Behavior when handling

[Cvillegentry]

Been looking on the site for some general guidelines to handling my bp. For the most part it just says Typically the BP will ball up if scared, will go into an "S" shape if about to strike and will hiss if intimidated. Then it also says every snake has its own personality and these are just generalizations.

I was just curious as to everyone else's experience. I read through the rest of the site and couldnt find any real details on this. Im not afraid of getting bit. I just dont want a feeding response on me. I have been observing her. When feeding she is rather nonchalant about approaching her food and then eating it. She gives no sign of being ready to strike when feeding. I have however, been using live rat bedding to scent her food before I put it in her tank. Im hoping that helps make the distinction between food and me.

When I first got her she would ball up in my hand, or wrap around my arm and stay put. And she was always gentle. Lately when I sit down with her she will crawl around on my bed and look around. She will also rest by my hand and keep flicking it with her tongue. If I move she pulls her head back but relaxes after about a minute. She also has been less gentle lately holding onto my arm or hand more firmly. I dont mind her being more explorative and leaving my side. But her flicking me with her tongue remind me a bit much of before she strikes her prey.

Just wondering what behaviors I should be looking for to know when to put her back in her tank or when I am pushing getting bit. So far I handle her once a week as Ive been feeding her every fifth day.

[Inarikins]

The only time you're going to get a feeding response bite out of a ball python is when you smell like food. Don't smell like food and you're much less likely to get bit. The tongue-flickering is just how they sense their surroundings, like a dog sniffing the air. It's not indicative of an impending strike by any means.

[Dracoluna]

She's flicking around to smell. You're warm and she's being curious. The reason she pulls her head back is because you've startled her. As they get older, many snakes get better at holding on which would explain the firmer grip. Babies generally don't have as good a response to hanging on so it seems weaker.
If she's getting more jumpy and pulling away, then she's getting tired of being out/messed with.
With most snakes, if you handle them regularly, they will get used to it. Personally, I handle mine every day and it allows me to get to know their personalities better. I can tell if they're having an off day or if they are getting hungry. You'll see a difference in her behavior when that happens such as not wanting to stay near you or being extra jumpy. Just watch her and handle her plenty and it won't take long before you know what to look for with her.

[Cvillegentry]

Thanks.

[Slim]

Don't smell like food and you're much less likely to get bit.

This!

If you don't smell like food, and still get bit, that is a defensive strike due to her not being happy about something.

Sounds to me like that would be rare for your girl. Sounds like she's doing just fine.

[Mike41793]

No youre doing fine. Snakes have a very good sense of smell so you wont get a feeding response bite unless your hands smell like dinner. Even then theres a chance she may not react to the smell aggressively. I know some people can handle their snakes right after handling rats no problem. Personally id rather not take the risk