i dont think my snake likes me

[mike20090]

hi everyone im a total newbie when it comes to ball python keeping and baught my first ball python about 3 weeks ago the people in the store i got it from said to leave it for about two weeks to settle in then try and handle it then but everytime i go to pick him up he doesnt seem to like it and trys to get away from me and im worried about either hurting him or him not trusting me have you got any tips on how to start handling him and getting him used to me because i would like to get the most out of my pet sorry forgot to mention he is 2 years old and feeds without question he shed about a week ago now but just doesnt want to know any help would be great thanks

[twistedtails]

I would just pick him up and let him move freely through your hands. He will calm down very quickly. Most snakes are a bit active when you pull them out of thier enclosure.

[Kaorte]

Remember, you are a big scary monster to your snake! It will take time for him to get used to you and realize you aren't going to eat him.

Make sure you provide your snake with two identical tight fitting hides (not half logs, they aren't appropriate for ball pythons) so that he has a place where he can go to feel safe.

Has your snake eaten for you yet?

[snakey68]

dont panic mike its only been 3 weeks I would just be patient and keep regular handling sessions going once its been about 6 weeks with regular handling you should notice a big improvement.

and btw your snake will never like you its not in their nature

[mike20090]

i just tried again to pick him up and he just goes into an s and follows my hand with his head do you still thimk just pick him up ??

oh and yes ive fed him every week since i have had him had no problems went straight down lol

[Danounet]

You have to pick him up sooner or later so he realises you are not gonna hurt him. If he ends up bitting you pick him up anyways so he doesnt get used to that as deffense. Eventualy he will get used to you.

In the other hand there are very shy BPs. My oldest and biggest one is the most shy of them all. He still acts like he scared of me, Untill I pick him up, then he calms down.

[j_h_smith]

i just tried again to pick him up and he just goes into an s and follows my hand with his head do you still thimk just pick him up ??

oh and yes ive fed him every week since i have had him had no problems went straight down lol

Just pick him up. If he bites you, you've joined the club. You are teaching him that he can make you leave him alone if he postures. Grab him from behind. Gently but with meaning. Don't be hesitant. The snake is learning, hey, if I do this he'll leave me alone. So you've got to change his attitude.

Good Luck!
Jim Smith