Handling Tips

I have a new ball python and would like some handling tips. I am still a bit skittish with him as I am sure he is with me. Tips would be great right about now. Thanks in advance.

let the new guy(or gal) settle in for a while.first couple of weeks shouldnt be about handling but more about settling in. Try and feed at least once before handling if you can, I did that with our snake. I wanted her to know that her house is her safe, quiet zone. Also always make sure you wash your hands before and after you handle your snake.

Good Luck!

Ok thanks. Most of that I have done. I fed him (I think it's a him) on monday and handled him some tonight. I got him last saturday. I didn't do anything with him for the first two days. I have also been washing my hands after, but I will start doing it before also.

Also, is there a way to tell about how old he is? I got him from a pet store that was going out of business so I think they are all closed down now.

Hey man the easiest way is to just take it to the vet. It is inexpensive and they will do some tests. It turned out to be a good experience for me and my 1st BP. They will tell you everything you wanna know and then some. ask them if they can test for worms thorough feces(****) cant spell sorry.

Just sit still and move slowly. If you're shaky and nervous, he'll be nervous and is more liable to strike or just lay there in a ball. Sit still and let him explore, for short times at first then getting longer as he's more comfortable :)

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Originally Posted by Conaway

Ok thanks. Most of that I have done. I fed him (I think it's a him) on monday and handled him some tonight. I got him last saturday. I didn't do anything with him for the first two days. I have also been washing my hands after, but I will start doing it before also.

Also, is there a way to tell about how old he is? I got him from a pet store that was going out of business so I think they are all closed down now.

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dont touch him at all for the first week unless its absolutely necessary. offer him food after the week and see if he eats. let him get a couple meals in him before you attempt to handle.

once he's degested for 2-3 days (i let mine degest for 3) gently handle him for about 15 minutes every night. if he goes off feed dont handle him until he's eating good again.

there's no way to know his age from how big he is.

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Originally Posted by mr~python

there's no way to know his age from how big he is.

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however the bigger it gets the older it's getting:fim: (teehee-afied)

Move slowly let him be the one to loosen up and start to move around. Let him explore alittle at first. Once a day after the settling in period is ok but only for short (2-5 minutes) at most. Then you can extend the amount of time you handle over time. try not to handle after a feed. They feel voneriable at this time and during shed. Just take it slow and easy you got along time to get to know each other.

I've found the big thing is not to trigger a "omg it's a huge freakin predator" response from the snakes. Don't come at them from above and directly over their heads. Some of ours will startle even from our shadow moving over them so try to stand to the side a bit and just reach in and gently stroke them down their lower back a bit before lifting them out. Even just do that at first and once they are used to that, then worry about actually removing the snake from it's home down the road. If they ball up once removed, leave them...don't force them out of the ball, they'll uncurl when they are ready.

Try to realize even if you get nipped it won't be a big deal so you can be more relaxed around the snake. Quick jerky hand movements triggers strikes and I think they can sense heightened stress in a person, so be calm and wear gloves if it helps you feel more relaxed at first. Even if all you do is sit with the snake on your lap in a quiet room for 5 minutes that's a start. Try to make removing and returning the snake to it's home as quiet and stress free as possible so your snake can learn to recognize this as something that isn't threatening to it's existance.

Nothing happens quickly with ball pythons so just be very patient and observant of your snake's unique reactions to everything.

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Originally Posted by frankykeno

I've found the big thing is not to trigger a "omg it's a huge freakin predator" response from the snakes.

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yea this normaly has one of two out comes one from the snake of "RUN AWAY" or rather slither away :bolt: or the other from the keeper of "well will you look at that snakes realy do have teeth."