HI there i got an ball python on the weekend a babby one i have read all the books and info online?

Question

on how to care for ball pythons its 2months old i left it to setle in for 2 days befor i stared handling but am nervers and a bit scared of it bitting if am nervers with the snake will it no that i am and want to bite

Answer 1

you are supposed to let the snake chill for atleast a week before handliing to avoid overstressing it. but theres nothing to be afraid of!! first off, its a bp, they are very calm and usually wouldnt try to strike you unless you are being aggressive or smell of rodent. not to mention, its a 2mnth old one..i was told adult bites feel no worse than a shot!

just be gentle when holding the little guy, just hold him in the palm of your hands and stroke his back, eventually he should become used to you and begin wondering around ur hands/arms. give him time, and he will eventually pay you back [in a good way]

also, during his slough[shedding period] snakes tend to be more defensive. my bp will hiss loudly if i get close to him, but nothing more. not to mention, dont ever try touching the head..or atleast dont let him see you reaching for/near his head!

Answer 2

you should let it settle for at least a week and at the end of the week take it out of it's cage to feed it in a feeding tub put it back in its tank and let it settle again for another 24 hours after eating.

as for biting...it doenst really hurt that bad to get bitten by a ball python...it's  a little weird being struck at and there is always a tendancy for us to jerk our hand out of the way its just a strange feeling.  but the bite itself really isnt that bad.  just be confident when you pick up your snake.

good luck!

Answer 3

first of all yes your snake is going to notice that your nervouse. let it chill out for a week then handle it or it can get mean. Also break your self of that fear or get rid of the snake not trying to be mean but snakes require alot of attention and if you cant hold it then why have one? when little the bites wont hurt much but when full grown they can be painful.

Answer 4

Hello;

Yes, snakes can often tell when you are nervous, but Ball pythons in general aren't one to bite because of that. If it helps, here is the method that I generally use for handling snakes. :)

First off, check to make sure that when you start trying to work with your snake; that it is neither hungry nor in shed. After you have checked that; you can start the handling process. Start by gently, calmly, and confidently removing it from its cage. The best thing to do is instead of worrying about it at all, just reach in and do it. From my experience; we as humans always seem to build up the fear in our minds so the situation seems a lot harder than it actually is. When I was starting out with reptiles I had this exact same problem with an adult rescue Ball python, and the way I got over the apprehension of possibly being bit was just thinking ‘She’s just a Ball python. Worst case scenario: she bites me. So what? What harm can that do?’ It seems a lot easier after that. :)

While you should be fine just using your hands; if your snake seems to be frightened or if it makes you feel more secure, it may be prudent to use a pair of tongs (like smooth-sided barbeque tongs), a snake hook, or cover it up with a towel before removing it. After you pick it up scooping gently from the bottom, sit down somewhere. If you use a towel, slowly remove it. Since it isn't used to being handled your snake may be nervous and trying to get away; but Ball pythons are very reluctant to bite so that shouldn't be a problem. Avoid squeezing or putting pressure on your Ball python when holding, as that tends to make snakes uneasy. Try to work through any anxiety that you may have and just keep on handling. Allow your snake to settle down for a few minutes, just letting it move through your hands, and then put it back in its terrarium. Start out only handling your snake for a few minutes a couple of times per week, building up in duration as you and it get more comfortable around each other. I have used that technique on anything from baby Kingsnakes to eleven foot Coastal Carpet pythons, and I have yet to have it fail. :)

I hope this helps, and if you have any further questions at all on the subject; please feel free to message me and I will be more than happy to assist you.

Good luck with your Ball python!

Answer 5

Yes snakes can sense a nervous person.  Snakes move on impulses from vibrations as well.   Heres my advice wait about a week to let the snake settle.  any snake can bite, but I personally have never seen a ball python bite.    The ball pythons are usually p***y cats.  I handle mine all the time.  They wrap around my hand and I just walk around with them.  Might I suggest that you never put your hand directly in the tank to pick him up.   Only because most people feed there snake by dropping their food in the tank .  The snake could accidentally mistake you for food and nip.  I personally use to take a coat hanger and I made a hook.  Once I lifted the snake out of his take he was free to touch.  Just never touch his head directly it could stress him a little.   But the bottom line is he's a p***y cat.  Balls are an awesome beginner snake.    As a matter of fact look at your snakes tongue.  if it moves fast then he is content.  If it moves very slow or not at all he is a little stressed.