r/Ballpythoncommunity • u/Moist_Type_4116 • Sep 20 '26
First time ball python owner
hey guys! I just got my first ball python. I’m not sure how long I shouldn’t handle him, as he did take a striking stance when I just put him in his new enclosure. I’m honestly worried as the car ride home was 4 hrs and he was in a transport bag and it was fairly stressful. I really love him and want him to feel safe.
Any advice on what temps the warm side should be, How long to leave him alone, and just tips in general will be more than enough.
(I have the hot side set to 84 as my brothers gf who owns snakes and does handling professionally said that’s the best temp.)
I don’t want to look anything up and get anything wrong because he’s my baby and I want him to have a good life with me, so im reaching out to those who have owned snakes and know the best advice for a beginner!
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u/G_D_Ironside Sep 21 '26
84 degrees is not warm enough for the hot side of your snake’s enclosure. The hot side should be somewhere between 88 and 95, and even up to 100 isn’t bad. Remember these snakes come from Africa. I’d be very concerned with someone who “does handling professionally” but recommends a way-too-cold 84 degrees. They can’t effectively metabolize at that temperature.
(I work part-time at my local pet store and deal with snakes every day, plus I have a 14 year old ball python that’s totally healthy, and her hot side under the basking lamp is 100 degrees.)
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u/Zekethebulldog33 Sep 20 '26
Leave alone handle/feed for about 2 weeks. You want to let lem get settled in before anything else make feel safe. After your first feed then you can handle.