handling tips?

[skyelovesyou]

I had him for a week I fed him Friday so I gave him 2 days to digest, it will be my first time handling him at home I'm kind of nervous anyone have any tips I don't want to freak him out or scare him I just want him to get used to handling help please

[sho220]

Just try not to startle him, and try not to be startled if he jerks or twitches. If you slide open his tub or open his tank and he's looking at your hand like it's dinner, try to tap or nudge him from the side or from behind to kind of snap him out of feeding mode. I have a genetic stripe female that is always in feeding mode when I open her tub so I have to be careful with her...Just be nice and calm and mellow and all will be good...

[Kiyayiya]

Don't jump, don't panic! The pythons that I've handled have always been really headshy, and don't like things moving towards them at all. If your snake does startle while you're holding it, for the love of grilled cheese- don't drop him!

[Vasiliki]

Haha. I was the same way when I first got my Corn! I was worried about handling her. She's full grown, which is wonderful. A lovely size. But I still felt 'awkward'

The more times you do it, the more you'll get to know your snake and it's behavior.

So don't be afraid to pick it up. Be confident. Know that it's okay not to know exactly how to hold him or what he wants to do if he starts exploring. Just relax, and enjoy the learning experience. You'll get it!

[LLLReptile]

Be calm, be confident, and try not to make sudden movements. Hold it for only a short period of time at first, like a few minutes, and then put it back.

After a week or so of holding it a little at a time, and she's still eating, you can start holding her for longer periods. The best advice I can give you is to have nice, confident movements - no jerking, no twitching, just reach in and pick her up like it's no big deal.

Otherwise, just support her whole body as much as possible, and try and stay still. You don't need to have your hands constantly moving to hold her, you just need to rest her in your hands and let her explore. One of the nice things about ball pythons is how easy they are to handle, so just relax and give it a go!

-Jen

[Slim]

Be sure to pick up your snake around mid-body and provide good support so it doesn't feel like it's going to fall. If you find that your hands are shaking, you can sit in a chair or on the floor and put your hands and the snake in your lap.

The more you handle the snake (with in reason) the more confident you will both become

Most of all, have fun!