my bp's hate me?

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Originally Posted by rabernet

I suspected that you might leave them alone. They are actually learning that their bluffing is keeping you away - you're still a huge predator to them.

If they are "S"ing their neck, get something (a water bottle for example) and lightly touch the top of their head to get them to duck their head and just pick them up.

Keep handling sessions short and positive. Ten minutes should be enough, let them learn that you aren't a threat to them, and when they are calm, they get to go back into their enclosures.

You can do this every other day if you'd like, but over time, they'll start to learn that a) bluffing doesn't work and b) you aren't a threat.

Hope this helps!

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I know I should just pick them up but I feel so bad stressing them out like that.

I have been trying the water bottle thing and they don't duck there head they just pull back and act more ticked. I have seen balls ball up and hide there head but mine never do this.

I am going to leave them alone I feed them on Thursdays so next monday I am just going to pick them up if I get bit oh well its bound to happen someday. I just have felt like I was doing something wrong if they bit me. but maybe once they are used to me picking them up they will calm down.

I have read about putting them in a pillow case until they get used to being touched anyone try this?

Here's a crazy thought: Are they WC? Do you know about what age they are? It's seems so unlikely that a ball would be such a hissy in the first place, but to have TWO like that?!?!?! I would absolutely follow Robin's advice and remember that these snakes just go on instinct and also can be conditioned. Like Robin suggested, you are currently conditioning them to throw a fit in order to make you go away!! Best thing: Pick one up and hope for the best! :D

They are training you not to touch them when they hiss. One thing that helps is to never let them get their way when they hiss. Any snake that hisses gets picked up for a few minutes (unless they are in shed, gravid, etc..). The exact thing they were trying to prevent.. ;-)

All of mine will tolerate being picked up and messed with. I have a few that are pretty bomb proof and come up to the front of the tub to interact - often coming out to visit on their own. Give it time, they will get used to you...

I found that I don't know how many people do this I know it's highly recommended but I sanitize my hands before and after holding Furio and he seems to associate my smell is not a heated up stinky old mouse. Can handle that little guy for hours at a time if I felt the need. Just gotta get them used to it. I agree with Robin, hold them for maybe 10 minutes every other day for a month or two then up the time and how often. Good luck!

When mine is in a pissy mood and I need to pick her up, I cover her with a towel. It disorients her just long enough for me to scoop her up. Once she's in my hands she goes back to being timid and manageable. I've been handling her for so long, though, that this behavior is rare.

Something else I would suggest that hasn't been mentioned yet is to put something with your scent on it - probably a shirt or a sock - into their tubs and let them get used to your scent. I did this when I first got my ball python, and I feel that it really helped move things along.

Yes i use hand sanatizer everytime before i pick up my snakes or even open the tub, dont need to get bit if i can prevent it :D:D:gj:

How are you coming at them to pick them up? If I come at mine from the front they tend to get upset, but if I come from the side, pet their side and then pick up I have no problems.

Younger snakes usually strike because they are afraid and as mentioned, it's just part of keeping snakes.

One of the best things that I can recommend from personal experience is when your going in to handle them, keep all of your fingers tucked in as if you are going to try and cover them. Most of the time my younger ones don't strike when my hand is cupped but if I leave a finger dangling out, they go for it ;)

Once they are in my hands they are usually pretty good.

HTH
Mike

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Originally Posted by Timbuktu

so whats up with my balls? I think there so cute and want to hold them.

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Sorry, I just thought that was hilarious. :rofl:

Maybe beginner nerves? Sometimes snake may seem twitchy, but you get used to this once the years have passed :)

I rescued a adult corn snake last year that made me really nervous with her striking and twitching, now Im over my nerves Im fine with it..

You'll get over the nerves, or your snakes will settle in and they will be less "grumpy"