Do your ball pythons ever actually ball up?
Obviously, I do my very best to never intentionally startle my snake at all, much less to the point of balling up. But I always though BP were very shy and vulnerable are therefore prone to the behavior that gives them their name. But I have never seen mine do it!
When I first reach in to get her, she will often "duck" and flinch and pull her head close to her like she is trying to protect it. And when I am holding her, if I accidentally make a sudden move, she will do the same thing. But never any balling up.
Obviously, I am not at all CONCERNED that she never gets terrified and balls up, it's naturally a positive thing, and I am guessing just part of her personality. She just must be a little braver than most and prefers to asses the situation before resorting to a ball.
I'm just curious about you all and the behavior you see out of your snakes. Do you have any that ball up immediately without question at any perceived threat? Or are yours pretty chill like mine and only skittish when you first have contact with them, or sudden moves. Just curious. :)
Re: Do your ball pythons ever actually ball up?
I've only had my little guy for two and a half weeks, but I've yet to see him ball up, or even hiss :) I was pleasently surprised, was expecting him to be a bit more shy/nervous just due to the young age. Not complaining at all though! :)
Re: Do your ball pythons ever actually ball up?
Mine used to ball up then they realized I was at there mercy and now they just do things like refuse to eat or poop on thier hides and laugh while I clean it up :P
Re: Do your ball pythons ever actually ball up?
I have a couple of snakes that will ball up all the time they are the timid ones . The rest hardly ball up but those snakes it seems like to be held. Then I have a couple that always take a defensive posture . Sometimes striking at me. Guess there like people they all have difference dispositions .