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  1. #1
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    Aggressive ball python

    I have a lesser ball python. He was 85 grams when I got him 2 months ago. Eats every week, 90 degree hot spot humidity 50 to 70%. First month and a half everything was great. Then he bite my son about 2 weeks ago and since strikes at anything that moves.
    Not sure what happened

  2. #2
    Registered User Wizard's Avatar
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    I wish there was an easy answer but you need to make sure he's as comfortable as possible. Because it seems that he's biting out of fear.
    If he's in a enclosure that is too large without appropriate hides then it will increase his anxiety thereby making him lash out.

    There's more that you can do if the biting persists but it's a start.
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  3. #3
    Registered User Reed12321's Avatar
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    Re: Aggressive ball python

    Quote Originally Posted by onebuc View Post
    I have a lesser ball python. He was 85 grams when I got him 2 months ago. Eats every week, 90 degree hot spot humidity 50 to 70%. First month and a half everything was great. Then he bite my son about 2 weeks ago and since strikes at anything that moves.
    Not sure what happened
    young snakes do go through a "teenage" period where they become aggressive, and become snippy. How often do you handle him? What you can do, is before handling him, reach in confidently and grab his middle. Once you pick him up and get him in your hands, he might calm down more and learn to not bite you guys anymore.
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  4. #4
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    Re: Aggressive ball python

    Every day or every other day for a short time less than 15 minutes. He's stops trying to bite me once I get him in my hand. But he's cocked and ready to bite

  5. #5
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    Re: Aggressive ball python

    He's in a 14 quart rubber maid container. With a hide and a water bowl. Not room for much else

  6. #6
    Registered User Fireproof's Avatar
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    Keep handling him often so he gets used to being picked up and handled and learns there is nothing to fear. Sounds like these are defensive strikes trying to get you to leave him alone. Don't let him win.

    To avoid bites, you can use gloves or a small snake hook.

    also - watch this video to getting them out of "fight" mode.

    http://jkrballstreetjournal.com/2014...ve-hatchlings/
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  7. #7
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    Re: Aggressive ball python

    Quote Originally Posted by Fireproof View Post
    Keep handling him often so he gets used to being picked up and handled and learns there is nothing to fear. Sounds like these are defensive strikes trying to get you to leave him alone. Don't let him win.

    To avoid bites, you can use gloves or a small snake hook.

    also - watch this video to getting them out of "fight" mode.

    http://jkrballstreetjournal.com/2014...ve-hatchlings/
    Thanks, I'll check it out.

  8. #8
    Super Moderator bcr229's Avatar
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    Baby BP's are often defensive and nippy. It's perfectly normal - as youngsters they are prey and we are Godzilla to them. They usually get over it with patience and calm, gentle handling; it just takes time for them to figure out that we're not going to hurt them.

  9. #9
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    Re: Aggressive ball python

    Quote Originally Posted by onebuc View Post
    Thanks, I'll check it out.
    I can't thank you enough. That video works, I never would have thought of that. I'm going to use that technique every day. Thanks I really appreciate it

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