My little boy is now 8 ˝ months and he is very gentle—he’s never hissed or struck at me, and he’s hesitant around food unless very hungry (after a shed). He’s not shy, as he loves exploring and being handled. He even loves head pets.

My biggest concern is that Laszlo is actually afraid instead of docile. He gives indication that he wants to be pet as he’ll butt the top, bottom, or sides of his head against my hands until I pet him. He’s my first snake, though, and the fact that he relieves himself on me almost every time I pull him out of his tank (if he hasn’t already in the tank) after eating (even without “sausage butt”), he deficates on me. Is he defensive? Does he just have to go? Am I training him to go only on me (please no!)?

While not a pleasant experience, I realize he’s a ball python and he’s going to eliminate waste, but I’d rather not have to rinse out my clothes, take a quick shower, and make sure he’s not hidden presents for me every​ time I take him out.