acts like a blood python, how to gentle down?

[lesser burt reynolds]

I have owned ball pythons for 7 years now and I just recently picked up an albino that acted a bit skiddish with the owner; he was kept in pretty poor conditions so I attributed it to that. He seems to be getting more aggressive by the day though. He acts exactly like a blood python, flattens out and air strikes non-stop. I have never seen him ball up. What is the best way to gentle him down?

[Kaorte]

First make sure he has two tight fitting hided and is being fed enough. Then start with short handling sessions every few days.

[h00blah]

how long hav u had him? my albino was acting up the first week we had him. he would hiss when i changed his water bowl, and he even bit me when i was trying to spot clean.
i just left him alone for 2 weeks, no handling. i changed his water less frequently.
hows his feeding response? the same scaredy cat python was too shy to strike in front of me

[Foschi Exotic Serpents]

I have owned ball pythons for 7 years now and I just recently picked up an albino that acted a bit skiddish with the owner; he was kept in pretty poor conditions so I attributed it to that. He seems to be getting more aggressive by the day though. He acts exactly like a blood python, flattens out and air strikes non-stop. I have never seen him ball up. What is the best way to gentle him down?

Sounds to me like he's being much more defensive than just afraid. If he doesnt ball up. I would take the advice of creating a very secure home for him. Let him get use to the his new surrounding and make sure he knows he has nothing to be afraid of.

A little trick I have done with bigger snakes.. A burm I had years ago and one of the boas I have now which is very skittish and flighty.. Take the snake out very slowly and gently. Sit on the floor and place him in your lap with your hands gently covering him. Never actually grab him or move fast. If he starts to try to leave your lap, slowly guide him back down to your lap with the palm of your hand over his nose without actually grabbing him. Do this by moving your hand from below his chin so you do not spook him by coming up over the top of his head. Cover his body and head with your hands again and stay that way for a little bit. He should feel secure while at the same time getting use to your scent. Then let him try to crawl away but keep running your hands under him so he cant actually get anywhere. If he starts getting faster or more nervous again, do the covering in your lap technique again. You can also use a small towel or baby blanket to cover him. This usually calms them down fast but you need to do it everytime you handle him. The gentle and slow movements with the cupping of your hand to guide him back down can also cure head-shy snakes over time. You need to be able to read the snake though. If he is getting agitated after you do this a couple times just gently put him back in his tank and try again in a couple days. He will learn that you are actually a good thing and nothing to fear.

A predator will move fast and jerky. They play with their prey often. They are hyper and giving off an excited energy. The technique I just told you actually works wonders if done correctly and often.