Rescued Ball Python,Very aggressive,would love some tips

[richiquick]

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[richiquick]

I am not sure if CB or wc but I have had snakes for years never have I seen a bp so aggressive,she is eating,cage is clean and temp is correct.She is about four feet long no mites and is healthy.

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[bcr229]

How long have you had her?

[richiquick]

Two weeks now,I have made sure to let her destress,I rescued two of them, and I got them separate tanks and lights.She strikes the tank and the lid if you walk in the room!I doubt if they were well cared for but the male is calm and even allows handling,actually I think he enjoys it

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[richiquick]

I got them from a pet store, it was an impulse but I raised ball python,boas and African rock pythons for years but when I moved I gave them to my oldest son,I had no intention of buying another but they were in a dirty habitat that was to small so I got them

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[richiquick]

She behaves like a wild snake,I have had aggressive rocks before and over time calmed them but this is different

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[ZacharyPoller]

OK first a snake will think if it hisses and strikes and you don't come near it, then it learns that's how to avoid handling. Take him out get him focused on one hand and scoop him with the other make sure he stays focused on the hand, when and if he calms down attempt to handle and move him around with 2 hands. If he shows aggressive behavior get him to focus on the opposite hand of that your holding him and do this for 5 minutes for a few days and extend time. In about a month he may seem aggressive but once he is out he will calm down because he will realize he is safe with you. Give this a try

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[Sabbath]

My usual advice is small, short handling sessions and/or having them just get used to your scent and all that fun stuff but sometimes you just get a spitfire animal with a bad attitude.

The most aggressive animal I have ever owned was a ball python that would viciously strike at me any time I so much as passed by her tub. Feeding time involved cracking it open and tossing the rat in super quick then closing it. Checking temperatures and changing water every day was a nightmare and I can't even begin to tell you how many times I'd been bitten.

I got the temperament of an angry wasp nest in a 3 pound ball python! Sometimes it just happens.

If temps and umidity are correct and this animal is a rescue, have you gotten her checked out by a vet? there might be another issue causing her stress and discomfort enough to make her act so wiley.

[ZacharyPoller]

Also there is hook training or picking him up with a hook always am option , I just prefer the distraction method by getting him focused on your opposite hand. If some one else is around you hold the snake and have them move there hand and get the snake focused. If he focuses on you get him focused on your far hand ... Hey worst comes to worse you sit and let him on the floor and pick him up with a hook. Last do not put him away even if he strikes hisses and bites put him away when he calms down a snake will learn, it goes away when it is defensive which in turn will make it more defensive, so do opposite, reverse psychology and show the snake when he calms down he can go back in.

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[richiquick]

Thank you so much, I handle her anyway I just wanted to hear it from someone else.I have had many snakes and even helped at a reptile house but I am no expert,it was a hobby and I never had an issue before so I needed to know I was doing right.I am going to take them to a vet as soon as I find one that will care for them,I gave my others away because this area is not exactly reptile/snake friendly

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