What to Do If Your Ball Python is Stressed?

What to do if your ball python is stressed? Stress is quite common not just for ball pythons but for other snake breeds. If you are not sure if your pet is stressed out, or if they already have an underlying health issue that you need to address, don’t worry, this article will give you some tips on managing stress. If your ball python is stressed out, you will certainly notice it in their body language will be different from their normal behavior. They might lose their appetite and if it happens they could start hissing and start striking at you. Keep in mind that stress could become a huge threat to your ball python’s health. This is why it’s essential to understand and make changes to relax your ball python. In this article, you’ll learn what to do if your ball python is stressed?

Signs that Your Ball Python is Stressed

What to do if your ball python is stressed? If you think that your pet is being stressed out especially on a regular basis then there could be a potential that your ball python has some underlying issue. And because stress could be detrimental to your pet’s health, it is best to know early and see the signs so you can do something about it.

The most obvious sign that you have a stressed out ball python is when you notice a change in their body language. You will most likely see it if they start to lack appetite for food. Keep in mind though that appetite loss doesn’t always mean that your pet is stressed. It could be because they are going through their shed cycle. Make sure to also check for this possibility so you can discount it.

Another common sign that your ball python is stress is when you see them always rubbing their nose against ornaments in their enclosure. You might also notice a change in their behavior. If they suddenly become aggressive or strike/ hiss at you at some point then there’s a problem.

What to do if your ball python is stressed? Keep in mind that the behavior of snakes are different. Just like humans and other animals, ball pythons handle their stress in different ways. This is why it’s best to know your pet’s general behavior so you can see the difference and know what’s normal vs. abnormal for them.

De-stressing Ball Pythons

What to do if your ball python is stressed? If you have come to the conclusion that your ball python is experiencing stress, there are a few things to help ease their suffering.

The first thing to do is to check their habitat. Make sure the set up of their enclosure is just right. The next one is to check the temperature and humidity levels in the cage to make sure they are in the optimal range. Humidity should be between 50% and 60%, and the temperature should be around 80° degrees Fahrenheit.

You need to also check if you provided enough hiding spots as well as plants/ branches inside the cage because these will make your ball python feel safe and give them some form of privacy.

What to do if your ball python is stressed? Do not handle or try to limit handling your pet if you see that they are stressed out. It is best to leave your ball python alone and don’t handle it for at least a week. This will give it time to relax and reset in its surroundings.

Causes of Stress

What to do if your ball python is stressed? Stress can easily come about if your ball python is perhaps exposed with another snake. If this is the cause, then it will be easy to fix because you can easily just transfer your pet to a bigger cage, or not shelter them with other snakes.

Sometimes the cause of stress in snakes could be a bit deeper than that. This is something that newbies with new ball pythons get to experience most of the time. When you bring your new pet to a new environment, it can be a source of stress for them for a few days since it’s kind of like moving into a new house. Like you, they will need some time to adjust to their new surroundings. This is a huge change in their life, with new people and things, so it’s no wonder this major move causes a certain level of stress.

What to do if your ball python is stressed? Make sure to give them enough space and time to acclimate to their new home, and you are likely to see your ball python’s mood change in a short amount of time.

Speaking of habitat, sometimes the cause of stress in pet snakes is their enclosure. It could be too small or too large for them. Sometimes it’s the humidity and temperature level inside the cage that’s causing them uneasiness. Also, be sure you are handling your snake correctly and not too often.

Other Possible Causes

Ball pythons in general are the most docile breed of snakes and they are very open to handling. However, keep in mind that they also have their limits so handling them often could also make them stressful.

Another possible cause is if your pet snake is sharing the cage with another or a couple of snake species. Snakes aren’t known for being social creatures, and even   in the wild, they choose to live a more solitary life. You can still keep them in one enclosure but make sure that you give them enough space to roam around, and keep in mind their growing size.

Another possible factor is that your pet is ill. Obviously, when your pet is not feeling well due to a possible ball python health issue, then you will surely notice it lethargic and stressed out.  If you are concerned about an underlying health issue, be sure to contact your ball python’s veterinarian. The earlier you identify the problem, the easier it will be to get your ball python back to feeling happy and healthy.

Conclusion

What to do if your ball python is stressed? Like what’s mentioned earlier, it’s best that as a keeper, you know your ball python and how they normally behave so that you’ll easily notice the signs if they are stressed out or ill. Practicing good husbandry and understanding your snake will put you on the right track to reducing the chances of stress in your ball python.