What about those snappy, defensive hatchlings ..

Time and time again I hear it said. People looking for a Ball Python don't want a snappy hatchling. Or they worry about handling it all the time to "tame" it.

In this video I present my SNAPPIEST hatchling. She was the only one that would literally come flying to the front of the tub, striking at everything!!! Fierce little one, LOL !!!

I just ignored it. I didn't "tame" her. All the handling she got was simply being lifted from a dirty tub into a fresh one. And her tub would get opened at least once the day to "check" on everything, possibly mist, change water, etc. There were a couple quick "photo and or weighing" sessions.

She was quick to eat, gaining weight quickly. And calming down just as fast. I simply ignored her posturing and would push my flat hand down on her angry little head and body GENTLY and then scoop her up. No hesitating, no fearful quick movements. Moving deliberately.

Look at her now !

Today is her first actual handling session. She came flying out the tub like she does, but now its just curiosity. Never a strike or slightest hiss. She is completely calm and unstressed. Not even head shy, I can pet that formerly angry little head and she couldn't care less, LOL.

This is going to be one cool Ball Python and anyone preferring a "non snappy" baby could miss out on a pretty neat one ;)...

I'm having WAY to much fun with these hatchlings :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9LC...m-upload_owner

Maybe you just have some very magical hands :cool::D:P

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Originally Posted by oodaT

Maybe you just have some very magical hands :cool::D:P

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LOL, yeah, I don't think its that...hehe.

It just goes to show, they grow out of that phase, even without any actual taming or long handling sessions involved. I actually enjoy those brave, brassy ones ;)

I have one that could hiss like a Teapot !!! Of course she stopped doing that too, but that was funny!! She is also a very forward, unafraid little one. Also ate quickly and eats lots and is now a fatty !

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Originally Posted by zina10

LOL, yeah, I don't think its that...hehe.

It just goes to show, they grow out of that phase, even without any actual taming or long handling sessions involved. I actually enjoy those brave, brassy ones ;)

I have one that could hiss like a Teapot !!! Of course she stopped doing that too, but that was funny!! She is also a very forward, unafraid little one. Also ate quickly and eats lots and is now a fatty !

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My little lesser male is a hell of a hisser, when i slide his tub open he's going at it. Once i give him a rub on his side tho he's done with the hissing.

Great work, snake whisperer.

Next thing you are going to tell me is snakes can be trained. I am not sure I like all this hippie talk about snakes I hear lately. :p

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Originally Posted by SDA

Next thing you are going to tell me is snakes can be trained. I am not sure I like all this hippie talk about snakes I hear lately. :p

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You're telling me you don't teach them to sit up and beg? Well..hells bells !! lol

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Originally Posted by zina10

You're telling me you don't teach them to sit up and beg? Well..hells bells !! lol

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Like so?! Lolhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...621c4864cc.jpg

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the quick and frequent handling sessions have been doing really well for Coffee Bean. she still postures but seems more interested in her surrounding than me.

the flat hand on the body/head really does help when you see them get uppity. they learn real quick.

excellent job. :gj:

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Originally Posted by zina10

I have one that could hiss like a Teapot !!! Of course she stopped doing that too, but that was funny!! She is also a very forward, unafraid little one. Also ate quickly and eats lots and is now a fatty !

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It's funny, I've heard a few times that the meanest/snappiest ones as hatchlings have the best appetite LOL! Same with one of my ball pythons, the super pastel cinnamon. She's struck at me (nose first) more than I can count in her life, and she has the MOST voracious appetite and the hardest feeding wrap ever haha