Handling help?

[Shoyle]

Hello! I'm going to soon hold my new baby ball python for the first time. I was wondering what to do if he gets into the striking position with the s-shape so that I can prevent from him striking me? Do I put him back? Also, I've heard that if he balls up, I should put him back. Is that true, or is ok to keep handling them even after they ball up? Any friendly advice would also be appreciated. Thanks!

[redshepherd]

Rule of thumb is to avoid handling unless necessary after you get him, until he takes at least 2~3 meals for you.

For the most part, don't handle extensively when they're young and nippy to begin with. If he does show signs of stress/striking when you take him out, I'd just put him back and leave him alone more frequently. Don't worry!

There's nothing wrong with handling a baby ball just once a week, if that's only what the snake can tolerate so far.

[Neal]

Hello! I'm going to soon hold my new baby ball python for the first time. I was wondering what to do if he gets into the striking position with the s-shape so that I can prevent from him striking me? Do I put him back? Also, I've heard that if he balls up, I should put him back. Is that true, or is ok to keep handling them even after they ball up? Any friendly advice would also be appreciated. Thanks!

If he's defensive it's generally because he doesn't feel comfortable. I wouldn't add to his stress by attempting to hold him. Let him get settled in, and let him get a few meals. I wouldn't be in any rush to handle him. Every snake is different.

For instance when I first got my yellow anaconda years ago, I was so anxious to see her that when FedEx delivered her I opened the bag and put her in my hand she latched on to me. I switched hands and she latched on to me again. She was a baby and she wouldn't eat for weeks. I just let her settle in for a few weeks and offered weekly food and eventually she started eating and she never showed any aggression after that. She seemed to even enjoy being rubbed under her head and on top of her head. She was so calm I would hand feed her, not the smartest thing on my part but she was still a baby.