Hand taming an aggressive ball python?

[KayleighBrown]

I figured I'd ask, since I've not had him or his female companion for very long. Since I've unpacked him from the box, (Which was a few months ago now) he's been very bitey and on the offensive. He'll puff up his body, hiss at me, snap at me. I can't get anywhere near him without him snapping at the side of his tub if he so much as sees me. I have a snake hook that I use to move his head away from me and move him from place to place to ensure that I don't get bitten, but are there any suggestions as to what I can do to get him to calm down?

Before anyone asks, yes his temperatures/humidty are up to par. Yes he eats good, and yes his substrate is just fine. He has a hide, and uses it often.

[bcr229]

I would ask the seller if he was always this defensive. Most people don't think to ask sellers about the snake's personality unless it is (or could grow up to be) a BIG snake. BP's are typically bought and sold for the paint job, not the temperment.

One you have him in hand is he still nippy, or is it just when he is in his tub?

[KayleighBrown]

When I hold him he'll sit still and continue to hiss, and if I move my other hand he'll try to bite it. Some times he'll go into flight mode and try to get away from me, and that is when I'll put him back, because his um... -ahem- will open, threatening to void his bowels if I don't let him go.

[exoticballs]

How old is the snake?

[Gerardo]

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=S7DQssbM0uk. Try this.

[CORBIN911]

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=S7DQssbM0uk. Try this.

I was going to suggest this but its a much different reaction from a hatchling>yearling

[bcr229]

I was going to suggest this but its a much different reaction from a hatchling>yearling

Yeah she hasn't said how old he is. With a hatchling you can just let them hit your hand for a while until they figure out that biting doesn't make you go away. The same tactic with a 2000 gr breeder female... ouch...

Also OP I realize that while you really don't want him to make a mess on you, by putting him away whenever he threatens to do so you're rewarding that behavior. So, either hold him for very short periods and put him away before he gets to that point, or put on some old clothes and prepare to get stinky.

[KayleighBrown]

Ares is just a hatchling. I would try this technique but I want to get a pair of gloves or something before I do. I recently got bit by my most calmest snake a day or so ago, which happened because I was stupid. But the bite is a bit infected, and I kind of want to avoid another bite. ^.^

[Gerardo]

A hatchling cant really hurt you. But as long as you feel comfortable with trying it.

[exoticballs]

Ares is just a hatchling. I would try this technique but I want to get a pair of gloves or something before I do. I recently got bit by my most calmest snake a day or so ago, which happened because I was stupid. But the bite is a bit infected, and I kind of want to avoid another bite. ^.^

Hatchlings are a bit nippy. He might be that way until he gets older. I have a female pastel that was very mean when she was a hatchling. She would strike at the tub when i walked by. U might want to cover the cage with a towel just so he wont get startled when u walk by. Eventually he nippiness will go away as he gets older. When u have to grab him the best way i found out to not get bit is put a hand in front of him far enough for him to not reach u when he strikes. And with the other hand grab him from behind. Try not to pass your hand infront of him or he will strike at it even if you are holding him