Getting used to a Ball Python, need tips.

[Snagrio]

Back to this situation: a ball python hiding his head when you touch him is just afraid. Personally, what I would do in this situation is to briefly "pet" him lightly mid-body, then gently pick him up with my hands underneath his body & cuddle him close to me for a while so he can learn that he's not under "attack". Don't try to force his head if he still "hides"- just be patient & supportive.

Please don't panic if he finally looks at you either. Just keep in mind that snakes rely on their instincts to survive, & in the wild, the only thing that normally picks them up is a predator that's about to EAT them. He has every reason to fear you.

So please remember that you aren't the only one that's scared of being bitten...so is your snake! You have a lot in common, so try to relax and communicate that to him by your touch. If you wait for him to bravely look at you before you try to handle him, you might be waiting a very long time, as this (hiding) is what's "working" for him...each time, you've been going away, lol.

Another thing to add to this is, instead of trying to touch his head with your fingers, let him touch your fingers with his head. Once your snake becomes more relaxed in your hands, he'll likely start to move around in them, and will inevitably bump and rub his head against your fingers. Let him do this on his own for a few sessions before very slowly and gently moving your fingers with him when he touches them (do NOT "boop" him, that will only startle and stress him out during this crucial period of trust-building). That way he will learn on a deeper level that your hands aren't dangerous.

This is important to teach a snake should there come a day where you need to inspect their face for something like an illness or foreign object. Better to have them used to having their face touched and be more relaxed than struggling and panicking, leading to further complications and leaving you frustrated.

[Bogertophis]

I very much agree ^ ^ ^ . Snakes don't like their heads touched, much less 'booped'- keep it "natural"- let them crawl thru your hands & they'll get used to slight touches without causing panic, yours or theirs. As Snagrio mentioned, this can really help when the day comes you need to restrain & examine or medicate (etc.) your snake; calm is contagious. I've never once had a snake bite me (or a vet) for doing something unpleasant in the way of assistance or medical treatment, so I think that on some level, they do learn to trust us, to feel safe with us- that's the goal.