Bp goes to the bathroom when held

[Cc80808]

I have a ball python hes about 5 feet long. Ive had him 4 years. Recently everytime I hold him he goes to the bathroom on me. Can someone give me insight on it? Thanks

[Adam Chandler]

Ball Pythons are known to defecate when then feel threatened, as most snakes do.
Also it could be just all the movement of being out and crawling around loosened them up, but if this is happening every time you have him out its most likely due to him feeling threatened.

Try giving him a week of alone time, no handling, no feeding, no traffic by his enclosure. Then offer him his usual meal if he's due, wait a few days for him digest and then try a brief handling session and see how it goes.

[dr del]

Hi,

Could he just be scared?

Do you check his butt before handling him? They get swollen just behind the vent if a dukey is on the way.


dr del

[shelliebear]

I always check their vent area to see if it is swollen. No matter how comfortable they feel with you, when they have to go, they're gonna go--even if you're right under them. my snakes have done this to me often.
Now I check their vent before I hold them and haven't had one go on me in months.

[Cc80808]

I had my son 6 months ago and really havent held him. I usually check his whole body before holding him for a bit. I checked his vent and it wasnt swollen when I held him and he still went on me. I guess hes just sayin hey you dont hold me for awhile ima poop on you. Lol. Thanks