Handling ur ball

Hi, I am still new to owning a ball. I have only had him for 4 months. He always seems to be in e striking position when I get near his habitat. I want to handle him but am afraid he going to strike. What is a good way to start? We held him a few times when we first got him and he was a little aggressive. The vet had no problems holding him. Please help. Thx

If he's still defensive after 4 months, it's time to look at a few factors:

1. What is your husbandry setup?
a. Tempuratures, hot and cool side, moderated by a thermostat?
b. humidity
c. hides
d. substrate
e. etc.

2. What size prey are you feeding him, and how often? If his prey's not big enough, he could simply be hungry.

Pictures of both the snake and his environment would help. =]

If he's still very young, it could also just be an age thing. I have a young ball that hisses like a monster when you open her tub, and will strike if I go in with my hand. However, if I use my little collapsible hook (I know, wussy hook) to pick her up and put her in my hand, she's sweet as pie.

He has two hides one on each side cool side is 76 degrees warm hide is 90 humidity runs between 60 & 70% he's has a water bowl on the cool side. I use a red light for heating the ambient air on warm side and UTH under his warm side hide. He has a piece of driftwood to climb on. I use tropical cypress bedding. I have noticed lately he has been searching for a weakness in his cage. He is on med mice rt now every 5-7 days. I haven't figured out how to post pics yet.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7DQssbM0uk