Hello I'm a Newbie

[Monty's Mommy]

Hello I just purchased a ball python and I was wondering if I could get some help on some things about him. I bought him from one of the local pet stores and they just got them in two day before I bought him ( he is one of 12 ) He was a darker chocolate color then the others, plus he seemed to be a lot calmer then the others, the others kept striking at the girl so I really didn't want them. So was it a bad choice to pick the calmer one? Could it be a sign that something could be wrong with him? Or could it be the worry wart in me! Also I tried to feed him a frozen pinkie (thawed out of course) but he didn't eat it (have no idea when he ate last). I do hold him about maybe 10-15 minutes a day to get use to me. Another thing I notice is that his tongue doesn't seem to flicker as much as my corn snake. I know they are two different snakes but the corn snake is more hyper and the ball python is so calm. So please tell me that I'm being a worry wart mommy. Any suggestions on anything would be great!!

[DaemoNox]

Its impossible to say about his personality or if its health related.

Many balls wont even touch mouse pinks, theyre too small. Try a hopper mouse, making sure its nice and warm. You may need to take tongs and jiggle it a bit infront of him. They also wont eat if they dont feel comfortable in their new home, some balls take a week or two to adjust. Handling is just another form of stress right now, the best thing you can do is leave him alone so he has time to really feel safe and relax; I wouldnt start handling him untill he starts eating regularly. Dont worry, you will have more then enough time to become aquainted with each other.

Make sure his setup is right and that his temps are where they should be, when thats all good leave him alone for 4-7 days then offer food (find out if he was eating thawed or live before too). Wait untill he's eaten at least twice good for you before slowely introducing handling. I actually leave my new babies alone for a month before handling them; I find patiance works better with them then trying to rush into it.

The slow tongue thing could be many things, including his species, if hes too cold, if hes stressed and scared, and so on.

[mykee]

You're already behind the eight ball by purchasing a ball python from a pet store as your chances are VERY good that it was a farmed animal from Africa sent over in a giant oil drum. The fact that they were only at teh pet store for 2 days before you bought him means that he was probably not fed. You should have chosen one of the aggressive ones, as that aggression usually spills over the their feeding response as well.
I woudl definitely feed live medium mice to get him eating, but be prepared for an uphill battle.
Good luck.
Next ball; captive-bred from a local breeder.

[Monty's Mommy]

Hi I just wanted to let you know that my ball python is doing good... He just ate a hopper mouse (live one) this afternoon with no problems... Also I took your advice and didn't handle him since Sunday and I did see a change in him!! His tongue is flickering a lot more and he doesn't seem scared or stressed so you were right on the money!! Thank you so much for your help!!

[DaemoNox]

Awesome, glad to hear hes doing good!