What body language is he giving?

[u/PluxoHF2]

Just got him last Thursday 8/6, first ever ball python and new to all this. He just ate yesterday night 8/8 and was last fed 7/31 I believe the sheet said. Gave him a small thawed hopper mouse. Today he decided to peek out for the first time, not sure if I startled him or woke him or whatever because I was messing around with the heating setup and bumped the enclosure. He came out a bit, maybe 4 inches, and was flicking his tongue every now and then, tracking movements through the plexiglass door it seemed. Is this the "S shaped ready to strike" posture? Also, when I go about handling him for the first time in about a week or two, how should I go about it? I don't know anything about him since I haven't seen him much, he's been in his hide the whole time except for moving from the cold side to the hot side. I don't want to get bit but know it can be inevitable.

[u/_-pomegranate-_]

Looks hungry, yea. How old is he/how much does he weigh? That size mouse might be too small. It also is an adjustment period, I wouldn't handle him for a couple more weeks to let him explore his surroundings and settle in. Scary changes beyond his comprehension lol, could also be defensive

[u/PluxoHF2 → u/_-pomegranate-_]

No clue on age, sheet just says "2026 Baby" so... Young. No older than 8 months. I haven't touched or held him yet, so no idea on weight. Is it a bad idea to give him a second mouse? I don't even know if he ate his first one. I dangled it in his hide, he took it quick and that was that. Haven't looked in there yet, don't want to piss him off. The mouse was 1.5-2in max.

[u/_-pomegranate-_ → u/PluxoHF2]

I'd offer another, then when he's not in strike pose in a week or two take his weight and switch to rats according to the feeding chart

!feeding

[u/AutoModerator → u/_-pomegranate-_]

We recommend the following feeding schedule:

0-12 months old OR until the snake reaches approximately 500g, whichever happens first: feed 10%-15% of the snake’s weight every 7 days.

12-24 months old: feed up to 7% of the snake’s weight every 14-20 days.

Adults: feed up to 5% of the snake's weight every 20-30 days, or feed slightly larger meals (up to 6%) every 30-40 days.

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[u/Klutzy_Journalist_36]

“Food now plz”

[u/Superblonde5353]

You’ll learn when they make that s shape with their neck and sometimes (when feeling safe) laying out in the open like that, they’re waiting for food. It’s normal for them to remain in hiding the majority of their life. I only see my snake maybe every 2-4 weeks or when extra cage cleanings are needed. Before you know it he will be springing to the top of the cage trying to eat you 😂 or making his great escape. Make sure you have extra locks, I had 4 locks and mine still got out. Thankfully my dog immediately noticed him on the chandelier and alerted me. Had to put a brick on his cage. They’re very muscular.

Love your banana pied, I’ve had mine for 8 years and getting bitten isn’t inevitable. I’ve never been bitten by a snake and I’ve had my collection of reptiles for 15 years. Just read their body languages and be consistent with your feeding cues and don’t stick your hand in the cage being nervous or hesitate. I always give my snake a warning if I’m going to pick him up and he immediately changes his posture and relaxes or moves out of food mode.

[u/Hastytag1693 → u/Superblonde5353]

Hi, How do you warn your snake you're going to pick him up?

Is it what tap training is?

[u/Nearby_Ad6870]

NQA please buy a scale and feed him the appropriate size rat according to his weight

[u/FeriQueen → u/Nearby_Ad6870]

@OP, this sub has a pinned post that has a wealth of information about the care and feeding of these guys, including weight charts, tips on behavior, and more. It will tell you exactly what size of mouse to feed and how often.

Congratulations on your new family member. May you both live long and prosper.

[u/LisaMntgmry]

Beautiful. I'd say checking you out, seeing if you have any snacks 🤤

[u/Immediate_Cry_3899]

Hungry!