Few ball python questions

Roastbeef · #1 (**permalink**) 03-12-2005, 04:36 PM

Ok I just got a new ball python and I have a few questions about it.
1.The eyes are really dark and I wasnt sure if that could have been caused by a retained eye cap or something. I have a boa and you can see its pupils but on the python you cant which is what makes me wonder if it was due to poor sheeding beforre I got it. If it is a retained eye cap, will it go away?

2. It is scared very easily. if you touch its tail or near his neck/head it will jump. I have never had a snake like that....Is it normal? Most of my boa could care less if you touch them, they might move a little, but not like my ball does....

schmelkdog · #2 (**permalink**) 03-12-2005, 05:41 PM

from what I've seen BP's eyes are much darker than boa eyes. It sounds normal but then it would take a good pic to be sure.
All snakes do have their own personalities but balls are easily stressed. There is also a difference between wild caught snakes and captive bred. The balls I've owned have gotten pretty used to being handled. My one right now, Olympias, is very comfortable and not head shy. I would expect with regular (but not excessive) handling it will get more comfortable with you and your touch.
How long have you had it and how old is it(size)? Give it a good home with a few hide spots that it can actually feel secure in and after giving it some time to settle in start will some regular handling. Chances are it will get used to you. Mine doesn't even ball up (which is their defensive manner) but than again all of them can be different. Good luck and enjoy your new baby.
oh yeah, welcome to the site!!

xxxjustinxxx · #3 (**permalink**) 03-13-2005, 01:27 AM

ball pythons eyes are darker then say boas, so dont freak out over that. usually babies are more jumpy, or it might be that its not used to its surroundings yet. most of all the BP's ive ever had jumped pretty much when they were little. like dog said they are easily stressed, but good luck and welcome to red tail boa!!!!!

Roastbeef · #4 (**permalink**) 03-16-2005, 04:29 AM

Well turns out the ball python didnt have an eye cap. Also its actually not hatchling, but an older snake. Its just freaks out if you touch its tail or head, which might be normal for balls I dont know. Its a female....so maybe it has something to do with breeding season? Whatever the case its a very nice snake, I just wish it didnt spaz out whenever you touch its tail.

dystopia · #5 (**permalink**) 03-16-2005, 08:48 AM

When i first got mine, if i made any sudden movements or got anywhere near her head, she would freak out and pull her head back and try to get away. I just was very careful to never go near her head from then on and as ive handled her, she has gotten 100% better about freaking out. In fact, just tonite i saw my 3 yr old son touch my BP's head and she didnt even jerk away. That is only with 3 months of handleing. So dont give up, just be patient and handle as much as you can without stressing it out. I usually do 20 mins a day on Days that i dont feed and the 48 hours afterwards..so 4 days a week.

HTH
Jeremy

Genevieve · #6 (**permalink**) 03-16-2005, 09:14 AM

Just keep handling it. I have two balls and one of them is still slightly head shy but nothing near to the extremes that he was when I got him. your snake should settle down after its gotten used to its new home and gotten used to you handling it.

mags · #7 (**permalink**) 03-17-2005, 11:58 PM

I also have two adult ball pythons and both of them are really easy to handle. The best way to start is by running your fingers from behind the heads or under there heads. as for eye caps I have had problems with both of mine and you can see slight scale markings on the eyes if you look closely. Hope you have as much enjoyment from yours as I do. BTW hi everybody

lethargiic · #8 (**permalink**) 03-18-2005, 12:27 AM

ok everyone got the handling advice out of the way...here's are my comments.

With any living being there will be the fight or flight reflex. Ball pythons are obviously well known for this. and 90% of the time they will go into flight mode hence the reason why they "ball" up. It doesnt take much for a ball python to realize that you're not going to hurt them...remember you are BIGGER than they are so it's only natural they that they will jerk their heads away.

If you want to ease the head shyness dont go straight for the head..just start touching her on her back and work your way up to her neck..if she jerks..just slow down and let her get used to your touch..even the chin is a great place to start because they cant see your hand coming in from underneath. Once they used to you constantly touching em it's a good sign that they trust you... a trusting snake..now that's something you dont hear very often. but seriously once they know you're not going to harm her..she'll chill out.

I have 2 wild caught balls and they used to throw hissy fits..just hissing like there's no tomorrow and with persistant handling and patience they're both cool and dont mind getting kisses from mommy. i know im a nerd. Chloe still hisses when she doesnt want to come out but she stops the minute she's in my hands. kinda funny too.

oh as far as the eye thing...you'll know if she has a retained eye cap...retain caps are opaque n sometimes wrinkled looking..if that's the case dont attempt to take it off yourself or you'll risk damaging her eye.. just bump up the humidity a little higher than normal (about 70-75%) and watch for it the next shed cycle. like all other snake sheds youre going to want to check for the eye caps.. One ball python we picked up had about 3 retained caps on one eye and brad n i could easily tell too, so we left it alone and let the snake shed it off herself.

one other thing..welx to the site.

blkcrochunter · #9 (**permalink**) 03-19-2005, 08:39 PM

My female BP had an eye cap, I just left it alone and it came off with her next shed.

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