Python

[u/Square_Cookie2481]

I have a ball python I’ve been having since Friday of last year. It doesn’t matter what I’m doing he’s always snappy at me even after he’s eaten. I can’t even touch him with my hand I’ve tried holding him being more hands on and he’s still snappy. What can I do? I really wanna just love him and take care of him.

[u/ThrowRA1203958]

This snake needs to be rehomed. You obviously do not have the facilities to care for him.

[u/OctilleryArtillery]

I presume you mean you’ve had him a week. That’s really not too long at all, and he’s likely still quite stressed from being in a new place. Can we see your setup?

[u/Square_Cookie2481 → u/OctilleryArtillery]

I’ve meant since Black Friday of last year so it’s been almost a year

[u/OctilleryArtillery → u/Square_Cookie2481]

Oh gosh! Okay. I was confused since it just said Friday of last year and I thought it was a typo. What’s his set up like? Enclosure size, stuff like that?

[u/Square_Cookie2481 → u/OctilleryArtillery]

I’m a bit embarrassed to say he’s still in a 20gal tank I have a day light and night light that’s on a timer. He has 1 water bowl I have a heat pad and I keep him misted 3 days out the week. And I feed him 3 times a month

[u/Mindless_Anything_64 → u/Square_Cookie2481]

Dude, 20 gallons is WAY too small for a bp, unless he’s a hatchling which he is not if you’ve had him for a year

[u/Square_Cookie2481 → u/Mindless_Anything_64]

You’re absolutely correct. But the way the economy is right now I can’t afford a bigger tank. I wanna get him a 4x4x2 tank but the prices are outrageously high. I’ve checked all of the secondary markets none for sale

[u/FluffyPandaEars93 → u/Square_Cookie2481]

If you cant afford a bigger tank, even a plastic tote would make a better enclosure. Just make sure to put some small holes in it.. you can cut away some of the top and attach wire mesh to add your heating elements. 20 gallons is too small for even a hatchling.. Amazon has big tanks for ~$200

[u/DontBother777 → u/Square_Cookie2481]

Unfortunately ball pythons (and reptiles in general) are not cheap pets. This is really something that should have been planned beforehand. I understand things happen though. For the time being, i’d strongly recommend looking into storage totes. They make great makeshift enclosures and are very easy to modify. If you’re in the US home depot has 40gal totes for $20, 57gal for $38, and 77gal for $70. You could also try posting on your local pet/exotics groups on FB and see if anyone has a 40-75gal tank they’d sell for cheap. It’s ok if you can’t get a huge tank right away but a 20gal at this point is going to be way too cramped

[u/ballpython-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

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[u/OctilleryArtillery → u/Square_Cookie2481]

Based on this, he may be consistently stressed, which would explain why he is so snappy. I would try to upgrade your entire setup. Plenty of great info is available in the guide in this group

[u/RainyDayBrightNight]

Sounds like it’s the husbandry that’s causing issues.

I’d recommend even teeny baby beeps have at least 40 gallons. A teen beep (1-2yr old) might be alright in a 70-80 gallon. Adult beeps need 120+ gallons.

Twenty gallons is comically small for a year old ball python.

Misting is not recommended, as it can cause scale rot. The tank should be big and insulated enough, with thick enough humid substrate, to consistently have 70%+ humidity on the cool side.

Heat mats are not appropriate for thick bodied snakes such as ball pythons. Heat mats can heat the snake unevenly, causing burns that can become severe damage.

This sub has a great feeding guide; !feeding

Fix the tank and keeping, and you should be able to improve handling.

[u/terowoc → u/[deleted]]

then give advice and stop being a dick. don't you want better for the animal?

[u/terowoc → u/[deleted]]

no, you didn't. you don't have another comment on this thread other than "smfh"

[u/terowoc → u/[deleted]]

do you want me to send you a screen recording because there's none for me ??? i'm not the one spam responding or calling the other names so i don't know if i'm the one triggered. just saying anger and hurtful comments don't change abuse. kindness and willingness to teach/learn does.

[u/ThrowRA1203958]

Do you have a photo of this snake? I’m worried it’s going to be extremely malnourished and dehydrated

[u/Square_Cookie2481 → u/ThrowRA1203958]

Goodmorning I’m just now seeing this I’m currently at work but when I get home I can take a pic. I’m pretty sure he’s not malnourished but I’ll still send the pic because I’m always down for learning and taking advice. Also for everyone that gave me advice about the enclosure I pray god grant you every wish you ever desired. Gave Facebook marketplace another shot and found a 75gal with a bunch of accessories for $200.

[u/ballpython-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

Per rule #3, your post or comment has been removed for harmful advice or misinformation. Please review our sub resources to learn more about why.

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[u/Square_Cookie2481]

Oh and right now I’m currently changing his substrate from dirt to coconut chips. The kind you soak in water

[u/ballpython-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

Your comment has been removed for breaking Rule #1: Don't Be a Jerk.

If you have a question about this removal, please contact the mod team. Complaining via post/comment will result in a ban.