Food/hand mixup...

Lately, when I've gone in to change the water and spot clean, Link has been eyeing my hand, and goign into "the hunt mode." I'm afraid he's associating my hand with food, even if I sand outside the cage he follows my movements. Is there any way I can undo this? Thanks!

Shake your finger at him and say "Bad Snake!". :D

Seriously, it's a natural reaction. The best thing to do is just move slow. If you're able to touch him, gently touch his back to let him know it's not feeding time. It's pretty rare that they'll strike if they don't smell food, but if he does it's nothing to be too concerned about.

If your snake is having those kind of reactions, and your husbandry is dead on, I'd say you've got a happy, healthy, alert ball python.

It may also not be "hunt mode" but "defense mode". Remember, you are a Godzilla to him...his first natural response will be fear.

Several folks here have posted positive results by putting a previously worn T-shirt or ball cap in the cage with the snake so that the snake can get used to your smell. Might help. =)

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Originally Posted by cassandra

It may also not be "hunt mode" but "defense mode". Remember, you are a Godzilla to him...his first natural response will be fear.

Several folks here have posted positive results by putting a previously worn T-shirt or ball cap in the cage with the snake so that the snake can get used to your smell. Might help. =)

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Seriously? That's easy! I've got a hat I wear all the time.

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If your snake is having those kind of reactions, and your husbandry is dead on, I'd say you've got a happy, healthy, alert ball python.

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Thanks! That's good to know. :D

Well it worked, just a few horus ago I slowly took him out, and he did fine. Thanks for the help anyways.

if im godzilla what oes that make wolfgang like godzilla's little tatoo? hes like my sidekick i get very distrut when hes feeling defensive but i usuallt just reassure myself hes my baby and if he bit me getting a shot hurts alot more and prepare myself for it but ive yet to be bitten and if hes real defensive i just let him be maybe thats let me sleep in late day i dunno