New ball python question

I just got my first ball bython about a week ago, and it's been about 3 days since her first feeding. I want to start handling her so she can get used to us, but she gets scared and hisses when I try and pick her up. Is it better to pick her up anyway so she can see that I'm not a threat, or leave her alone when she hisses?


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If you just got hers week ago I would recommend you let her adjust to her new environment. Give her another week or two. Make sure she is eating. Before handling. Then. I personally pick them up. Rather that is the best idea well I'm sure others will chime in

Always let a new snake adjust. Then between feedings you want to give a few days if you're going to be handling it. There is no bullet proof way to pick one up, some adapt to handling better than others. You just have to work with her. Snakes do a number of different things to try and scare any potential predator off, and that's what it views you as. With time and such most calm down though.

On a side note, if you want to see an intimidating hiss, look up puff adder puffing. lol

I wouldn't sweat it. Maybe just give her a little more time to adjust. Let her get another meal in her, wait a couple days for her to digest and try again. She will adjust and become comfortable with her new home, as well as with her new keepers. Don't feel the need to rush it (I know, it's hard, you want to enjoy your new snake), you've got many years ahead with your new animal.

Is her enclosure set up with more than one hide? Does she have plenty of security in her new enclosure? Making sure she feels safe will help her adjust.

mine still hiss to this day, some louder than others lol. Give her another week to adjust, make sure she takes another meal for you, then after 2 more days pick her up. Hiss or no hiss BP's are super reluctant to strike unless you really scare the hell out of them.

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Originally Posted by predatorkeeper87

mine still hiss to this day, some louder than others lol. Give her another week to adjust, make sure she takes another meal for you, then after 2 more days pick her up. Hiss or no hiss BP's are super reluctant to strike unless you really scare the hell out of them.

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Yeah some are just testy. My male still seems sketched out when I pick him up but after holding him for a minute he realizes "oh, it's this idiot again, guess I'm safe"

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