BP handling gloves

I'm gonna agree with Dr. Del on this one. Do what makes you comfortable and confident and then switch to no gloves when you're ready. Many people swear that snakes can read your mood so I think its better to go in handling with gloves and confidence then without gloves and fear! And I bet you'll find that after a couple handling sessions you won't need the gloves anymore.

And like he said you definitely don't need to invest into welding gloves or anything else that thick. A pair of winter gloves would suffice.

Ball pythons are very docile creatures but you can't generalize that to each and every snake. They all have their individual differences and you're likely to find one that is more defensive than the next. Just use smooth movements when you scoop you snake up and go from behind the head! Good luck.

Dennis

p.s.
There's nothing wrong with being scared of getting bit. Lord knows I was when I first got a snake. But once it happens it will only rationalize your fear since it really doesn't hurt, like the others said. Its the shock and anticipation that is worse IMO.

Nah...I'm getting more and more comfortable as I read the info posted by seasoned BP owners. I'd like to have some gloves for when I'm first holding him as I've read they can detect fear and nervous "vibes". It's funny b/c I have a Bearded Dragon and Chilean Rose-Hair Tarantula that I hold with no problems at all :P

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Originally Posted by Hapa_Haole

I'm gonna agree with Dr. Del on this one. Do what makes you comfortable and confident and then switch to no gloves when you're ready. Many people swear that snakes can read your mood so I think its better to go in handling with gloves and confidence then without gloves and fear! And I bet you'll find that after a couple handling sessions you won't need the gloves anymore.

And like he said you definitely don't need to invest into welding gloves or anything else that thick. A pair of winter gloves would suffice.

Ball pythons are very docile creatures but you can't generalize that to each and every snake. They all have their individual differences and you're likely to find one that is more defensive than the next. Just use smooth movements when you scoop you snake up and go from behind the head! Good luck.

Dennis

p.s.
There's nothing wrong with being scared of getting bit. Lord knows I was when I first got a snake. But once it happens it will only rationalize your fear since it really doesn't hurt, like the others said. Its the shock and anticipation that is worse IMO.

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X2

Do what makes you feel the most comfortable, there's really no need to be afraid when you're trying to enjoy your pet.

I used to catch water snakes when I was young and foolish and anyone who knows water snakes knows they are pretty aggressive, especially wild caught. I think I was about 12 when I decided to use gloves. i tried all different kinds and the ones I liked best were foul weather golf gloves.

I know it sounds weird, but they were thick enough to protect my hands, stay fairly water repellant, yet not keep me from losing feeling with the snake. I've never used gloves with a Ball Python, but if I had a really aggressive one, I'd be busting out my foul weather golf gloves :) Head up to ****s or another sporting goods store and try on a pair. you'll see what I mean. They're snug and fitting, yet protect the skin.

Good luck and remember, just relax, exhale before you pick him up, and know he probably really doesn't want to bite you. He's only doing it to protect himself if he feels threatened.

I appreciate all the input :) I just tried picking him up by holding him under the back half of his body while letting him move around in his enclosure. He seemed cool with it. I'd just let him pass through my hand and then hold him again after he went through.

There are bitey ball pythons out there, and it may help with the handler's nerves to wear gloves, NOTHING wrong with that at all. Better a calm handler wearing gloves than a jumpy one who drops the snake if it strikes.

I'd recommend to anyone with a bitey snake and wanted gloves to just pick up a cheap pair of leather gloves from a local outdoors store. I got some for fishing, probably paid $15 for them. Nothing fancy, just something that looked and felt pretty tough.

I got a small snake hook for when I think they may bite. I would think it would be less intimidating seeing a hook than a hand. I just hook them about 1/3 of the way down and support there tail with my hand. Its a good tool for any herper. :)

gloves are highly unnecessary. I've pried my BP's mouth open with a spatula, and squirted medicine down his throat without even a hiss. If s/he strikes 'cus he's angry he might leave a scrape, the only way he could actually draw blood is if you pre-scented the cage and stuck your hand in a waved it around while s/he is in feeding mode. If something is wrong with the food or you need to stick your hand in for some reason, you could just use an oven mitt. Plus, gloves can be stressful on a snake in a sense that it could be uncomfortable, smell weird, and be hard for the snake to hold on to. What I do is I just wash my hands before I take him out with the same hand soap so he knows it's me 'cus I smell like hand soap. Handling gloves are probably only really necessary for snakes that have big fangs or are poisonous. You can't even see BP's teeth they blend in with the gums. So don't waste money on gloves, absolutely no good will come out of it and you will just be wasting money that could go towards more important things like vet visits and whatnot. Unless of coarse your snake has a bad temper or just doesn't like people. Get to know your snake before you decide on gloves or not.

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Originally Posted by JbirdAg96

Nah...I'm getting more and more comfortable as I read the info posted by seasoned BP owners. I'd like to have some gloves for when I'm first holding him as I've read they can detect fear and nervous "vibes". It's funny b/c I have a Bearded Dragon and Chilean Rose-Hair Tarantula that I hold with no problems at all :P

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If it's any comfort - the fear of the bite - is far worse than the bite itself. I'd rather get bitten by one of my ball pythons, than scratched by my cat!:P

i have balls that with spot on husbandry,no prey handeled or around,would still light me up for even lookin at them sideways,,i used a hook for them moments of fun,but for gloves,look in walmart hardware department,can find a decent pair of thin leather ones for 5 bucks or under,or a pair of mechanix from automotive for 10 bucks,,either are thin enough to be comfrtable,and thickenough to protect