Ball python does not ball up?

[RR - Mackenzie]

My ball python never balls up... Only after he has just eaten. Other than that, he just falls out of his hide, and he's not in a 'ball' at all, just lazily spread around. How come he doesn't do what ball pythons do, and 'ball' up?

[RichsBallPythons]

Some are like that and thats how they are. Once most balls get older as adults will hardly ever ball up.

[SixSnakes]

That's a good thing, then. The balling behavior is a defensive technique. They ball up and protect their head. If they are not balling up, they do not feel threatened.

[Alexandra V]

Yeah, my ball python has yet to ball up too, and my boyfriend's ball python that he's had for three years has never balled up either. It depends on the individual.

[Stacykins]

That was one of the reasons I chose my YB Yidhra. Of all the BPs I took a closer look at the show, she was the only one who did not ball up. She actually hasn't balled up at all, preferring to try and explore when she is out!

[BrianaK]

Mine never balls up either. I guess its a good thing but I can never get any cool pictures haha

[Kyle@theHeathertoft]

My female normal balls up a lot...she's easily startled. My Mojave male, on the other hand...I almost never see him balled up. He isn't easily stressed, and actually seems to like being taken out, handled, et cetera.

And then there's my Cinnamon, he does neither...he spends every waking second trying to come up with ways to bite. I just love how feisty he is!!!

Each snake has his or her own level of tolerance for stress and they react as they feel appropriate. Be glad your Ball isn't balling...and hey, maybe consider introducing her as a "Royal" python like I hear they do across the pond!

Royalty must never resorts to the fetal position.

[Maverick67]

my normal female is about half and half with balling up. normally when she taking a nap or just ate but never whens shes awake and just hanging out. (except when shedding)

[Bones]

Bones balled up all the time when I first got him. He doesn't do it anymore. I kind of miss it because it's cute.

[JibbaJabba]

That's a good thing, then. The balling behavior is a defensive technique. .

I only found it defensive when they're babies (when you can't see their head at all)... When they are older they seem to ball up when sleeping too (well, half ar**ed anyway).. Well mine does a half / flat ball lol .. Here an example - I took the hide out to clean off some poo - perfect ball if you ask me



Far from defensive .. just sleeping