Expectations of a New Ball Python Owner

I think that people forget that these are animals and a bite is always possible no matter how long you have had the snake or how it's always acted. Doesn't matter. You always have to be aware and treat them with respect and give them their space. Especially with larger snakes like retics and burms. It blows me away when people post pics of little kids all alone with these giant snakes. They could snatch and wrap a child in seconds and serious damage could be done before the person taking the pic can intervene. Def not saying large snakes shouldn't be around children but some people don't seem to recognize the risk involved. Be responsible and protect our hobby.

Definitely appreciate all the informative replies and I'm happy to say that I've been following most if not all of these steps up to this point. My little guy is a shy eater (waits until I leave the room) so I think I reduced that one significantly. I always let him know when I'm coming in the enclosure by gently tapping on his hide before I remove it and he never looks too tense when it's removed or when I go to pick him up (after some gentle stroking).

I think my biggest fear is when I'm holding him and he starts to wander and all of his sudden his head is right at my finger (or even my head). I tense up a little because I don't know if he's gonna strike or if he's just exploring. Probably the later but I'm still a little anxious. Scared that if he does strike, I may drop off him.

Nothing says responsible ownership like yelling into your snake's cage saying "HURRY UP AND FINISH SHEDDING SO I CAN TAKE YOU OUT AND LOVE YOU". Just some sage advice from a very bad ball python owner.

For the record, I went back and read what I posted above. It wasn't directed at the OP or anyone else in this thread. Was just irritated at some of the crazy stuff posted on popular social media lately. If I came across as an :cens0r::cens0r::cens0r::cens0r::cens0r::cens0r::cens0r:, I didn't intend to.

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Originally Posted by cletus

For the record, I went back and read what I posted above. It wasn't directed at the OP or anyone else in this thread. Was just irritated at some of the crazy stuff posted on popular social media lately. If I came across as an :cens0r::cens0r::cens0r::cens0r::cens0r::cens0r::cens0r:, I didn't intend to.

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I'm in 100% agreement with you so you definitely didn't offend me. This site has been an excellent tool for learning because of people like you. Appreciate it!