How to tame an agressive ball?

Hi, I just got a 350 grams spider ball python and I realized it is very agressive, when I open her tub she strikes at me. I was wondering if there is any way of taming a ball puthon to get rid of that agressive behaviour. Thanks. Any tips apreciated.

Let her settle in first, shes still new. For the first few weeks keep handling to a minimum. :gj:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7DQs...C5F95E804DD5E5




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7DQssbM0uk&list=PLACC5F95E804DD5E5

Snakes don't really "tame" so much as learn we aren't a threat and tolerate us in most cases.
Some snakes certainly do seem eager to get out and see us though but, for the most part especially young snakes see us as a big potential predator.
My Lesser girl is still occasionally trying to show the world that she will bite its' face off. She bites me less but has tried to strike at lights and TV's even.
Get some size on it, check that the animal is having its' needs met and is not stressed or hungry and, most importantly stay confident and don't let it's defensiveness now train you.

Main thing is let her settle in, moves are stressful for them, let her go, but do check on her water and such, for a week

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Thanks to everyone!! :) I will leave her alone for a week or so, and I will see the outcome.

What's your set up like?
Is she still striking you when you handle her?

It's not uncommon for a youngster to strike out. This time in their life is vulnerable and frightening to them. Most snakes do outgrow the nippy stage as they get larger.

You'll need a bullwhip and a wooden chair to take the scaly beast.
"Hy'ah, back snake! Back!"

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Originally Posted by TheSnakeGuy

You'll need a bullwhip and a wooden chair to take the scaly beast.
"Hy'ah, back snake! Back!"

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LOL! :rolleye2:

I was just about to link that youtube video! My pastel is a little bit feisty and I use this technique if she strikes at me. As said let her settle for a week, then offer food, then attempt to handle 48 hours later.

If you find your BP is still snappy after a while of settling feel free to buy some gloves and use them in getting her out of the enclosure, use slow but confident movements and try not to approach from the direction of her head if possible, people seem to recommend the scoop from the side or back as the best way to handle a BP. If your enclosure looks quite open feel free to clutter it further to add to security for her, things like fake plants and crumpled paper :)

I use the "making them ball" procedure when she strikes out of the enclosure during handling (only used this once when she took a tantrum as she is usually fine when out). The first time she did it, it really scared me. I can tell you that now I laugh it off, you find confidence with them and the glove idea really helped me as I was to the stage of being very nervous to approach her. She still "s"s her neck when I come close if she is out of her hides but I refuse to let her get the better of me.

Over time she should tame down for you, some BP's are feistier than others in youth, it is nothing to worry about and gradual handling will tame her out over time. It is not unusual or anything to worry about with her being so new. You're a new person and a new smell and her house is new and a new smell. Time will soon help with that.

Best of luck :)

I've trained mine to know that if I tap on his hide, he's going to come outside to play. Perhaps if you do something before handling your snake it'll ease its aggressiveness.

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Originally Posted by satomi325

What's your set up like?
Is she still striking you when you handle her?

It's not uncommon for a youngster to strike out. This time in their life is vulnerable and frightening to them. Most snakes do outgrow the nippy stage as they get larger.

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32 celsius in the hot spot, 26 cold side, 65 % humidity. Yes I have heard that young ball pythons tend to strike but its weird because shes no that young, shes about 350 grams and about 3 months old or so, I dont really know the exact age of her.

That's still pretty young in their respective lifetime. Give her the week and see how she's doing then

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Originally Posted by ViperSRT3g

I've trained mine to know that if I tap on his hide, he's going to come outside to play. Perhaps if you do something before handling your snake it'll ease its aggressiveness.

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How did you do that!? That's cute. My BP will come up to the glass when I stick my face up to his vive, but that's about it ;)

OP definitely give it time. I had a very defensive corn (I know not as big as a BP but trust me, just as scary when you're new to snakes) who bit me literally a hundred times. Even as a yearling at 75grams she drew blood.
It WILL get better with handling! As long as you are patient yet persistent, and don't put them back when they are in a grump, it will work out for you I'm sure.

Best of luck!

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Originally Posted by xbikez

32 celsius in the hot spot, 26 cold side, 65 % humidity. Yes I have heard that young ball pythons tend to strike but its weird because shes no that young, shes about 350 grams and about 3 months old or so, I dont really know the exact age of her.

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How big is the enclosure? Do you have hides? Insecure ball pythons will strike out of fear rather than aggression. And fixing their insecurity will flip a nasty attitude around for a nice calm one.

350g is still a youngster.

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Originally Posted by satomi325

How big is the enclosure? Do you have hides? Insecure ball pythons will strike out of fear rather than aggression. And fixing their insecurity will flip a nasty attitude around for a nice calm one.

350g is still a youngster.

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Shes in a 30 L tub ( 60 x 41 x 16.5 ) cms, she has one hide,

Quote:

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Originally Posted by satomi325

How big is the enclosure? Do you have hides? Insecure ball pythons will strike out of fear rather than aggression. And fixing their insecurity will flip a nasty attitude around for a nice calm one.

350g is still a youngster.

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Shes in a 30 L tub ( 60 x 41 x 16.5 ) cms, she has one hide.

You can tame snakes? This is all new to me

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Originally Posted by NYHC4LIFE8899

You can tame snakes? This is all new to me

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Do you always have to be so damn facetious! Your sarcasm is beginning to annoy now.


OP add another hide and maybe some fake plants or anything to clutter more. Remember that changes to enclosures can also cause stress (new things again) and require another period of settling (although not always). If you have the space in the rub try to have two identical hides; hot and and cold end to help with thermoregulation :)

I have my BP's ranging from 9l for the little ones as it came with them (66g, 91g and 199g), my spider who is 99g in a 12l rub and have two hides for each and they settled very well. I'm guessing you're also british by mentioning celcius and litre tubs rather than gallons :)

My bigger boy is in a 21l rub for now with a large hide and water bowl as it's not big enough for more but he eats well and is rather tame.

Keep us updated on progress. We love progress updates :)

I read all of Naom9anne's posts in a british accent in my head and it just makes everything better. Her scolding NYHC is hilarious and awesome. Hahaha

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Originally Posted by Mike41793

I read all of Naom9anne's posts in a british accent in my head and it just makes everything better. Her scolding NYHC is hilarious and awesome. Hahaha

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OMG why did you have to point that out? Now it's stuck. Thanks a lot.:O

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Originally Posted by NYHC4LIFE8899

You can tame snakes? This is all new to me

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Naom9Anne

Do you always have to be so damn facetious! Your sarcasm is beginning to annoy now.


OP add another hide and maybe some fake plants or anything to clutter more. Remember that changes to enclosures can also cause stress (new things again) and require another period of settling (although not always). If you have the space in the rub try to have two identical hides; hot and and cold end to help with thermoregulation :)

I have my BP's ranging from 9l for the little ones as it came with them (66g, 91g and 199g), my spider who is 99g in a 12l rub and have two hides for each and they settled very well. I'm guessing you're also british by mentioning celcius and litre tubs rather than gallons :)

My bigger boy is in a 21l rub for now with a large hide and water bowl as it's not big enough for more but he eats well and is rather tame.

Keep us updated on progress. We love progress updates :)

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I found Ms. Anne's motto...
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/i...lX8Dv0jXvlEkm8

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Originally Posted by Naom9Anne

Do you always have to be so damn facetious! Your sarcasm is beginning to annoy now.


OP add another hide and maybe some fake plants or anything to clutter more. Remember that changes to enclosures can also cause stress (new things again) and require another period of settling (although not always). If you have the space in the rub try to have two identical hides; hot and and cold end to help with thermoregulation :)

I have my BP's ranging from 9l for the little ones as it came with them (66g, 91g and 199g), my spider who is 99g in a 12l rub and have two hides for each and they settled very well. I'm guessing you're also british by mentioning celcius and litre tubs rather than gallons :)

My bigger boy is in a 21l rub for now with a large hide and water bowl as it's not big enough for more but he eats well and is rather tame.

Keep us updated on progress. We love progress updates :)

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yes I do....I love busting chops...but u unlike others are so sensitive...

If it's annoying you,then hit the block me tab,it's there for a reason...do you really think I care how I make you feel,lol..get over yourself,go have some tea and krumpets and take a chill pill,lol

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Originally Posted by Mike41793

I read all of Naom9anne's posts in a british accent in my head and it just makes everything better. Her scolding NYHC is hilarious and awesome. Hahaha

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I USE to like you,lol:O

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Originally Posted by Physician&Snakes

I found Ms. Anne's motto...
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/i...lX8Dv0jXvlEkm8

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She can smack me with her hand and I'll smack her with something else :D

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Originally Posted by NYHC4LIFE8899

She can smack me with her hand and I'll smack her with something else :D

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You need to get over yourself or get out of here. Theres no place for that on this forum.

EDIT: idc if you like me or not but theres no need to talk like that to other people. Go ahead and direct it at me instead, i'll gladly play.

What I don't understand is... everyone knows he's an ass, and everyone has warned him, etc... but when he askes a question people still give him the time of day???

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Originally Posted by Crazymonkee

What I don't understand is... everyone knows he's an ass, and everyone has warned him, etc... but when he askes a question people still give him the time of day???

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Politics my dear, politics.

Oh I apologise for my sensitivity, that must totally be my reason for posting; my sensitive nature! Honey, I've dealt with bigger douche-bags than you in my time, you honestly couldn't offend me if you tried. I said your posts annoy me, yes, but I think blocking is for the more sensitive types. I like a good reminder that, in any hobby, there are idiots who would rather be sarcastic than to actually help those in need. It's not just me who tells you that your posts are inappropriate for a forum where people are asking for help. You neither offer help nor constructive criticism, you just attack. I shall go and cry into my kleenex now. And I'm a coffee lover, not really into tea. You need coffee to get through life, tea just doesn't cut it! :D I'm not a keen eater of crumpets either. Give me a drop scone any day!

Right back onto the post, and away from the stereotyping of Brits.

She is in a 30 L tub (60 x 40 x 16.5) cms

And 1 hide

Is the hide so that she will snuggly fit? it should be of a size where you're sure she'll just squeeze in.

Add another hide and some clutter - fake plants crumpled paper etc or if the two hides and water bowl take up substantial space you may not need to.

Below are two of my rubs, the smaller has my spider (hatchling age, under 100g) in and two rubs and a water bowl, he is calm and eats well. The larger is for my het albino boy, he also eats and handles very well. He came in the big tub and didn't have a hide so I went out to buy him one which just fits but he seems happy enough :)

My smaller rubs (9l) are set up very similarly to the 12l my spider boy is in but are more cluttered as there is less room for the hides and bowl. If your BP is young (forgot to check before I started writing) a 30l is large! BP's usually stay in a 9l/12l for quite a while (up to around 300g ish or more) it may be that it is too big for her. By cluttering you can keep the current tub. A 36-42l is big enough for an adult BP!

Hope this has helped a bit :)


https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.n...6d1898bf056e7a


Edit: Is there a lot of foot traffic in the room she is in? Sometimes this can cause stress as they can feel when people walk by and if this is often it can contribute to a stressed BP. :)