My ball python hates my girlfriend...help!

[barbie.dragon]

The breeder for my snake told me (anecdotal) his snakes know when it's not him holding them so they get a little weird. He said all his snakes hated this one guy. Everything he would let the strange guy hold the snake thy would thrash about. A month later the dude ripped my breeder off and ran away. Not saying your Gf is a baddie but I guess snakes just don't like certain people!

[BrandiR]

Put him in the freezer for punishment

Kidding, of course. Haven't had much experience with snakes preferring one person vs another one. My snakes are a little calmer with me, but I think that's because I've lost the bite apprehension (no nervous movement = calmer snake). Maybe let her handle him with gloves? Or if she doesn't care about getting bit then small periods of handling. Double check your husbandry just in case it's an environmental stress. Does she have any rodent pets that might be leaving smell on her clothes/body?

Dammit! I have been waiting for an opportunity to use that line!! I got positively giddy when I saw the original post. Oh well...maybe next time

[Valentine Pirate]

Dammit! I have been waiting for an opportunity to use that line!! I got positively giddy when I saw the original post. Oh well...maybe next time

I'll leave it at one and done! It'll be fun to see someone else use it The idea is so hysterical to me, and I instantly feel terrible when I remember someone actually tried it. But.. It's like people trying out snake "leashes"

[kdreptiles]

I'll admit I didn't read this whole thread, but does she happen to have a predatory pet at home that you don't? Maybe she has a cat or a ferret that you don't have. Strange predator scent can surely put them on edge.

[arialmt]

When my acquired adult was getting acclimated to the house, she would strike the glass at one roommate. Once that roommate lost her fear ( or more likely the snake got used to her new home) all that nippy business stopped.