Ron's Ball Python Blog

Your friends at RCReptiles.com wish you and yours (including your ball pythons) a wonderful and prosperous 2008 New Year!

And for all the adults that will enjoy adult beverages this evening, please do not drink and drive. Have a designated driver if you do choose to indulge in adult beverages this evening. Thanks and have a STUPENDOUS 2008 New Year!

Happy 2008 New Year from RCReptiles.com, Ball Python Breeder

You’ve ordered your new ball python from RCReptiles.com (hopefully you did but If you didn’t, shame on you! lol) and your package just showed up at your front door. You meet the driver with a huge smile on your face, sign for your package and quickly tear into the box to see your new acquisition.

I don’t mean to burst your bubble of happiness but you need to slow down a minute, take a deep breath and let me share some do’s and don’ts with you before you get started.

Your new ball python has arrived!

Your ball python is secured in either a container or bag so rest assured that he or she would not be crawling around in the box when you open it. Your ball python may be slightly unsettled due to the trip that it took to get from our facility to your home so it needs a bit of time to settle down. Your first inclination will be to rip open the container, remove your new pet and start giving it kisses of affection on its nose but this is not advisable (not just yet anyway).

Your ball python may still be nervous and unsettled and could possibly strike and bite you on your nose out of fear so give it some time to settle in before handling it. By all means do a visual inspection to make sure it’s okay and moving about but try to leave it alone for at least thirty minutes to an hour to settle down on a stable platform such as a desk or table.

Once the thirty minutes or hour has passed, open the container and approach your ball python from the rear to pick it up, do not approach directly towards the face. Visually inspect your ball python and enjoy your new acquisition as this will be your pet and companion for many years to come. He or she will be curious of the new scents and environment and will flick its tongue inquisitively as it learns about its new home.

Ball python inspecting its environment

Hopefully you’ve setup the environment for your new ball python at this point and it’s ready for your new pet. If you haven’t done so already, read my previous blog entitled, Setting up an Environment for your Hatchling Ball Python. Once you’ve inspected your new ball python, you need to place it in its cage and get ready for the hard part.

HANDS OFF!
What do you mean “Hands off?” I was anxious to receive my new ball python, it's here and now you tell me “Hands off!” What do you mean?

Allow your ball python some time to acclimate.

Your new ball python needs time to acclimate and settle into its new environment. You need to leave it alone and allow it to acclimate and adjust for a minimum of seven days. Do not handle it, feed it or disturb it. Treat it as a fish for the next week and give it the necessary time to acclimate and adjust to its new surroundings. You can change the water and clean the cage if it defecates or urinates but do not handle it as this will only stress the animal further. Stressed ball pythons will oftentimes not feed so give it some time to settle in undisturbed. You can then offer it a meal after the seven-day period and begin handling your new pet.

I know this will be hard on you but you have to give your new pet ball python time to acclimate. He or she will be a part of your family for many years to come so give your ball python the needed time to settle in, get cozy and become comfortable and familiar with its new home.

We have over 30+ articles on ball pythons that can be accessed from the main page on our website. Read the ball python care sheet if you haven’t done so already in addition to my other information rich blogs about ball pythons. Feel free to email or phone me (Ron) if you have any questions about your new pet or post your questions in our ball python forum.

Congratulations on your new ball python acquisition and we wish you and your new pet ball python many happy and long years together! :-)