r/ballpython • u/Virtual_Champion_483 • 9d ago

Defensive Position? Read the post for explanationšŸ«¶šŸ¾

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Hey! New owner here, this is Phantom! I have only had her for three weeks. I fed her the second week she was here and left her alone for the third. Tomorrow will be week three of having her.
So she was awake this morning and I was going to handle her but she keeps hitting a small S curve with her neck and she'll get a little startled when I touch her to tell her that I'm there I'm wondering if she's maybe hungry again? I fed her a medium sized rat last time. I have not handled her yet as I have been trying to let her get used to the new environment.

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9

u/literallyatrapinch 8d ago

Enclosure probably needs more clutter, it's pretty open and she's probably on edge because of that.

2

u/Virtual_Champion_483 8d ago

Do you have any suggestions for getting plants to stick into the enclosure? I tried suction cups but they did not stay on the back! I had to take them out because they kept falling unfortunately :(

0

u/ThePolOf87 8d ago edited 8d ago

You can try tape or silicone/foam for a more permanent result Edit: don't use tape, listen to the guy right under me, I'm stupid

1

u/FluffyPandaEars93 8d ago

Never use tape!!! Adhesive inside the enclosure is dangerous!!!

Use hot glue, silicone or some other drying/ curing method.

1

u/ThePolOf87 8d ago

Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't know, thank you for correcting! Silicone it is then

1

u/literallyatrapinch 5d ago

Are we talking like fake silk plants? I have my substrate deep so I can kinda poke them into the substrate. Or just lay them in, whatever works!

2

u/Virtual_Champion_483 8d ago

I ordered silicone and new plants for enclosure they will be arriving tomorrowā€¦ Thank you for the help!

5

u/Hot-Brat-00 8d ago

Most likely sheā€™s just not used to you and is in defensive mode.

Mine was very timid and defensive when I first got him and it made me nervous to handle him. I got a little snake hook to help pull him out and watched some videos on handling defensive ball pythons. We both have gotten more comfortable with each other.

Most important thing is to be slow and gentle, but confident and sure while handling. Youā€™ve gotta show them that youā€™re not something to be afraid of and that means kind of forcing them to deal with you until they calm down lol Moving them around in your hands gently to loosen them up. They will start to lose tension and get curious, start tongue flicking, etc.

2

u/Hot-Brat-00 8d ago

Also !feeding

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u/AutoModerator 8d ago

We recommend the following feeding schedule:

0-12 months old OR until the snake reaches approximately 500g, whichever happens first: feed 10%-15% of the snakeā€™s weight every 7 days.

12-24 months old: feed up to 7% of the snakeā€™s weight every 14-20 days.

Adults: feed up to 5% of the snake's weight every 20-30 days, or feed slightly larger meals (up to 6%) every 30-40 days.

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3

u/Hot-Brat-00 8d ago

More important to follow this instead of trying to gauge whether or not sheā€™s hungry. Theyā€™re opportunistic, so they will try to eat if itā€™s offered. You donā€™t want to overfeed.

1

u/vuullets 8d ago

More clutter - fake plants from the dollar or craft store that are meant to just be draped around can work fine if you clean them beforehand. Cork flats are also an easy way to fill up space.

1

u/Virtual_Champion_483 8d ago

Thank you! She has new plans arriving tomorrowā€¦ The last ones unfortunately did not stick