Ball Python Behavior After Feeding

Ball pythons make excellent pets for first-time reptile parents.

You see, ball pythons have a reputation for their friendly, active, and timid ways.

It’s rare to come across an aggressive ball python.

Yet, many pet parents find themselves confused about their ball python’s unusual behavior.

Most pets show eagerness and enthusiasm when it’s feeding time.

But, ball pythons are picky eaters.

Hence, you’ll have a bit of a problem getting your scaly companion to gulp down every meal you offer.

And, even more, bewildering is the attitude of many ball pythons after they have eaten.

So, without further ado, let’s look into some of the many reasons your snake may become active or reticent after a meal. 

Here’s what you’re going to discover in this article

  • How do ball pythons act after eating?
  • Why is my ball python so active after eating?
  • How can you tell if your ball python is still hungry?
  • Why is my ball python not moving after eating?

We have lots to cover so if you’re interested in all about your ball python behavior after eating then you’re going to love this article!

Sound interesting?

Great!

Let’s get started!

How Do Ball Pythons Act After Eating?

Ball pythons do well in captivity in comparison with other snakes.

In the wild, ball pythons live up to 25 years.

But, a domestic ball python can live up to 30 years or more.

It is also common that ball pythons are hardy, healthy, and resilient creatures.

So, with a little bit of care and much love, your ball python can be around you for a very long time.

However, ball pythons take their time getting adjusted to new environments.

However, if your snake seems to be slithering around its enclosure more than often without any apparent cause, then it’s likely that your snakey baby is hungry.

And, even if your reptilian friend is comfortable in its home, it might still give you trouble eating.

In general, juvenile ball pythons feed once a week.

And an adult ball python can go for as long as once every two weeks before feeling any pangs of hunger.

But, it is common for ball pythons to retreat to their hide after they have had a meal.

Why Is My Ball Python So Active After Eating?

Ball pythons tend to go into their hides to relax and digest after eating.

Hence, first-time parents are often warned against handling their pets after their snake has just had a meal.

Yet, if you witness your ball python showing too much activity after gulping down a bite or two, then there is a strong probability that your pet is still hungry.

As mentioned earlier, ball pythons are finicky eaters.

But that doesn’t mean they don’t eat at all.

If your reptilian friend has been throwing tantrums over food, and you finally present something your snakey baby enjoys, then it’ll undoubtedly angle for some more. 

Furthermore, ball pythons need to take time to digest the food they have eaten properly.

However, each ball python does show individualistic character traits.

So, there is a chance that your pet is showing its excitement, as it is happy to see you.

Although, you have to realize that such a possibility is scarce.

But, your snake might be slithering around from one corner to another as there is something amiss.

You see, you always need to be around while your pet is eating.

If it is frozen, you need to ensure that your pet has eaten its meal completely. 

Yet, it becomes imperative that you stay around to ensure that your snake has eaten its meal when it comes to live prey.

Live prey can cause minor injuries, and even trauma to your pet is left around unattended.

How Can You Tell If Your Ball Python Is Still Hungry?

Ball pythons tend to settle down after they’ve had their food.

Many pet parents vouch that their pets keep to their hide for two days at the very least after every munchtime.

So, when your snake is still hungry, the most apparent sign is that it’ll keep moving around.

In many cases, ball pythons practice a bit of glass sliding when they want to let their humans know that they are hungry. 

On the other hand, if you find that your pet’s tongue flicking has increased in frequency and number, you can also be reasonably sure that your reptile is hungry.

Moreover, ball pythons tend to get a tad bit testy too, when they are hungrier than usual.

Why Is My Ball Python Not Moving After Eating?

According to many animal behavioral experts, a still snake is a happy snake.

So, if your ball python is comfortable in its environment and likes to hide out the days in its hide, then you have nothing to worry about.

As it is, animal experts do not recommend snake guardians to handle their pets after their meals.

You see, snakes tend to regurgitate after they’ve eaten if they are constantly handled.

It is typical snake behavior to stop moving around and digest their food.

So you got nothing to worry about!

Wrapping Up

Snakes make lovely pets, particularly ball pythons.

But you have to understand that ball pythons aren’t very social animals.

These creatures are solitary by nature.

While it is true that ball pythons don’t mind being handled by their humans and are relatively friendly.

Yet, for your pet’s well-being, you need to understand its inherent nature and allow it the space it needs to flourish and grow.

Ball pythons do idle after eating but what you can’t see is that your snake is happily occupied digesting its meal.

Here’s some related articles you may be interested in

Can snakes smell fear?

Can snakes drown?

Can two ball pythons live together?

Ball python periscoping

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