HOW TO TELL ball python is happy?

[FeathersRuff]

While handling...if the snake cruises slowly and tongue-flicks and in general seems relaxed and ready to explore, those are all good signs. If they ball up tightly in your hands, strike out at you or the air, make jerky movements, or actively (franticly) try to escape your grasp...those are all signs that the ball python is stressed about being handled at that time and handling should be kept minimal.
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Whats the difference between cruising and franticly trying to escape? When I handle my 8 month old BP she never really sits still for too long. She usually slithers all around my body or down my leg. I always thought that was just her exploring and wanting to go places.

[enginee837]

If it eats regularly, sheds well, does not get RI's, and does not try to eat your face when you pick it up.... you have the happiest little bp you will ever have.

[butterballpython]

I just went to check my new little bp, and he tried to strike at me. I'm guessing this means he is not happy.

[Eric Alan]

I just went to check my new little bp, and he tried to strike at me. I'm guessing this means he is not happy.

Not necessarily. It could mean that you have an animal with a fantastic feeding response. As long as you're still meeting his needs, he could easily be very happy. I'll take that kind of response from an animal in my collection every day of the week and twice on Sundays!

Edit: Little ones also tend to have more of an attitude. They're still trying to figure out if you fit into the "going to eat me" or "not going to eat me" or "I'm going to eat you" bucket. It's pretty funny while it lasts, IMO.

[Eric Alan]

Whats the difference between cruising and franticly trying to escape? When I handle my 8 month old BP she never really sits still for too long. She usually slithers all around my body or down my leg. I always thought that was just her exploring and wanting to go places.

When you see it, you'll know. It's amazing how quick they can move when they don't like what's going on around them.

[melcvt00]

Whats the difference between cruising and franticly trying to escape? When I handle my 8 month old BP she never really sits still for too long. She usually slithers all around my body or down my leg. I always thought that was just her exploring and wanting to go places.

If if she is not moving around so much and so quickly that you are worried that you might drop her, she likely is not freaking out.