Another ??

[omega45820]

Hey all.. well tonight well today will make 5 days having my BP and i thought about maybe trying to hold him in about 2 or 3 more days since he seems like he alright with his environment. Can you all give me advice on how i should reach in and get him and if hes in a ball how would i go about getting him and how do they act before they seem like there going to strike.

Thanks all

[nickdolin]

When I first got mine out he pretty much stayed balled up. After 2-3 handlings he began moving some and now he'll just relax and move a little, even the body feels different.. at first he felt super tense and now he feels loose and relaxed. Personally I grab a few inches behind the head making sure not to obstruct their view and/or move quickly in front of their face. They are more likely to strike when their neck is in an S shape...

[musicalKeyes]

I doubt he'll strike, but if you're worried about it, don't hesitate. Just reach in there and grab him; if you hesitate, you look a little more like a prey item. I have to be quick with my kingsnake, he's a crochety little guy who always thinks he's being fed If he curls up, just hold him in your hands steadily, and let him uncurl himself. Move slowly and be gentle, and soon enough he'll trust you completely.

[mpkeelee]

if hes hiding lift up the hide slowly so u dont scare him. touch ur rub so he knows u arent a threat. he'll move a lil bit but dont worry about that. grab him so u can support most of the weight, but work ur fingers under him before lifting up. once he is in ur hands let him get used to ur scent. if u sit n he is on ur lap then put one hand under his head and one hand over and try to make it dark. it will feel secure and smell like u. i did that n i have never been bitten or struck at. also, if u do get bit it wont hurt from what i have seen n heard and do not pull away.

[mpkeelee]

and be careful of moving fast near their head or touching there head. they get scared n they dont like their head being touched

[RichsBallPythons]

If this is a new snake i suggest not holding till he eats consistently for you before forcing holding on them.

Keep in mind holding is a Luxury not a necessity as its an inconvenience to them



TO pick them up just be sure to alert them of your presence of touching them with something or tapping on their hides which lets them know your there

[bman123]

Rub his body bout mid way down so he knows you aren't food. Fully support his body when you pick him up. Has he eaten yet for you? If not I would wait til he has eaten as he may be hungry and he is in a new home.

[BPelizabeth]

I usually make some noise and talk to them when I first open up the cage so they wake up. Then I just pet them a little on the back....(not by the head). Then pick him up slowly.....I usually rest them on my chest at first or I put a big blanket down and lay on the floor with them. Putting them right by my side.

Don't be worried about the biting......you will be fine!!! When they are getting ready to they usually form kind of an S and lift up their necks. My Butter does this all the time. It is like a battle of the wills.....I just laugh and pick her up....she has never bitten me. She is ALL talk...so to speak.

[omega45820]

Rub his body bout mid way down so he knows you aren't food. Fully support his body when you pick him up. Has he eaten yet for you? If not I would wait til he has eaten as he may be hungry and he is in a new home.

No he hasn't eaten yet. I removed him the other night into a separate tank and he didn't eat i gave him 30 mins so i put him back in and left him along. i will try next Thursday or Friday again to see if he wants to eat

[seeya205]

You don't need to use a second enclosure for feeding! This causes added stress and some will not eat! Try to feed in his home enclosure! Also handling causes stress and it should not be handled for a couple of weeks once you get it eating a few times! You need to check your temps and have good hides and cover the sides and top for added security!