Concerned About Ball Python Behavior

I'm new to this, so maybe someone else can correct me if I'm wrong, but:


Maybe your snake is learning that if he is aggressive or hostile you'll put him back, which seems like what has been going on.
I've been watching Jordan Shaw's videos, and so far they've been helpful for me to understand my snake's body language and thought process.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnWv7XOd-X8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-TjNKrsQEQ
Like I said, I'm really new to this (just got my first BP 2 weeks ago!) but hopefully this can shed some insight and help you out a bit!

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Originally Posted by NurseNoodle

I'm new to this, so maybe someone else can correct me if I'm wrong, but:


Maybe your snake is learning that if he is aggressive or hostile you'll put him back, which seems like what has been going on.

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I am with this comment 100%. When conditioning any animal, including some humans lol, a training session must end with positive behavior. If mine so much make the smallest hiss, or "run" from me, when I am changing water they are coming out regardless of whether I have time to deal with them or not. They are not going back into the tub until I feel them physically relax. This consistency enables all my snakes including my big breeder females to be handled without incident. I have had a couple that were acquired as adults that took some patience because they had come from large collections and had never really been handled, but even they came around eventually. I am sure there is probably some demon out there somewhere that cannot be tamed, but i don't have any like that in my collection.

All that said, if a snake is being grumpy there is probably a reason other than the handler.

I think it might be a comfort thing, if you are relaxed when you handle him he will feel more secure. My guy reacts noticeabley different with each member of the family when we hold him. When i hold him i am so afraid i might drop him i tence a little so he tenses up and does not seem as relaxed as when my daughter holds him. He just lies in her arms like a baby with his coils draping over her arms. But when my husband tries to hold him he actually gets into a s-strike position. He doesn't strike but is usually put right back or not picked up. Maybe he just doesn't feel secure with your gf. She might just have to really relax before picking him up. Good luck.

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Originally Posted by distaff

Is anyone handling him when you are not around?
Are you sure you trust your girl friend?

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I suppose that she could be on her day off, but I find that very unlikely. She has been a little wary of him since we moved here, and she never got him out without asking at my old place, so I doubt it. Plus, I do trust her.

Thanks for the input guys, I appreciate it! This has been good, it confirmed that I was in the right direction with my thinking, taking it slow and staying calm. I think I'll stick around for a bit!

I think it's important to remember that these aren't the smartest creatures out there. Try to think like your snake, It helps. A lot of snakes get fearful, shy, or defensive when being removed from their enclosure. This might seem puzzling to owners, but think of it this way: you're sleeping in your bed when all of the sudden a ginormous claw pulls you from your warm, comfortable and safe bed. How would you react?


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That's true. It's an interesting perspective to take. That would be scary until you got used to it!