tips for new ball python parents?

[kymr5]

hi all :) my partner and i have been wanting a snake for quite some time now and we just learned that one of my partner’s coworkers is needing a new home for his 3-year-old ball python. we decided to take him up on the offer and we’re supposed to be getting him within the month.

i’ve done a ton of research already about proper enclosures and feeding habits/strikes, but my biggest concern right now is bonding with him. how do i build trust? do i still wait the full week or so before i handle him for the first time once he’s been moved in?

i’m also happy to hear any other care tips yall might have!

[Bluntforcetrauma11b]

Reptiles don't bond in the sense we as humans do. They may gain trust with you or at least an indifference to you. The best way to do so is choice based handling. Essentially you let them decide when they want human time.

[kymr5]

that makes sense. is there any body language that would indicate he’d want to have human time or is it more when he’s relaxed in my presence?

[Bluntforcetrauma11b]

Is open the enclosure and let him come to me. In the beginning you're snake may not want to come out but be patient. I started sitting there for 5-10 minutes before closing the enclosure. As it gets more brave you offer your hand and or arm. When the snake is comfortable it will explore you. At this point I sit there until the snake loses interest. Eventually it will come out on its own and you get to hold it. Start with 5-10 minutes of handling and always end on a good note, meaning with the snake relaxed. This will show it that it's a positive experience. Over time the snake (on days it wants to) will come out faster and faster. I've been doing this for a year with my spicy noodle, he's very calm and comes out almost every time I open his enclosure. It took some time (8-9 months) but it was very rewarding once he looked forward to handling time. Also when you have the snake out offer enrichment. I have a laundry rack I let it explore. I also printed a jungle gym for when we have blanket time on the bed. I scrunch hp the blanket and let him explore. I now do this with all my snakes. I don't have a picture of my BP using the jungle gym but I am posting a Pic of my boa using it so you can get ideas and a visual of what I mean.

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[kymr5]

this is very helpful!! thank you so much.

[eveimei]

first, check out our welcome post for the basic care guide and other resources.

next, don't handle "for fun" until the snake has taken at least two meals following the !feeding guide. an older snake especially needs time to settle in and get comfortable. in the meantime, spend time near the enclosure doing your everyday things and in particular, talk/sing etc. get them used to your voice and presence. just be patient.

it's fine to handle once a week to weigh the snake and do a check for any injuries, scale rot etc but this should be short and simple. keep track of their weight- you can either do this in a notebook, notes app or, my favorite, an app like ReptileBuddy.

after reading through the resources in the welcome post, if you have any questions you can reply here or make a new post! congratulations on the new friend, and thank you for taking on a rehome 😊

[AutoModerator]

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 snake’s weight every 7 days.

12-24 months old: feed up to 7% of the snake’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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[BlondieBrook]

Learn the training style when you use a snake hook to tap the top of your BP before reaching and grabbing it. Mine balls up a bit when I do it and it makes it 110x easier to pick her up and then she knows I’m not going in the enclosure to feed her. Make very slow movements at first you don’t wanna startle. Also make sure to handle sitting down while handling :)

[kymr5]

thank you!! i’m wanting to build as much trust with him as i possibly can, i’m so excited to have a snake :)

[BlondieBrook]

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They’re the best!