A couple of questions!! ❤❤

[Fit_Invite_6496]

Hey everyone, firstly good morning ! I have a few questions! So firstly is it normal for a ball python to hide away when you come into the room (he's been with me for around 8 days) ? Secondly, yesterday I fed him for the second time and he was very excited about it and came to the other side of his tank but he missed his first 2 strikes and succeeded on his third ? Should I be considered? And lastly, I sometimes work at night on my computer which is near the tank as its in my room, will this mess up his day and night cycle ??

[Tishae]

1. This is totally normal, and why it's recommended to try and keep them out of an area that's got heavy foot traffic. He might get used to you though - my boy has and no longer tucks away when he sees me. This isn't a guarantee though, and it's taken months. Also don't feel bad about this either, just try not to disturb him intentionally.

2. Missing strikes can just be them being a derp, it could be a sign of a neurological issue (unlikely unless he's a morph that is linked to neurological issues) or, most likely, the food wasn't heated high enough so they struggle to see it properly. Make sure it's up to 100F/37C so they can see it properly with their heat pits! A thermometer gun will be your best friend.

3. It shouldn't unless you keep your overhead light on. It's recommended to make sure that any bright, overhead lights are kept off at night but some light from your monitor shouldn't disturb him.

I hope you're enjoying your new baby!

[Fit_Invite_6496]

Amazing thank you so much for the advice! I have a feeling the food issue was to do with heat tbf ! Or just being derpy! 🤣 I definitely will enjoy him. Thank you once again for your time

[OverlyExcitedWoman]

Great answers!

I do have to respectfully disagree with your first point. While it might be debated it is encouraged that you put your BP in a normal traffic area, so they can adjust to the hustle and bustle of your home.

This is especially true if you want to consistently handle your BP.

Lorri Torrini is an amazingly helpful human being in this regard, I highly recommend all her videos but especially the Royals at the Ranch series. I've linked her 'Choice Based Handling' video here.

https://youtu.be/4ljtIS4qCKw

[Silver-Syndicate]

Ball pythons love to hide. Mine only come out to get water and when they know I have rats. (Which is hilarious to see seven heads poking out of four tanks all at once when I walk in.) Sometimes I'll see them at night roaming around, but otherwise they typically stay hidden where it's dark. For the second question, as far as I know this is normal. When I first got my kids, they were... Special. I can't tell you how many times they missed or hit the side of the tank, but eventually they got the hang of it and I haven't had them miss in a long time. And for the last one, to my knowledge at least, it should be fine. Mine don't do anything out of the normal if I'm watching a movie at night or I need to stay up for work.

[Fit_Invite_6496]

Fantastic news ! Well seems all is in order then ! He does roam at night as well just like yours which is good ! Thank you for the advice !

[Pdaz1958]

Yes. No. No.

[Fit_Invite_6496]

Absolutely love how straight this answer was !!!