ball python owners

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bbtillman

I just purchased a 5 month old ball python. She was so cute until she started her striking! ( yes, just joking... she is still cute!)She ate only once since I've had her ... for 3.5 weeks. When she is in her hide, she peeks her little head out. When she is outside of the hide and she sees me, she forms that S shape in her neck and is ready to strike. My friend at the pet store has 10 snakes four of which are Ball Pythons. He said be gentle , but told me to continue to take her out for handling a few minutes a day. Should I do this or stay away from her for awhile? I bought a snake hook and so it is easier to get her out of the enclosure without her striking. By the way, one of the times I took her out on the hook, she wrapped around the hook and struck anyway. When I do take her out, she goes into a ball. I stretch her out and she immediately begins to crawl around and investigates her surroundings ... like my bed, floor, my arm,etc. Am I doing the right thing? ... especially taking her out of her enclosure and handling her daily even though she is ready to strike!

---

hey new friend! you're better off starting your own post so it gets more visibility.

i just skimmed your post, but your lil baby just sounds like they're hungry. [emoji4]

EDIT: and stop all handling until the snake has eaten 3 consecutive meals.

I would not recommend a snake for someone who is looking for a loyal, affectionate pet who will solicit your attention, perceive you as a friend and companion, and look forward to spending time with you. There are plenty of great things about pet snakes but their ability to socialize is not one of them. At best, they can learn to be comfortable with handling and not be stressed out by it, and they can learn to recognize and trust their keeper and feel secure around them.

However, it's important to remember that handling is ultimately for our enjoyment and not for the snake's, and there are many situations when a snake shouldn't be handled, such as after they are fed, when they are in shed, or if they are stressed or ill. I hold mine usually for 20-30 mins at a time, up to an hour a day, 4 days a week. (He is not handled on the day he is fed, or for 2 days afterward).

Some of the nice things about BPs, on the other hand:

- If you're not scared of snakes, handling one is a very cool experience and they actually feel very nice. I find it very calming to hold my BP and he often chills in my lap while I surf the net.

- They are low maintenance day to day, they eat at most once a week (as babies) and around every 2 weeks as adults. They don't defecate often so there is less cleaning than most other pets involved.

- They are fun to observe in the evening when they are not hiding, and will often do cute and goofy things.

- They are adorable and beautiful! I can't get over how sweet their little faces are.

- Unlike many other pets, they don't require companionship or attention so if you work all day or are out late they won't care.

- They are very quiet and won't disturb you or your neighbours.

- BPs are very sweet and docile (generally, there are always exceptions though!) and slow-moving, heavy-bodied snakes, so if you're looking for a pet that will mostly just sit with you calmly when out of its enclosure, they are great lap snakes.

This thread is 14 years old. :rolleyes: