Re: Arjana just doesn't look like a hatchling anymore.. :(
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Lizardlicks
Looking fantastic! I really need to work on handling my Bean more so she stops reacting to my hand like a death threat ahaha.
Haha, yes, it really works. I think the trick is to keep it short and sweet. Handle gentle, but confident. Don't "tip toe". Always end on a good note. Arjana has been the most "tense", shy and defensive Ball Python I've had.With handling, I knew after about 8 to 10 minutes, she would start getting frantic, trying to get away. So I would handle for 5 minutes, while she would go from balled up to curious. Making sure to put her back before she could "panic".
When putting her back I always just hold my hand still above the tank and wait until she moves off all the way by herself and into her hide, before closing the tub. In the beginning she would slide off as fast as she could, almost falling of in her haste. Now she calmly moves off, taking her time. I still wait until she moves off by herself all the way, before removing my hand.
Fast forward, she will now hang out "in the open" in her tub. Watching me, not freaking out or balling up when I open the tub. She still tenses up for about 2 seconds when being picked up, but she doesn't ball up or try to hide her head anymore, and as soon as picked up she is fine. She stays relaxed in the hands now, instead of jumping at every movement, she will explore calmly. I still end it at about 10 to 12 minutes for now. I could push it to 20 minutes, but there is no need. She just needed more time and effort to get her trusting and relaxed. I have noticed when its closer to feeding time, like a day or two before (or simply said, she is hungry) she is more jumpy and wants to move non-stop. But no aggressiveness. Just more hyped up. Of course I NEVER handle the day of and after feeding.
Some people think with shy/tense/defensive Ball Pythons you have to take them out and handle them for 2 hours every day, or even longer/more often, to "force" them to be good with it. I don't think that works. All you do is get them to "shut down". I rather take my time and build some trust. We have so many years with them, whats a few month of patience compared to that ;)
Re: Arjana just doesn't look like a hatchling anymore.. :(
Quote:
Originally Posted by
cletus
She looks good! My girl is in the same boat now. She weighed in at 465 the other night and it was probably the first time that I realized she didn't look like a hatchling anymore. Her head is getting bigger. It's nice to see them progress! She is still very gentle and docile. She has turned into a very nice pet and I couldn't be happier with her.
Its a mix of being excited and proud to watch them grow up, and a little sad. They are so cute when they are tiny ;)
Re: Arjana just doesn't look like a hatchling anymore.. :(
She is absolutely stunning!! :O
Re: Arjana just doesn't look like a hatchling anymore.. :(
Terrible looking snake [emoji14] . That's honestly one of the best looking BPs I've ever seen. I'm sorry, but I think I missed it. What morph is she?
Absolutely beautiful!
Re: Arjana just doesn't look like a hatchling anymore.. :(
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Creepy Alien
Terrible looking snake [emoji14] . That's honestly one of the best looking BPs I've ever seen. I'm sorry, but I think I missed it. What morph is she?
Absolutely beautiful!
She is a Pastel Desert Ghost :)
And thank you everybody for the wonderful comments on my little girl..
