Shelby Pumasaurus Gross - 2012-07-10 I just noticed something odd about my ball python. There is a little bit of a milky blue tint around her nose and the sides of her head. Is this bad? Is she sick or is it jsut because she is young? I know their eyes turn milky blue before they shed, but her eyes look pretty clear to me.
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Shelby Pumasaurus Gross - 2012-07-10 The color is between blue and gray. It almost looks like loose skin on top of dark skin....
Shelby Pumasaurus Gross - 2012-07-10 I have another question. Most everyone tells me ball pythons grow to be between 3-5 Ft, but I have heard rumors saying they can get up to 10 Ft. Is this true for some ball pythons depending on how they have been fed?
Shelby Pumasaurus Gross - 2012-07-06 I just bought a Ball Python today. She moved around quite a lot while in the bowl. Then after we got home I put the bowl in the tank under the lamp so she could calm down, and when she did I placed her in the actual tank and took away the bowl. It's been 45 mins and she is still in the same position with her head curled under her. She IS breathing, so she isn't dead. Is this normal? (I know they take a while to adjust, but shouldn't she be exploring?)
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Charlie Roche - 2012-07-06 It takes a couple days to just adjust. You lived in one place and were used to the sounds and smells. Then you got placed in a bowl and went for a car ride. Then you got moved again and you are just wiped out. She is just resting and trying to figure out where she is before she starts doing any exploration.
Shelby Pumasaurus Gross - 2012-07-10 Thank you. She is doing fine now. It's been four days and she LOVES to get out and explore. I've been holding her a few times a day for short periods and she seems to have relaxed. I was getting frustrated though, because I was told to feed her Monday morning and she wouldn't eat. She wasn't even interested, but I stayed strong and remained calm. I finally got her to eat that evening. She had no problems whatsoever. :)
Anonymous - 2012-07-02 I have a ball python he is about 2ft long and I am having issues keeping his tank warm. I have a hot rock and a heat light. The last time he ate was fathers day and I have tried feeding him and he will not eat. Please help I'm about to try puting a heat pad in the tank.
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hankypanky56 - 2012-07-02 Never use a heat rock! They will burn your animal, definitely don't want that to happen. Heat lights are fine I guess, I prefer to use UTHs (heat pad) but don't put that IN the tank stick it under. That should be fine. As for feeding just try different options, it is normal for them to fast but as long as you take care of him well you will be okay.
Elissa Lewis - 2009-11-21 Hey there I have a wonderful baby ball python 11 mos old named martha. It's absolutley astonishing, I got her almost one year ago, to see the enormous growth patterns. As far as the refusing to eat.... yea right! I've moved three times since I've had her and she loves her food! She'll eat whenever the chance presents itself, LOL! They say don't handle your python before you feed them, mine doesn't care! LOL! And she loves people absolutely amazing! I hope to have her around for a very long time!
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Jacob - 2010-04-18 Your aren't supposed to pick them up because it causes problems in their digestive track.
julianna dominguez - 2010-07-16 Mine is the same way.. he eats 2 mice -twice a week and would eat more if I gave them to him(he LOVES to eat : ) .. he's such a pig, and being a young snake, it is amazing watching them grow so fast .. in 2 months he has shed twice already and has tripled in size since I got him, I showed the store where I got him and they couldn't believe how big he was.. I said it's because he eats so well! (they feed frozen and say 1/2 the snakes wont eat them) I always have fed live to him and another female ball python I had for years previously... they have never had a problem with the mice as they barely touch the ground before he has grabbed them LOL... and he's so sweet he really loves being held and will refuse being put away sometimes LOL, even when shedding, I checked on him before I bought food and noticed his eyes were milky and was in shedding process and he never showed any aggression and let me hold him to move him. He's the best.. if cared for properly, they are the coolest, most fun and truly sweet animal to add to my family.
jerrica cole - 2010-09-15 My 9 yr old ball python Quagmire is friendly like yours. He doesn't care if we hold him before he eats and he ate the same day we moved. He loves people too, my 11 yr old son wears him around the house like a belt, lol.
Phil - 2010-10-23 I'm sorry but the handling of the royal python should not be done "after" the feeding. They need to be left alone for a period of not less than 24 hours. Handling the snake after feeding would be like if you ate chili with a glass of chocolate milk then went on roller coaster.
Michele Elise - 2012-05-24 Phil and Jacob are correct. No snake should be handled after feeding, particular species is not important! Please go to the google bar and type in Snakes regurgitation. You will find tons of articles on the subject.
gator - 2010-06-17 I got a baby royal ball python 2 weeks ago at a reptile expo. It eats fine and seems healthy. But it is the most aggressive 1 I have ever seen. I've had ball pythons before my biggest was bout 3 1/2ft long. I never had a problem or seen 1 even shake its tail. This baby is so aggressive I don't want it around my gf's kids unless it calms down. Is this really normal for a baby ball to even shake its tail?
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weldon rhoades - 2011-08-17 There are a few reasons your itty pet has a huge attitude.The first reason they bite is they feel threatened. This could be due to him not being acustumed to handling. Second could be that your not feeding him enough. Babies need fed 2 and maybe 3 times a week. Third could be that he's hurt. Maybe has been bruised by misshandling or even abuse before you got him. 4th reason is, he isnt a pure Ball and may have been mix bred with a more aggressive breed for instance a reticulated.
Michele Elise - 2012-05-24 No it isn't normal for a ball to shake his tail. For any baby snake, I don't care what breed it is. It is eat or be eaten when they are itty bitty babies. Of course by now you have gotten rid of the snake or gotten over your problem. I think its unlikely that your ball is a cross as it would have been quite a lot more expensive and I think you would have noticed that. The next time you have a baby you may consider actually allowing yourself to be bitten. A baby is going to literally give you only a pin prick of blood if that and it may help you to dismiss your fear easily.
nancy - 2011-03-31 I HAVE 2 QUESTIONS :: what are the 2 spike looking things about 2 inch. from my ball pythons tail? Also, please help also by telling me how I would go about finding out my snakes sex w/out going to the vet...thanx!
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Jasmine Brough Hinesley - 2011-03-31 The spikes on the Ball Python (Python regius) are called spurs and most pythons and boas have them. They are located towards the base of the tail and both males and females have them. Males often use them in their mating/courtship rituals.
Sexing snakes can be difficult or harmful if you are not experienced with how to do it. There is a probing method where a probe is inserted into the cloaca opening (near the base of the tail) towards the tip of the tail and how far the probe goes in will tell you if it is a female or male. The probe usually goes in further for males. There are a couple other methods as well, however I would recommend taking your snake to a vet if you are not experienced with sexing snakes.
Nikki Well - 2011-04-05 The two spikes on both sides of the vent are called anal spurs. And you can take your snake to a local pet shop with reptile experience and they will sex your snake for you.
Natasha - 2011-06-30 So I have some great news... I can answer both of your questions in a few words. Those spikes.. are it's a penis. And you have a baby boy. :D
derek - 2011-09-20 They are its anal spers and you have a male like I do
Michele Elise - 2012-05-24 Go with the first answer from Jasmine...it doesn't mean you have a boy! Though often the spurs are larger on a male. The spurs are definitely not the penis. They are used by the male and female to facilitate them staying together during the mating procedure.
darick - 2011-07-16 Hi, I am just getting in to snakes and I want a ball python but i don't want my family getting hurt so is this a good snake to be a family snake
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David Brough - 2011-07-17 Ball pythons don't get that big, only 3-5 feet, and don't pose any threat to humans that I am aware of.
Blaine Bassett - 2011-10-30 Ball Pythons are very gentile snakes. I have never had any problems with mine at all, just remember to play with it often to make sure that they do not become aggressive. Feed your snake in a separate 'box'. This way the snake will not attribute being picked up with feeding.
Lucylemonpip - 2012-01-18 Ball/Royal Pythons make brilliant pets. I handle mine quite a lot and although they can be a bit head shy, once they settle, and realise who you are, this stops, unless you make a quick movement. I can walk around with my Royal around my neck and he'll happily stay there. They are inquisitive and gentle, unaggressive snakes and easy to keep, although some can have problems not eating for a while; however see my feeding tip under Elis message above, which may help. Your family cannot be harmed by a Royal; they are not strong enough to constrict an adult and if you are unhappy about the tightness of the grip, if carrying the snake around your neck, they are easy to remove. They like to grip onto your hand and anchor themselves, as security. They are lovely snakes to own. I have a Corn Snake too, they are also gentle and safe snakes, and make good pets. Both my snakes know when it's me who is handling them; I can tell by their relaxed body language. My Corn likes to be gently stroked and will sit for many minutes enjoying this.
Carrie - 2012-02-06 I 8 beautiful ball python. They are the most docile animals I have ever had the joy of interacting with. My 7 year old daughter carries them around everywhere. They are her best friends. She even assists me in feeding them. She is more afraid of the rats. I highly recommend them as family pets.
Michele Elise - 2012-05-24 Your two best bets are indeed the Ball Python and Corn Snake. Neither are dangerous to humans. Your considerations perhaps should lie more with keeping your snake safe from the family. You will want a secure enclosure with clamps on the top (I'm assuming you will keep it in an aquarium tank) The things that are a danger to the snake are the snake escaping, other pets attacking it or getting into his cage, and children mishandling the snake because they don't know better. I have kids, don't think I hate kids. We established a clear set of rules with my children. I think that is key! No going in the cage without an adult present (remember we're not afraid of the snake hurting the child really but mishandling of the snake) My other rules included we do not put a reptile near our face EVER! because a bite to the face is so much worse than to an arm or hand. Never carry a snake draped around your neck because there are actually very few types of snake (constrictor or not) who don't incorporate a constriction into their hunting and killing techniques. This is something people miss on commonly. I have in my lifetime owned over 50 snakes and only one breed did not engage in any form of constricting their prey, a tiger rat snake, who squishes their prey to a tree branch with its body. A snake NEVER belongs around someones neck, especially not a childs. But yes ball pythons and corn snakes (gorgeous colors and patterns great snakes they should also be considered in a serious way!) Perhaps even get one of each just to appreciate the differences. Corn snakes are not nearly as demanding if you live in the U.S. and therefore less expensive to keep. I have two lovely corns and 3 balls, all of them great family pets and great to handle! and if you get either you have to think of a good name, though the snake doesn't care a whit, one of our balls is named Monty after Monty Pythons flying circus etc. and we had a corn snake named Jiffy for Jiffy Pop! Again there's kids involved! you can email if you like @ blue.beauty.lady@gmail.com (another snake we kept that wasn't family oriented)
Amy - 2012-03-07 I have a 1yr old bp. She is the worst at shedding. I always have to wet her then I have to gently roll the dry skin off her like a wet stocking. But she loves it when I do this. She cuddles with my hand and rubbs her head on me. She is sooooooo sweet. The question I have is how do I get built up skin off of her spurs without trauma
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Michele Elise - 2012-05-24 I don't know how to get the skin off the spurs and it may not be important to do so if it is left only on that hard material with none of the skin left where the spur comes out of the body. You can give her a nice warm soak for a few hours or even overnight. If you do this make sure the water is heated in some way. You don't want her to get cold. tThe water should come up to about halfway up your snake. You don't want to drown her. You do want to raise your humidity obviously. Mist her! Even Ball pythons love to be misted. ...um too (and I hate to say this and please don't take it the wrong way) Its really great that you love your snake so much and you are concerned of her welfare...but ...she doesn't really love you. She is not cuddling up to you. She is rubbing on you for the sole purpose of removing that skin, the same way she would rub on a tree or bush if she was out in the wild. When dealing with snakes it is sooo important to remember that they are captive wild animals, especially when you start to wander away from the very docile ball python or corn snake which most people do. They are not really tremendously intelligent creatures either. I understand believe me I would love it if my 25 snakes loved me, but they just don't. That being said my cat loves me and my dog loves me and even my chickens though I don't think they love me they can learn their names and come when I call them (some of them, not all of them)A snake is influenced almost entirely by its instincts and if it gets frightened it may strike at you to defend itself. If it is hungry it may sense your body heat and try to eat you or part of you. And even the most docile snakes, even the ball python will occasionally show those sorts of behaviors, so be careful with her. Good luck!
The handsome, sweet tempered Ball Python is one of the most favored and adored pet snakes!
How long after it finishes shedding can the snake be fed without worrying a live rodent will hurt it's new skin?
Usually 3 or 4 days is fine.
I just noticed something odd about my ball python. There is a little bit of a milky blue tint around her nose and the sides of her head. Is this bad? Is she sick or is it jsut because she is young? I know their eyes turn milky blue before they shed, but her eyes look pretty clear to me.
The color is between blue and gray. It almost looks like loose skin on top of dark skin....
I have another question. Most everyone tells me ball pythons grow to be between 3-5 Ft, but I have heard rumors saying they can get up to 10 Ft. Is this true for some ball pythons depending on how they have been fed?
I just bought a Ball Python today. She moved around quite a lot while in the bowl. Then after we got home I put the bowl in the tank under the lamp so she could calm down, and when she did I placed her in the actual tank and took away the bowl. It's been 45 mins and she is still in the same position with her head curled under her. She IS breathing, so she isn't dead. Is this normal? (I know they take a while to adjust, but shouldn't she be exploring?)
It takes a couple days to just adjust. You lived in one place and were used to the sounds and smells. Then you got placed in a bowl and went for a car ride. Then you got moved again and you are just wiped out. She is just resting and trying to figure out where she is before she starts doing any exploration.
Thank you. She is doing fine now. It's been four days and she LOVES to get out and explore. I've been holding her a few times a day for short periods and she seems to have relaxed. I was getting frustrated though, because I was told to feed her Monday morning and she wouldn't eat. She wasn't even interested, but I stayed strong and remained calm. I finally got her to eat that evening. She had no problems whatsoever. :)
I have a ball python he is about 2ft long and I am having issues keeping his tank warm. I have a hot rock and a heat light. The last time he ate was fathers day and I have tried feeding him and he will not eat. Please help I'm about to try puting a heat pad in the tank.
Never use a heat rock! They will burn your animal, definitely don't want that to happen. Heat lights are fine I guess, I prefer to use UTHs (heat pad) but don't put that IN the tank stick it under. That should be fine. As for feeding just try different options, it is normal for them to fast but as long as you take care of him well you will be okay.
Hey there I have a wonderful baby ball python 11 mos old named martha. It's absolutley astonishing, I got her almost one year ago, to see the enormous growth patterns. As far as the refusing to eat.... yea right! I've moved three times since I've had her and she loves her food! She'll eat whenever the chance presents itself, LOL! They say don't handle your python before you feed them, mine doesn't care! LOL!
And she loves people absolutely amazing! I hope to have her around for a very long time!
Your aren't supposed to pick them up because it causes problems in their digestive track.
Mine is the same way.. he eats 2 mice -twice a week and would eat more if I gave them to him(he LOVES to eat : ) .. he's such a pig, and being a young snake, it is amazing watching them grow so fast .. in 2 months he has shed twice already and has tripled in size since I got him, I showed the store where I got him and they couldn't believe how big he was.. I said it's because he eats so well! (they feed frozen and say 1/2 the snakes wont eat them) I always have fed live to him and another female ball python I had for years previously... they have never had a problem with the mice as they barely touch the ground before he has grabbed them LOL... and he's so sweet he really loves being held and will refuse being put away sometimes LOL, even when shedding, I checked on him before I bought food and noticed his eyes were milky and was in shedding process and he never showed any aggression and let me hold him to move him. He's the best.. if cared for properly, they are the coolest, most fun and truly sweet animal to add to my family.
My 9 yr old ball python Quagmire is friendly like yours. He doesn't care if we hold him before he eats and he ate the same day we moved. He loves people too, my 11 yr old son wears him around the house like a belt, lol.
I'm sorry but the handling of the royal python should not be done "after" the feeding. They need to be left alone for a period of not less than 24 hours. Handling the snake after feeding would be like if you ate chili with a glass of chocolate milk then went on roller coaster.
Phil and Jacob are correct. No snake should be handled after feeding, particular species is not important! Please go to the google bar and type in Snakes regurgitation. You will find tons of articles on the subject.
I got a baby royal ball python 2 weeks ago at a reptile expo. It eats fine and seems healthy. But it is the most aggressive 1 I have ever seen. I've had ball pythons before my biggest was bout 3 1/2ft long. I never had a problem or seen 1 even shake its tail. This baby is so aggressive I don't want it around my gf's kids unless it calms down. Is this really normal for a baby ball to even shake its tail?
There are a few reasons your itty pet has a huge attitude.The first reason they bite is they feel threatened. This could be due to him not being acustumed to handling. Second could be that your not feeding him enough. Babies need fed 2 and maybe 3 times a week. Third could be that he's hurt. Maybe has been bruised by misshandling or even abuse before you got him. 4th reason is, he isnt a pure Ball and may have been mix bred with a more aggressive breed for instance a reticulated.
No it isn't normal for a ball to shake his tail. For any baby snake, I don't care what breed it is. It is eat or be eaten when they are itty bitty babies. Of course by now you have gotten rid of the snake or gotten over your problem. I think its unlikely that your ball is a cross as it would have been quite a lot more expensive and I think you would have noticed that. The next time you have a baby you may consider actually allowing yourself to be bitten. A baby is going to literally give you only a pin prick of blood if that and it may help you to dismiss your fear easily.
I HAVE 2 QUESTIONS :: what are the 2 spike looking things about 2 inch. from my ball pythons tail? Also, please help also by telling me how I would go about finding out my snakes sex w/out going to the vet...thanx!
The spikes on the Ball Python (Python regius) are called spurs and most pythons and boas have them. They are located towards the base of the tail and both males and females have them. Males often use them in their mating/courtship rituals.
Sexing snakes can be difficult or harmful if you are not experienced with how to do it. There is a probing method where a probe is inserted into the cloaca opening (near the base of the tail) towards the tip of the tail and how far the probe goes in will tell you if it is a female or male. The probe usually goes in further for males. There are a couple other methods as well, however I would recommend taking your snake to a vet if you are not experienced with sexing snakes.
The two spikes on both sides of the vent are called anal spurs. And you can take your snake to a local pet shop with reptile experience and they will sex your snake for you.
So I have some great news... I can answer both of your questions in a few words.
Those spikes.. are it's a penis.
And you have a baby boy. :D
They are its anal spers and you have a male like I do
Go with the first answer from Jasmine...it doesn't mean you have a boy! Though often the spurs are larger on a male. The spurs are definitely not the penis. They are used by the male and female to facilitate them staying together during the mating procedure.
Hi, I am just getting in to snakes and I want a ball python but i don't want my family getting hurt so is this a good snake to be a family snake
Ball pythons don't get that big, only 3-5 feet, and don't pose any threat to humans that I am aware of.
Ball Pythons are very gentile snakes. I have never had any problems with mine at all, just remember to play with it often to make sure that they do not become aggressive. Feed your snake in a separate 'box'. This way the snake will not attribute being picked up with feeding.
Ball/Royal Pythons make brilliant pets. I handle mine quite a lot and although they can be a bit head shy, once they settle, and realise who you are, this stops, unless you make a quick movement. I can walk around with my Royal around my neck and he'll happily stay there. They are inquisitive and gentle, unaggressive snakes and easy to keep, although some can have problems not eating for a while; however see my feeding tip under Elis message above, which may help. Your family cannot be harmed by a Royal; they are not strong enough to constrict an adult and if you are unhappy about the tightness of the grip, if carrying the snake around your neck, they are easy to remove. They like to grip onto your hand and anchor themselves, as security. They are lovely snakes to own. I have a Corn Snake too, they are also gentle and safe snakes, and make good pets. Both my snakes know when it's me who is handling them; I can tell by their relaxed body language. My Corn likes to be gently stroked and will sit for many minutes enjoying this.
I 8 beautiful ball python. They are the most docile animals I have ever had the joy of interacting with. My 7 year old daughter carries them around everywhere. They are her best friends. She even assists me in feeding them. She is more afraid of the rats. I highly recommend them as family pets.
Your two best bets are indeed the Ball Python and Corn Snake. Neither are dangerous to humans. Your considerations perhaps should lie more with keeping your snake safe from the family. You will want a secure enclosure with clamps on the top (I'm assuming you will keep it in an aquarium tank) The things that are a danger to the snake are the snake escaping, other pets attacking it or getting into his cage, and children mishandling the snake because they don't know better. I have kids, don't think I hate kids. We established a clear set of rules with my children. I think that is key! No going in the cage without an adult present (remember we're not afraid of the snake hurting the child really but mishandling of the snake) My other rules included we do not put a reptile near our face EVER! because a bite to the face is so much worse than to an arm or hand. Never carry a snake draped around your neck because there are actually very few types of snake (constrictor or not) who don't incorporate a constriction into their hunting and killing techniques. This is something people miss on commonly. I have in my lifetime owned over 50 snakes and only one breed did not engage in any form of constricting their prey, a tiger rat snake, who squishes their prey to a tree branch with its body. A snake NEVER belongs around someones neck, especially not a childs. But yes ball pythons and corn snakes (gorgeous colors and patterns great snakes they should also be considered in a serious way!) Perhaps even get one of each just to appreciate the differences. Corn snakes are not nearly as demanding if you live in the U.S. and therefore less expensive to keep. I have two lovely corns and 3 balls, all of them great family pets and great to handle! and if you get either you have to think of a good name, though the snake doesn't care a whit, one of our balls is named Monty after Monty Pythons flying circus etc. and we had a corn snake named Jiffy for Jiffy Pop! Again there's kids involved! you can email if you like @ blue.beauty.lady@gmail.com (another snake we kept that wasn't family oriented)
I have a 1yr old bp. She is the worst at shedding. I always have to wet her then I have to gently roll the dry skin off her like a wet stocking. But she loves it when I do this. She cuddles with my hand and rubbs her head on me. She is sooooooo sweet. The question I have is how do I get built up skin off of her spurs without trauma
I don't know how to get the skin off the spurs and it may not be important to do so if it is left only on that hard material with none of the skin left where the spur comes out of the body. You can give her a nice warm soak for a few hours or even overnight. If you do this make sure the water is heated in some way. You don't want her to get cold. tThe water should come up to about halfway up your snake. You don't want to drown her. You do want to raise your humidity obviously. Mist her! Even Ball pythons love to be misted.
...um too (and I hate to say this and please don't take it the wrong way) Its really great that you love your snake so much and you are concerned of her welfare...but ...she doesn't really love you. She is not cuddling up to you. She is rubbing on you for the sole purpose of removing that skin, the same way she would rub on a tree or bush if she was out in the wild. When dealing with snakes it is sooo important to remember that they are captive wild animals, especially when you start to wander away from the very docile ball python or corn snake which most people do. They are not really tremendously intelligent creatures either. I understand believe me I would love it if my 25 snakes loved me, but they just don't. That being said my cat loves me and my dog loves me and even my chickens though I don't think they love me they can learn their names and come when I call them (some of them, not all of them)A snake is influenced almost entirely by its instincts and if it gets frightened it may strike at you to defend itself. If it is hungry it may sense your body heat and try to eat you or part of you. And even the most docile snakes, even the ball python will occasionally show those sorts of behaviors, so be careful with her. Good luck!