Stress can happen to any of the pets and this is due to various reasons. The causes of the stress are not very hard to understand and along with that, it can be fixed easily as well.
The main reason for stress is when the environment of the ball python changes and is brought into a new habitat. This brings changes in the life of the ball python. Since the surroundings are new and the new place leads to a level of stress.
It is very important that you give these pets the time as well as space so that they can acclimate to the new place you bring them. Along with that, the users will also find that there is a change in the moos of the ball python.
The environment also causes stress. It is necessary that the users provide their pets with the small or the perfect size enclosure that helps them to adjust in it accordingly. Moreover, the users also need to know the importance of handling and how frequently it should be done.
The ball pythons are docile in nature and they are not so much fond of handling, therefore when you do this it is necessary to see that it is in limit and is not much for them to handle.
Other reason for this would involve the hesitance in sharing their cage with other pet. Ball pythons are not social and they do not exhibit these characteristics even in the wild. In case the pet owners have more than one snake at home then it is likely to cause stress to your pet.
Stress will also occur when a ball python is feeling ill. In case you feel that your pet is ill then it is your duty to care for it and that you get your pet checked by the python’s vet. The sooner you realise the problem the better it will be for your pet and it will feel happy as well as distressed.
Are you worried about your pet and the behaviour? Well, stress is a common issue and it can be resolved easily if you take care of your pet and know about the requirements of the pet. There are some cases where you might feel that your pet is stressed but it might be facing some health issue. For this, you need to know your pet and do some research beforehand.
Contents
How to know if the ball python is stressed?
In case the ball python is stressed its behaviour and appearance will make it very clear. They will display changes in the diet and even strike at you. Stress is not suitable for pet and can affect their health as well, therefore it is very important for the users to understand the reasons. In order to know how to know if your pet is stressed the users can read ahead.
How to know if the ball python is stressed?
In case your pet ball python is undergoing stress then there are a lot of health problems that it might face. Since there is a direct effect on the health of the ball python therefore it is very important that the users identify the reasons that lead to this.
The first and the foremost change that the users can easily notice is that the ball python loses the appetite and there is a change in the body language as well. In case there is a loss in the appetite of the ball python then it is not necessary that it is stressed, it might be shedding its skin s it is necessary that the pet owners check the possibility.
In case the ball python is rubbing its nose with some objects then it is another indication that they are stressed.
Also, during this stressed condition, the owners might even notice the change in demeanour and they might get aggressive and may strike at the owner as well. All pets are different therefore there are changes in the characteristics they display. The snake will display the stress in different ways and therefore it is important to know about the ball python.
It is better to observe the snake regularly.
Causes of stress
To know the changes in the behaviour it is important to know the reason and the causes of the stress. Two things that lead to excessive stress is a lot of handling and also some issues with the enclosure and the setup. This might include inappropriate temperature, humidity and it might even include a lot of extra space. The ball pythons prefer to live in an enclosure that is cluttered rather than the one that is open. This involves conditions that the snake doesn’t feel insecure.
How to distress the ball python?
Setup
The owners first need to check if the humidity of the setup is accurate, the humidity should be around 50-60 per cent. In case of the temperatures, the warm side of the enclosure should be around 50-60 per cent humid. The warm side temperature should be 88-92 degrees F. The temperature of the cool side will be 80 degrees F.
Tank
Check if the tank of your ball python is open or not. It is very spacious then you can add some fake plants, this will make it appear less spacious. Also, they do not climb but you can still add some branches to it.
Hides
Check for the hides in the enclosure. There should be ample hides in the tank so that the ball python can hide and burrow itself. One side should be on the warm side while one should be on the cool side.
It is very important that you keep and provide best quality at least two hides, this is because if you provide a choice, the pet can easily choose the best location for itself.
Handling
Make sure that when you bring the pet home for the first time, you do not handle it for the first 2 weeks. This is because if you are handling a lot then it might lead to stress. The best thing you can do for the ball python is that you can leave it alone to chill and do not disturb it for some time.
Cover the sides
This method is very important and will work well most of the times. In case you feel your pet is insecure and stressed then you can cover the sides and allow some less light in the tank. This helps the ball python to feel safe and sound. The light will affect the mood of the snake when the tank is not enough dark.
Also, add some colour or cover the sides to create changes. Make sure you give some time to your pet to adjust and do not handle it for some time.
Conclusion
In case the pet is stressed do not worry you can easily distress it, but you need to find the root cause of the stress. To know your pet will be one of the best ways to handle it properly, do practice husbandry and put your ball python on the right track.
