Aggressive BP handling

If the BP all of the sudden feels something behind it, it's likely going to startle it. I go beside it so it can see me, I don't think I have much of a chance of getting struck as long as I pay attention. If I see the head coiled and starting to face me then I'll move my hand. If I go straight in from the front all it has to do is strike, if I go from the side it has to turn it's head and then strike.

I know this is not a common topic in regards to ball pythons but it will work. Most large snake keepers hook train there snake. What this means is that they develope a repeated pattern of behavior as the keeper which in turns developes a repeated pattern of behavior in your snake. When dealing with large snakes it is important because of the potential danger involved but it will work the same with any snake. First thing is anytime you open its cage and perform any type of maintenance (spot cleaning, water change, or handling) you first touch the snake on the snide of its body and/or genlty stroke it. What this does is lets the snake know you are there. You do not use this techniwue when you are feeding the snake. The snake will soon learn to associate the touch of a hook with being handled or whatnot and not that it is going to get fed. Give it a try and see if you notice a difference in its behavior in a month or so. I bet if you consistently do it you will see a huge difference. Todd

^^^^^ I do this with my BCI and even though its only a year and a half and only a lil over three feet (if he hit, it wouldnt be bad), he seems to know the difference between feeding time and handling time. I come in the same way every single time and have had no issues even though the local pet shop I got him from swore he was nippy.

Hi folks, I've made note of all your input. Very helpful, thanks!

Thanks for all the info everyone! I'm going to leave him alone for another week. Feed him on Thursday again and then I'm going out of town Fri-Sun so he should have nice quiet dark alone time to himself ;)