Handling Issues

So i have had my ball for about 2 weeks now, shes not a youngin. shes about 4 years old. i have handled her a few times now. everytime i handle her shes curled up ina ball. last time i handled her, i think she striked at me, but im not sure. i felt something hit my wrist but i wasnt watching. i put her back about 5 mins after. i didnt want to put her back right away because i dont want her to think im scared of her. i have fed her once. ill be feeding again on sunday. im wondering if i should be handling her more often?? or should i just let her do her own thing?? i think shes still adjusting. last night was the most active she has ever been. she roamed around her tank for a while. then she went back in her cave for about 5 mins, then came back out halfway and basked under her red night light for about half an hour. how do i get my baby to love me more?!?!?!?

Well you can't make your snake "love you more" but you can help it to tolerate handling. A few 15-20 minute sessions a week should be fine. Handling her more is not the answer. Over time she will get used to you and realize you are no longer a threat. It just takes time for them to adjust.

okay well i guess ill start taking her out every couple days. and i ended up feeding her a rat for her first time. she had a rat pup. took it no problem. then about half an hour after she had a small rat. should i feed her something bigger next time i feed her??

A small rat weekly should be enough for a full grown female. If you notice her extra active a few days before feeding day maybe you could bump her up to a medium rat.

okay thanks again for the help, you have been a huge help. i really appreciate it

You have only had her for two weeks! She is still adapting to the new surroundings! No handling 48 hours after feed! I would handle once or twice a week tops until she gets used to you!

is it okay for me to pick her up and put her back in her tank 20 mins after she feeds??? i feed her in a seperate place. i do not feed her in her tank

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Ara

is it okay for me to pick her up and put her back in her tank 20 mins after she feeds??? i feed her in a seperate place. i do not feed her in her tank

---

Thats fine. You could just feed her in her tank, no reason not too.

well i dont want to fed her in there. people say that its good to feed outside of her tank. more people say to feed outside of her tank. because everytime i stick my hand in there i dont want her to think food is coming. plus when i pick her up to put her in the feeding tank. shell know im a good guy and not a threat bcause im the one feeding her

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Ara

well i dont want to fed her in there. people say that its good to feed outside of her tank. more people say to feed outside of her tank. because everytime i stick my hand in there i dont want her to think food is coming. plus when i pick her up to put her in the feeding tank. shell know im a good guy and not a threat bcause im the one feeding her

---

I'm sorry but MORE people say to feed inside the tank. Why on earth would she associate you sticking your hand in there with feeding if you DON'T feed her in her enclosure.

If anything, she WOULD associate your hand with food by feeding outside the enclosure because you would have to physically handle her on the day she gets fed, ever time she gets fed.

I never touch my snakes on feeding day, my hand enters the feeding process at no time. I feed in the home enclosure and I have never been "mistake for food". That argument uses poor logic.

If you want to feed outside the enclosure to avoid substrate ingestion and your snake will eat regularly outside the enclosure then go for it. But trying to avoid getting bit by feeding in a separate enclosure will ironically increase your chances of getting bit.