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my bp's hate me?

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  • 04-27-2008, 09:06 PM
    frankykeno
    Re: my bp's hate me?
    Try to remember too that these are young snakes and are very new to you being that you've only had the one for a week and the other for only a couple of months. Combining a young, defensive baby snake with an inexperienced handler and you are more likely to have these issues.

    I wouldn't even worry about handling issues with the newest one. At only a week of ownership your focus should be on getting the little one settled in and on a good, regular feeding program. The one you've had a couple of months is likely doing a lot of defensive bluffing. Pick a quiet time about 3 days after a feeding - that way digestion is done but the snake isn't hyped up and close to another meal quite yet - and pick the little one up.

    Our snakes are trained by routine that we reach in and stroke them down the lower part of their bodies. This is only done when they are going to be picked up and after a time most recognize what this means and react appropriately. Baby snakes are baby snakes though and right now you are no more to them than a big heat emitting thing that may just want to eat them. So they react - driven by their instinct to survive. Just stay calm, wear gloves if it helps you feel more confident and go about your business with them. Even if all you handle is for 2 good calm minutes, that's enough, you can work up to a bit longer handling time slowly over the next few months.

    Everything with ball pythons seems to be about patience. :)
  • 04-27-2008, 10:07 PM
    python.princess
    Re: my bp's hate me?
    Mine were the same when young. Like a few have mentioned, I'd stroke them a little bit before picking them up. It let them know what was going on and it also calmed my nerves. Being a new snake owner who had never been bitten, I wasn't sure what to expect. If it helps at all, at that size, you'll barely feel a bite! Completely painless in my experience.
  • 04-27-2008, 10:49 PM
    sg1trogdor
    Re: my bp's hate me?
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Timbuktu View Post
    not that often. the new one has not struck at me just hisses,but the one I have had the longest has a couple times. I like the look of balls but I do understand they are shy and will never really like to be handled I just thought it would be easier to handle a little.

    I love watching videos such as snakebytes and am amazed at how he just picks his snakes up and they curl up. mine get in the S shape and fallow my movement. I guess I will just keep trying they are just so beautiful and I want to hold them lol. are there any snakes that get bigger and act like a corn snake? maybe my balls are just look and no touch type of balls.lol.

    I dont pick her up when she tries to bite I am not wanting to hold them that bad yet.lol


    never had a problem with any of my snakes. Had a few hiss' but thats from my blood. I actually think my snakes are to the point where handling is welcome.
  • 04-27-2008, 11:13 PM
    DSGB
    Re: my bp's hate me?
    i think snakes can sense fear. dont be scared of them their bites dont hurt when they are small. just scares you. but thats all i can think of, everyone else has given you great advice. i like what robin said to do.
  • 04-28-2008, 09:09 AM
    Windridge Kennels
    Re: my bp's hate me?
    I have a new het albino boy who is wicked! lol

    I just pick him up... and he doesn't strike at me (he strikes at my man though, much to his annoyance). I hold him behind the head just in case, and just let him chill... then put him away. He will not get tame by never being touched... all my other balls love being handled and exploring.
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