BP Personalities

[ShortStack]

Like every person, I think that every animal has their own personalities. I haven't had a snake in years, since I was a kid. Back then it was just a cool pet, lol. I am hoping to be getting one soon, and I really want to learn as much as I can before I buy one. Are there any tips to deciphering the temperments of baby ball pythons?

I think that handling the snake over time will help him/her become more comfortable with being held and whatnot, but I wasn't sure if there were things to look for when looking around at different snakes that can give me some idea if they are naturally more docile, aggressive, timid, ect. I don't want to just buy the first snake I see, but hold and see several to help find the right one.

[TrpnBils]

I'm sure there are exceptions, but I think you'd be hard pressed to find a "mean" ball python. Hatchlings and neonates of just about every species out there are snappier than the adults, so you're probably going to get struck at by a hatchling ball at some point. It might only happen once or twice, but you'll get bit, realize it's not as bad as you'd thought it would be, and you'll get over it quick.

Now having said that, ball pythons are far more mellow than a lot of other snakes and even the worst ball python is probably a far better experience than some of the other choices floating around the market. I think every hatchling BP is going to have its bad days, but they're probably all just about equal in terms of personality at that age and I'd go for which one looks better rather than which one acts nicer.

[majorleaguereptiles]

Yes tips would be reading body language when you handle them. It's so funny because I was just going to start a thread with this same topic. I just got a female butter enchi and she is an absolute fiery pissy you know what. She strikes at anything. While I have other babies that just are chill as chill can be, body relaxed when you hold them, never strike. Although I do like my snakes with a little edge, I think it's more natural when they act that way. Also, yes I firmly believe a snake will tame out the more you hold them. They will get more and more comfortable. Good luck in your search.

[Donald M]

My two bps are gentle too most of the time i try to put them down they refuse to leave my hand. I spent 5mins trying to get them to go leave my hand and go back into the cage naturally. I had to put them in the cage with the other hand.

[ShortStack]

Thanks yall! I know that for the most part all BP's are going to be pretty calm, which is one reason why I'm starting with them. I hope to eventually have a lot more snakes, and a wider variety of breeds, but only after a lot of experience.

On a side note, my boyfriend said that when I first bring him/her home, to let them get acclimated to their new environment for a while before handling them too much. I thought that holding them from the beginning would help them get used to me. Which is the better way to go?

[Monster Dodge]

Becareful... some of these BP's are man eaters given the right errr... wrong temperment!! Bite your hand clean off

[DZ Reptiles]

When you first get your snake home, leave him/her be for about a week. Moving to a new home can be stressful for a snake. Just as it for us humans! Giving him/her a week to settle in to its new home, will help tremendously. Stress can cause a lot of things to go wrong with caring for snakes, such as aggression, not eating, and bad sheds.
After about a week you can start regularly handling your BP, except for 2 to 3 days after feeding.

Good luck!

[ShortStack]

Thanks DZ.. Except for the fact I have admit he was *gasp* right now!! LOL

[floridayank22]

Thanks DZ.. Except for the fact I have admit he was *gasp* right now!! LOL

see i have learned alot from these guys and the ones on herp center but its ok bc ill remind you of what you wrote for a long time

justin

[ShortStack]

see i have learned alot from these guys and the ones on herp center but its ok bc ill remind you of what you wrote for a long time

justin

Lol, I know you have.. Just looking for other opinions.. But I'm sure now that you have the fact I admitted you were right in writing for once, I will be reminded for a long time to come, lol.