Any tips for getting over fear....

Anyone out there have any tips/tricks for getting over my fear of taking my BPs out of there enclosures?

It's kinda silly... I'm OK if my husband takes the baby out and hands her to me, but then I end up getting nervous after a few minutes and have to put her up. I can't even bring myself to hold the male (07' hatchling - he's much bigger than the female). The sad part is my kids are fine with them - NO FEAR. Mom is a big'ol wuss I guess. It sucks cuz I really enjoy watching them and feeding them even cleaning up after them - I just don't want to have to rely on my husband to always have to take them out for me (Plus to make it worse he doesn't really like BP's he likes some kind of Brazilian Boa's and gets annoyed when I ask for help).

I actually took the baby out all by myself yesterday because my son wanted to hold her (and I didn't want to look like a wimp). I ended up putting her right back - she did the S thing and uncoiled as soon as I lifted her up. I thought I was making progress but now Im more scared. :tears:

Baby steps....:please:

try a few margaritas.
Seriously the snake is more afraid of you. Even if it bit you it wouldn't even hurt.
sometimes people say they fel better after they have been bit because they realize there was nothing to fear in the first place.

it takes time and experience, I was never afraid of snakes but I will say i am much more comfortable with them now then when I first started.

Pratice makes perfect

Yea 99.995% of them are all bluff. Just move slow. Remeber your baby snake thinks your going to eat it so its scared.

the way i did it was to put a wash cloth or towel over them and then pick them out and let them out out on their own... it worked to me

good luck

Absolutely- baby steps!! And what a great way to become comfortable with snakes; royal pythons are great teachers!!! Because you are hyper-attentive, you'll learn how to read their body signals and will more than likely turn out to be the best snake keeper in your family!! :D
Just keep challenging yourself to pick up each snake every day. While anything with teeth can bite, royal pythons are so mellow and gentle that they seldom do. Remember that just because they are bending their neck does not mean that they want to eat you for their lunch!!! They are probably and more than likely just bending their neck!! You will know when they are asking to be left alone!
Everyone on this forum is very proud of you, and all people who have, or are in the process of, overcoming irrational fears of snakes. Bravo and kudos to you!!
Please post a picture of you holding one of your beautiful snakes when you get there!!! You rock!!! :gj:

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Originally Posted by babygerl3094

the way i did it was to put a wash cloth or towel over them and then pick them out and let them out out on their own... it worked to me

good luck

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Good idea - I will try that!!!

Thanks :D

Like Raul said the snake is more afraid of you than anything. The S position is something that many do until they've settle down a bit after being pulled out of their tanks. Just be calm, if you end up bitten you will heal, all will be good :gj:

Worst comes to worst get yourself a good pair of leather gloves :)

Edit: Man I have slow fingers

Baby steps - exactly....

Somthing that may help. When picking them up always come at them oppisite their head. Sometimes they can be a bit jumpy when you come at them head on.

Also remember that balls, for the most part, do not bite out of defense. They usually only bite when they think you are food. (wash your hands after feeding :-).

Good luck!

I was afraid when we first got our bp as a baby. I wore rubber dishwashing gloves (you know the yellow ones you can get at the grocery store)...they were my "Dumbo's feather" I needed to get over my fear. =)

I still use the towel thing sometimes with our burmese, hehe...

I always rub Furio's sides before I pick him up and coo to him hahaha j/k but after I rub his sides for a few seconds he calms right down and wants to come out and play. Seldomly wants to be put back, unless it's right after he's done eating.

First of all, good for you for trying to overcome your fear!

You might want to read this thread. It is long but there was tons of good info in it. Summary: mom who was afraid of snakes had to overcome her fear to take care of her daughter's pet when the daughter went away to college.
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...ht=fear+snakes

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Originally Posted by starmom

Absolutely- baby steps!! And what a great way to become comfortable with snakes; royal pythons are great teachers!!! Because you are hyper-attentive, you'll learn how to read their body signals and will more than likely turn out to be the best snake keeper in your family!! :D
Just keep challenging yourself to pick up each snake every day. While anything with teeth can bite, royal pythons are so mellow and gentle that they seldom do. Remember that just because they are bending their neck does not mean that they want to eat you for their lunch!!! They are probably and more than likely just bending their neck!! You will know when they are asking to be left alone!
Everyone on this forum is very proud of you, and all people who have, or are in the process of, overcoming irrational fears of snakes. Bravo and kudos to you!!
Please post a picture of you holding one of your beautiful snakes when you get there!!! You rock!!! :gj:

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YOU Rock Starmom. Great advice!!!!

Ok, this may seem like the gauntlet, but it does work for some of my more 'pissy' snakes.

Open the enclosure, tap her on the head, and hopefully she will ball up and try to hide her head. She will be more preoccupied with saving herself than striking at you.

It is also a great way to start her on the path of conditional learning. Tapping on the head will signal to her that your not food, and will pick her up.

Lol, like I said, may seem like the gauntlet right now. Why not try it with a wooden spoon or something with a long handle thats not going to poke her eye out?

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Originally Posted by littleindiangirl

Ok, this may seem like the gauntlet, but it does work for some of my more 'pissy' snakes.

Open the enclosure, tap her on the head, and hopefully she will ball up and try to hide her head. She will be more preoccupied with saving herself than striking at you.

It is also a great way to start her on the path of conditional learning. Tapping on the head will signal to her that your not food, and will pick her up.

Lol, like I said, may seem like the gauntlet right now. Why not try it with a wooden spoon or something with a long handle thats not going to poke her eye out?

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This won't piss them off??? :confused:

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Originally Posted by kc261

First of all, good for you for trying to overcome your fear!

You might want to read this thread. It is long but there was tons of good info in it. Summary: mom who was afraid of snakes had to overcome her fear to take care of her daughter's pet when the daughter went away to college.
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...ht=fear+snakes

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Thanks!:D

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Originally Posted by lenastorms

This won't piss them off??? :confused:

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Hehe, no generally not BP's. They are shy by nature and want to hide when bothered, rather than attacking like say... a corn snake.

That's why the common name for Royal Pythons is Ball python. When they feel threatened they will try to make themselves into a tiny tight little ball. :D

I agree with Connie. Really, any kind of body contact generally lets them know that its not feeding time. A gentle touch to the head will usually cause them to hide their heads. But I've found that if one of mine is defensive when I'm about to handle it, a gentle stroke on the back serves the same purpose. Just don't reach in front of its face while reaching for its back!

Steve

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Originally Posted by littleindiangirl

Ok, this may seem like the gauntlet, but it does work for some of my more 'pissy' snakes.

Open the enclosure, tap her on the head, and hopefully she will ball up and try to hide her head. She will be more preoccupied with saving herself than striking at you.

It is also a great way to start her on the path of conditional learning. Tapping on the head will signal to her that your not food, and will pick her up.

Lol, like I said, may seem like the gauntlet right now. Why not try it with a wooden spoon or something with a long handle thats not going to poke her eye out?

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Originally Posted by lenastorms

This won't piss them off??? :confused:

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Connie means just a gentle tap, just enough to create the defensive balling up reaction. It will create more fear than anger. BPs are more likely to ball up than to strike out when they are afraid. But, if after you do this, your snake does not ball up, it may be preparing a defensive strike instead, so I wouldn't reach towards it after the tap unless it does ball up, or at least until you know it better.

A different take on the conditioned response that I've seen recommended a lot is to stroke the snake's side before you pick it up. It is the same idea, to get the snake used to a cue that tells it that it is handling time. Again, this could be done with a wooden spoon or something so you will know the snake is ready to be picked up before you have to reach in yourself.

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Originally Posted by kc261

Connie means just a gentle tap, just enough to create the defensive balling up reaction. It will create more fear than anger. BPs are more likely to ball up than to strike out when they are afraid. But, if after you do this, your snake does not ball up, it may be preparing a defensive strike instead, so I wouldn't reach towards it after the tap unless it does ball up, or at least until you know it better.

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Yea, more like your just touching their head for a moment. Not striking them or anything. *good catch

Be confident, observe your snake’s body language and always make your snake aware of our presence and most important just take it one step at the time.

If right now you are only comfortable with your husband taking the snake out and handing it to you, just do that and learn to be comfortable with that snake.

Than once you are more comfy and confident enough, pick up the snake with your husband by your side showing you how to do it, and do that with him until you gain a little more confidence.

And I am sure in no time you will reach in the enclosure without hesitation and if you never do it’s ok too, my husband does not mind handling my reptiles (at least he does not anymore) however I know he will probably never reach in their enclosures to pick them up.

I think the quickest way to get over the fear is to get bit trust me with babies it doesnt really hurt just get bit get it over with and then you will see its not that bad and will have no problem reaching in there to get them out when they get bigger is when it starts to hurt :gj::headbang:

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Originally Posted by kc261

First of all, good for you for trying to overcome your fear!

You might want to read this thread. It is long but there was tons of good info in it. Summary: mom who was afraid of snakes had to overcome her fear to take care of her daughter's pet when the daughter went away to college.
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...ht=fear+snakes

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Thanks for that link - I read it all. It had some GREAT ideas.
Tonight Im gonna poor myself a tall glass of vodka (no tequila for me - only if Im looking for a fight) and I just bought new gardening gloves - now they serve a better purpose!

And we'll see how I fair...

I may throw on a sweatshirt too just in case! :8:

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Originally Posted by Drew87

when they get bigger is when it starts to hurt :gj::headbang:

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You didn't have to say that!!! :O I have an 07 Male thats a lot bigger than the baby I haven't even attempted to pick him up yet!

:(

Im sorry but seriosuely part of owning snakes is your going to get bit, so the sooner it happens the sooner you will get over your fear i think that your more scared like ( you just bit me) then the bite itself becuase the first time i got bit i was more feaked out that my snake just leaped out and bit me, the bite didnt hurt really at all, my heart was beating so fast it didnt relize it till i saw some blood im not trying to freak you out but trust me gets way better when you get over the fear. :gj: and then you just want to buy more haha good luck keep us posted

a bite is like a badge of honor for snake owners

Everyone has given you great advice!! I have a few family members that are terrified of snakes. Won't even be in the same house as the snakes.

I have never feared snakes. Honestly, I would rather take a bite from my adult ball python every day for a week, than get bitten by any rodent, especially rats and gerbils, ever again.

The first time I got bit by my one of my snakes, I just thought. "Thats it?"

Like you said Baby Steps! You'll get there.

I've only been bitten by one snake, when she was about 1500g - didn't feel a thing. In fact had I not been bleeding a bit, I wouldn't have been positive I had been bitten.

You can also try using a 'shield' as well, that will enable you to feel safe enough to reach in and grab the main body. Honestly, it was a bit nerve racking when I first started because I didn't know how to read my snakes. The best thing I ever did was be consistant and persistant. Take a couple deep breaths to allow your heartrate to slow down a bit, and focus on exactly what you want to happen. See in your mind what you plan on doing, and then go for it. Heck, if jumping up and down for 5 minutes takes the edge off then do that. lol.

I wish you the best of luck conquering your fear. :gj:

If the issue is getting the snake out of the enclosure....Get a snake hook....no keeper should be without one.



As far as getting them out of a defensive posture, A spray bottle works well in place of a head tap for ball pythons.....it is nice to get them out of defensive posture without risking putting you hand near a really pissed snake.

Also, the way you reach in can make all the difference. If the snake looks like it is going to strike....reach in with a flat hand, fingers together and your palm facing towards the snake....when snakes strike defensively, they do not open their mouths up as much as during feeding (sometime not at all). Sometimes it is much better to give them a palm to strike instead of a bunch of loose dangling finger....a little let to grab ahold of ;)

YES i agree getting bit by a mama rat when your takin out her babies is way worse then getting bit by the snake :O:O

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Originally Posted by daniel1983

Also, the way you reach in can make all the difference. If the snake looks like it is going to strike....reach in with a flat hand, fingers together and your palm facing towards the snake....when snakes strike defensively, they do not open their mouths up as much as during feeding (sometime not at all). Sometimes it is much better to give them a palm to strike instead of a bunch of loose dangling finger....a little let to grab ahold of ;)

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That is really smart, and I don't remember hearing that before. Now that I've read it, it seems obvious. Maybe I'm slow. But of course they won't be able to get as much of a hold on a flat palm as on a finger or the edge of your hand.

You'll find a thread somewhere in the forum about my fear of snakes...my daughter left me with her bp when she went away to college. The year is almost over! She comes home tomorrow and Dakota and I are good friends now. I really learned his language with help from folks on this forum. He's never even tried to bite. He's as calm as can be - much, much, bigger and I've had many successful sheds, poops, etc. I'm very proud that I got through the year!

I took small baby steps, asked lots of questions on the forum, and frankly, in the beginning, tequila was helpful! :)

Good luck! You will definitely love it!

Woops! Didn't read the whole thread! The one with all the tips was me! Seems like a long time ago. :D

I am currently looking after an 8 month BP for a friend. I had no experience with snakes before, so know how you feel about being nervous!! First time i handled him , i got a bit of a sweat on and the old heart rate increased.I know he's not a full grown scub python or anything but still got the nerves going

I was advised to always use a snake hook to take him out and lower him onto my open palm. As snakes get attacked in the wild from above by birds etc, they can get nervous if you come over the top of them apparantly. I gently stroke him with the hook along his body for a minute or two before i lift him out, he seems to chill quite well when i do this.I only take him out when he is awake and out of his hide

leaning everyday thanks to this site!!


Regards Scott

Well I'm kinda new at this too! but if the snake is born in captivity isn't it use to being handled and stuff like that? I was just wondering after I read that post. A snake that is born that way would not know or be afraid of a bird attacking it. (just my opinion) am i right?

But as far as I learned I handle mine like 20 to 30 mins a day except for 2 days after I feed him and he's seems not to ever mind being handled by me or anyone in my family.

Are you afraid of being bitten, or are you afraid of handling your snake?
These are two very different things.

If you are afraid of being bitten, make sure your snake sees you so you don't surprise him. He will curl his neck. They all do that. That's why we call them balls - They curl their necks when they are preparing to curl up, or when they are just a little unsure of their surroundings. It actually rarely means they will strike at you unless you are short and furry with big ears. Generally they will hiss rather quietly before they bite. The hiss really sounds more like a "puff" or a quiet sneeze in little balls. This doesn't even mean that they are going to bite. It just lets you know that they are nervous or afraid. Generally the defensive "bite" is just a bop from the chin. They strike out like they're going to bite, and they just bop you with their closed mouth.

Fear of handling snakes is surprisingly easy.

Get in a tshirt or tanktop with shorts on, or wear as little clothing as possible. Have your husband let a snake crawl on you while you lay on the floor (stomach or back). Tell him to keep putting it on you when it crawls off. Stay perfectly still, but don't freak out. Breathe normally. Repeat this every couple of days, then use two snakes instead of one. Make sure the snakes are different snakes if you can, it will help you adjust. If you have enough snakes of similar size, soon you will have several crawling on you. You are still lying still. Now try to pick up the first snake you used from its tank. If you are still afraid, keep going with the snake therapy.

This has been proven to work with people all over the world who have snake phobias. Some people even use it as a massage. It sounds wierd, but it's not a bad idea.

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Originally Posted by Lowen

Some people even use it as a massage. It sounds wierd, but it's not a bad idea.

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HAHA yeah Uli has been keeping me company while my husband is out of town :O
She's every bit as good at a neckrub as he is!
Also, I saw a snake massage on the Tyra Banks show the other day, although those guys didn't seem to be quite as skilled as my little girl hehe

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Originally Posted by thedigi1

Well I'm kinda new at this too! but if the snake is born in captivity isn't it use to being handled and stuff like that? I was just wondering after I read that post. A snake that is born that way would not know or be afraid of a bird attacking it. (just my opinion) am i right?

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Even if captive bred or domesticated, animals will still retain wild characteristics. eg- House cats that are well fed and cared for will still bring you back a present, ..a freshly caught mouse,vole, bird, or a nice expensive koi carp from next doors garden!! BP's curl into a ball as a defense, even though they have all been raised in different environments, countries etc, yet they still exhibit the same defense behavour.

regards Scott

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Originally Posted by scotty99

... nice expensive koi carp from next doors garden!!

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:(

Well the fear is not gone - but I did get the snakes out of their tanks all by myself. (with gloves of coarse!) I have been doing it every night for the last few nights and taking each one out for about 15-20 minutes. Hopefully thats not too much for them as I do not want to stress them out. I also did not move them out of their tanks last night for feeding. It went smoothly. Yeah! although both did end up with a bit of aspen in their mouths. I was able to get it out of the babys mouth, but the larger one wouldn't let me get it out. It won't harm him will it? Maybe I should try a new substrate? So many questions!

Aspen is highly digestible. It shouldn't cause him any problems as long as it isn't lodged into his skin like a splinter. Happens every day! :P

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Originally Posted by lenastorms

Anyone out there have any tips/tricks for getting over my fear of taking my BPs out of there enclosures?

It's kinda silly... I'm OK if my husband takes the baby out and hands her to me, but then I end up getting nervous after a few minutes and have to put her up. I can't even bring myself to hold the male (07' hatchling - he's much bigger than the female). The sad part is my kids are fine with them - NO FEAR. Mom is a big'ol wuss I guess. It sucks cuz I really enjoy watching them and feeding them even cleaning up after them - I just don't want to have to rely on my husband to always have to take them out for me (Plus to make it worse he doesn't really like BP's he likes some kind of Brazilian Boa's and gets annoyed when I ask for help).

I actually took the baby out all by myself yesterday because my son wanted to hold her (and I didn't want to look like a wimp). I ended up putting her right back - she did the S thing and uncoiled as soon as I lifted her up. I thought I was making progress but now Im more scared. :tears:

Baby steps....:please:

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You could get REALLY drunk and then try to hold them. :D

I'm just kidding, don't do this. My fiance was scared when we first got the snakes. I would just suggest sitting on the couch with one, have your hubby or your kid sit right next to you and just let them slither around. Took a awhile, but my girl got used to it, and will take them out when I'm not even home.

Just practice. You have to remember, most BPs are very gentle creatures. I had a mite infestation and had to mess with Vincent for a long time, wiping him down, bathing him, moving him from tank to tank, not bites.. nothing. I got hissed at once :D

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Originally Posted by Lowen

Aspen is highly digestible. It shouldn't cause him any problems as long as it isn't lodged into his skin like a splinter. Happens every day! :P

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Thank god! Thats what I thought but wasn't 100% sure. I was worried cuz both kept opening their mouths real wide over and over like they were trying to get it out (it was poking out of the corners of their mouths) I was able to pull it out of the females mouth but the male was having none of that. I figured in the wild they most likely consume some of the dirt or grass along with their prey anyway. That's nature.

Thanks!

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Originally Posted by Lowen

Aspen is highly digestible. It shouldn't cause him any problems as long as it isn't lodged into his skin like a splinter. Happens every day! :P

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I don't think there is any sort of wood that is "highly digestible". Even termites can't digest wood without the help of a certain bacteria that lives in their gut.

However, based on what I've read (my snakes aren't on aspen), a small amount of aspen is unlikely to harm your snake.

Almost forgot to add the most important part! Good job with your progress on handling the snakes!

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Originally Posted by kc261

Almost forgot to add the most important part! Good job with your progress on handling the snakes!

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:D Thanks!!!! I can't wait til tomorrow so I can hold them again they both ate the other night. Maybe this time no gloves...hehe

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Originally Posted by Skoalbasher

I got hissed at once :D

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I haven't been hissed at yet...:) That might freak me out a bit :O.

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Originally Posted by thedigi1

Well I'm kinda new at this too! but if the snake is born in captivity isn't it use to being handled and stuff like that? I was just wondering after I read that post. A snake that is born that way would not know or be afraid of a bird attacking it. (just my opinion) am i right?

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I don't believe these aren't creatures that are ever really domesticated or tamed. I think that their simple yet highly efficient reptilian brains just probably don't allow that sort of bonding to humans as fully as some animals. Also they aren't naturally a pack or herd animal that needs to seek out others to feel safe. Sure they can learn to accept human interaction and get used to us to some degree or other. From what I've seen in our collection, that's very dependent on the individual snake and the actual moment in time more so than how the snake was hatched.

I have some snakes here that are very laid back but given the right triggers or the wrong action by me, they will become defensive and hiss or strike. Doesn't bother me, to me that's just a snake being a snake and no big deal really.

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Originally Posted by lenastorms

I haven't been hissed at yet...:) That might freak me out a bit :O.

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Lena, you'll get hissed at, you'll get the occasional jab (a strike that doesn't really seem to be meant to connect, more just to drive you back), you may well get tagged. It's part of owning snakes though not an everyday occurrence with an adult BP. It's usually the smaller ones that are more nervous and defensive that tend to strike out, at least in my experience.

Most of the time it will be your fault. Something you did that startled the snake, messing with it while it's trying to shed, etc. Sometimes it's just what it is...a snake being a snake. We have two adults here that hiss every single time they are fussed with at all. Neither of them has ever tried to bite and they soon settle down if you just go about your business calmly. I think they just like to complain about life in general. :D

Eventually as you get to know the snake and it's reactions, as you get more confident, it becomes far easier to judge quickly what that hiss is telling you and whether it's a serious deal or just a snake mouthing off a bit.