far, but we're going to begin working on it again in March).

I've been told by BP breeders to feed once a week. Also, a fully grown BP can eat an adult rat.

kyryah · #10 (**permalink**) 02-12-2009, 04:12 PM

Good to know, thanks! I really want to get him on F/T if I can... My littles eat F/T, but have their whole lives. It is funny how the difference affects their behavior. They do not constrict. The move up, sniff to the head, and begin eating. Definately different.

I have tongs and patience, lol, so we will see what we can do. If it is okay to continue feeding multiple mice, I would be totally open to that, since I already have a breeding colony. How many mice a week would you think?

Kristina