How to handle an "unhandleable" BP

[OzarkMountainBalls]

I have an 09 het pied female. My other 10 bp's are very friendly, very easily handled. This little girls is down right mean. If I am anywere within 3 foot of the cage she will strike. If I set her down on the bed she will position herself towards me and strike at any movement. At first I could get her out of the cage with a hook and then she was OK to be handled. I assumed with regular handling she would be ok. I was wrong. Does anyone know what I can do to stop being bit? I can keep handling to a minimum but I do have to handle regularly to perform maintenance. I am seriously considering finding another het pied female with the temerament to match my other bp's but I would rather not have to. Does anyone have any ideas or things I could try to calm this girl down?

Thanks,
Bill@OMB

[bsash]

My super cinnamon male is like that, but he is getting a little better. What I have been doing is handling 10-15 minutes a day, I sit by his cage and read occasionally for him to get used to me being around. Also, I feed him every five days rather than every seven like I do with everyone else, he has a bigger appetite than any of my other snakes hatchling or adult. Other than that, I don't know what to tell you, other than good luck. Hope it works out for you!

[OzarkMountainBalls]

I appreciate the quick reply. I did regularly handle this girl but things have just gone down hill. I have had her since march 09. All my handling attempts seem to not help. And a lack of handling seems to have made things worse. I can only assume I am making a mistake somehow. Once again thank you all for your help in advance.

Thanks,
Bill@OMB

[Exotic Ectotherms]

Check out this video

http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...d.php?t=120196

[Big Gunns]

There is no such "BP" in existence, only wimpy humans that think they own such a "BP".

Man up and show that "BP" who's boss.

[OzarkMountainBalls]

That was a good video. I wish my ball seemed as calm as that gentleman's boa. I have tried the flat palm trick and still can't get anywere near her without getting nailed. its looking like my girl may end up heading down the road to someone better able to handle an aggressive snake.

[Big Gunns]

That was a good video. I wish my ball seemed as calm as that gentleman's boa. I have tried the flat palm trick and still can't get anywere near her without getting nailed. its looking like my girl may end up heading down the road to someone better able to handle an aggressive snake.

Reach around to the back of the Ball Python. The curve opposite the head and pick her up. Ball are not that flexible...she won't be able to nail you once you master this technique.

[mommanessy247]

that was a good video.

[kellysballs]

I would feed her more and pick her up anyway. Break the "hunt" when she coils up at you. Take hemostats or your hook and tap her on the head when she coils (not hard just touch). Put her in a snake bag and let her sit with you while your surf the net or watch tv.

Don't be afraid of her if you need to let her bite you so you know it doesn't hurt to bad. The main thing I find is hesitation will get you bit. Just find what ever technique is best for you, this guys hand over the head trick, "breaking the hunt", picking up behind the S coil like another poster mentioned. What ever it is open the cage reach in a pick her up every time with no hesitation. That way she doesn't have a chance to get all worked up.

If you cant handle it just send to me . Maybe the saying "changes in latitude changes in attitude" will work for balls too!

[j_h_smith]

I have a ball python something like that. However, if your snake is getting worse than better, I would look for causes.

Hows the temps and humidity?

Does the snake have a hide?

How often are you feeding the snake?

Is there anything in the house that could be causing this? Maybe a dog or cat that comes around the cage? Maybe a scent coming from something?

Something to think about, do you have an appropriate day/night cycle?

Do you keep water in the cage all the time?

What kind of substrate are you using?

Is the cage too big or too small?

These are few things I can think of that could cause this behavior.

Good Luck!
Jim Smith