Semi vicious Baby Ball Python

Hey guys!
I got a baby ball python who doesnt like bein touched very much. Hes a boy, his name is Clyde, at 20". I try to pick him up and he hisses. He often strikes at the cage.
I have no idea what to do!
Please help.

Handle him, they will try to act like tough guys when they are little. He will tame with age and proper handling.

Check out the caresheet on this site to make sure his setup is on-target, as well as make sure he has plenty of places to hide in his enclosure. If it's a tank, black out three sides and make sure it is in a low-traffic area. Too much visibility and movement will only stress him out more.

Once your setup is ideal, give him a few days/week to settle down, and then hold him for small amounts of time with a few days to relax in between.

Most importantly, remember that he's a baby, and if he bites you, it DOESN'T HURT. ;) So reach in calmly and just pick him up, even if he hisses. Hesitating just gives him better aim. :P

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Annarose15

Hesitating just gives him better aim. :P

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:rofl: to true I would agree just give him a little time to settle and handel him regularly. Young balls tend to be a bit nippy to start with but settle down with time

Yes. I agree with Annarose15 about husbandry.
What does your set up look like? Incorrect husbandry causes stressed out snakes. Stressed out snakes tend to be feisty.

But it could also just be a baby with an attitude. It should calm down with age and a good set up.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by RestlessRobie

Young balls tend to be a bit nippy to start with but settle down with time

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that's the biggest thing to take away from this. It's is 100% normal for baby's to act this way. They hiss and snap, it's just what they do, so don't be worried. ( just be sure your husbandry is down)

Hes got a 15 gallon tank with a rock on the left side, water dish on the right corner, as well as a heating pad under the rock. I usually keep his humidity ~60-70% with a temp of approx 70. I swap from daytime to night light at around 9pm.
Also, has a felt material for 'bedding'. A single sheet

Does he have 2 identical hides ? If not this would make him feel a insecure and could cause stress

With a rock? I hope you it's some sort of rock hide that he can go in and not just actually a rock.

Lol no he's got a hide rock that suits him pretty well.
Maybe i should consider a bigger cage, with two hides.