Hissing?

I have my hatchling python, he hisses when I go to pick him up. The breeder said that he is a bit fussy when being handled and I should handle him so he get's used to it. He is a reputable breeder, should I just go for it and pick him up?

After letting it settle in to its new home(7-10 days) start to handle it in short sessions.

Alright, thank-you. I will leave him for a few days. :)

Your snake is just being defensive because it's scared. It thinks your a big scary predator that want to eat him/her, it just hasn't gotten used to you yet. Give it some time and it will warm up to you :) most hatchlings are feisty since they are so small any kind of predator could just snap them up. Once they get a big bigger and more comfortable they will calm down. :)

Firstly, would it's bite do any serious damage to one of my fingers/hand? I know they're not venomous of course, but they'll still have fairly nice fangs.

Secondly, it's recommended that I tap on the glass of the vivarium fist to let it know I'm approaching, then go in slowly - avoiding sudden movements and just stroke him and he should get used to the feel and associate the touch with safety and security. Should I try that in the early stages of having him, or leave him still to warm to his home?

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Originally Posted by Atrox

Firstly, would it's bite do any serious damage to one of my fingers/hand? I know they're not venomous of course, but they'll still have fairly nice fangs.

Secondly, it's recommended that I tap on the glass of the vivarium fist to let it know I'm approaching, then go in slowly - avoiding sudden movements and just stroke him and he should get used to the feel and associate the touch with safety and security. Should I try that in the early stages of having him, or leave him still to warm to his home?

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No - no serious damage. I'd barely even call it damage. And, no, they don't have fangs. A fang, in snakes, is defined as a venom-injecting tooth. They have teeth, but they're not designed to do much damage at all when they bite.

Being bitten by any snake is a pretty scary experience (if for nothing than shock value alone), but truthfully ball python bites are really (REALLY) far down on the list of ones to be worried about.

Edit: Personally, I'd give him at least a week to settle in before handling him. You can work out your "differences" later on since a comfortable ball python is more likely to be a calm ball python (and the week or so will give him time to adjust to his new home).

Here is a pretty quick video from Justin Kobylka on how to handle a nippy baby. Also don't be afraid of them, be confident when you handle them or it's going to be rough on you when he gets to 1000g's and you're afraid to pick him up. I have an Enchi female who hisses sometimes when I pick her up but I just distract her with one hand and grab her with the other and once picked up she's a chill as can be.

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

Search the forum gallery for bite pics. You will see most survive the dreaded ball python bite and describe it as brushing against Velcro.. Ive never been tagged by a ball but my bloods, hoggy, and gtp have all tagged me and Im still alive. I have some bite pics in my profile pictures.