To snake people only: my ball pthyon snake tried to bite me, its the first time, what should i do?

Question

to people who have pet snakes for a long time: ive had him for 6 months now and this is the first hes tried to bite me, he is 2ft 8 inches, what should i do in this situation? please help.

the reason he tried to bite me is because he was buried in his bedding and i tried to get him out and when i got him to tried to strike at me.

Answer 1

If he was burried in his bedding, then chances are he didn't see you coming.

It was merely a defensive reaction at the time.

Is he shedding? If so, that could be another big contributing factor. Their eye caps cloud their vision and they may take any movement as a threat.

Unfortunately, snakes don't have facial expressions to tell their mood, like a dog or cat.

Either way, don't get discouraged.

It's not uncommon to get struck at or bitten.

It'll probably happen at least once.

Just the acceptance that comes along with owning a snake.

Answer 2

It's really nothing to worry about. My female ball python did that to me too except she did bite me(3 feet) and all I did was tried to pick her up when she was just laying on the rock. I guess I just scared her or something. So just let it be for a while. He is probably shedding(snakes can't really tell the differences from your fingers and a mouse when they are shedding) If anything you probably scared him at first. If anything he could be hungry so try feeding him too.

Just let him be and don't do that again. Wait until he moved out of the bedding and try to pick him up a different time. And if he ever bites you....it doesn't hurt that much. Truthfully I don't remember the last time I've been bitten by my boas or pythons and it just happen almost 2 weeks ago(lol)

Hope this could help! If you need anything just email me!

Answer 3

Are you still holding him? When you take them out you need to remember to talk to them. I would not be scared. If you think about it his way... *being the snake* Im all cozy in my covers... warmmmm... comfee.... and O O what is that? I would surely strike you. You might have woke him up as you were grabbing him. Not knowing what was happening... he struck. His only defense.

I would make sure that you are making sounds. If he is not named as you are getting ready to get him out... say his name. When you go to get him out, touch his body and talk to him, touch him a few times till he moves a bit... so you know he is alet to you touching him. I really think this will help to avoid the strike!

PLEASE dont be scared of him. Know that he did not mean to strike you.!  he was just defending himself. He prolly will never strike again if you talk as you are getting him out... call his name... say your going to get him out... tell him a sentance.anything that you can and will remember so that it becomes a pattern with him.

Answer 4

You seem to know why he tried to bite you so you need to avoid doing that in the future.  It is natural for any animal to protect itself so you need to be aware of what can set him off and adjust your behavior accordingly.

Answer 5

Either he is hungry or shedding,they can't see well when shedding cause their eyes are covered.

                                            Debbie O

Answer 6

You should caress him while whispering with mellow voice: "i'm your friend, i love you".

Answer 7

As has already been mentioned, you scared him. He was buried and asleep and all of a sudden something grabs him. I'd bite too. I like to let my snakes know I'm there before grabbing them. I'll tap them with something to wake 'em up. And I grab from behind. I don't put my hand in their face where they can bite.