Tips for Handling?

[Gruba]

I have a 1.5 yr old male bp. He's awesome and is super easy to handle. I have no problems handling him and even my 2 boys, at 3.5 and 1.5, are able to handle him easily with supervision. My question is about my husband. Hes nervous about handling him. Anyone have any good tips to help him get comfortable handling the snake? I've tried everything I can think of, he even watched me clean the tank out today while the snake just sat around my neck. He'll hold the snake for a couple minutes if I take him out and set him on my husbands hand and forearm but he just stands there like a statue. The snake was my husbands idea and I'd love for him to get comfortable enough to actually handle and enjoy him, instead of being a perch.

[redshepherd]

Is he scared of the ball python, or does he just not know what to do/how to move?

If he's just confused how to hold them, maybe I'd tell him specific instructions like:

1. support the middle heaviest parts of its body
2. move your hand wherever is needed to help it keep balance
3. re-direct its head by holding your hand under the lower neck and moving it
4. it won't run away? LOL

Maybe he should practice sitting with it on his lap first.

[bowman1710]

My girlfriend had a phobia of snakes, she was petrified to the point she would shake seeing it. The way I got around the issue was both sitting down together letting her hold the body while I controlled the head (the scary end lol) and just letting her support the body. After a while of doing that she realised that she wasn't going to get eaten alive and became more confident, it's all about little steps and building that level of confidence whether it's fear of the snake or fear of not knowing what to do. Hope that helps

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[Gruba]

He's always been scared of snakes. Especially smaller snakes. I'm hoping as he grows, my husband will get more comfortable. As it is now, he basically puts his arm and hand out, palm up and I place the snake on him, making sure he's supported properly. I stand right beside him to control the head and take it off. That's all he'll do, he won't sit down with it, won't hold it on his lap... My husband will run away before th snake! Haha. So basically, keep making him handle the snake a little bit at a time until he relaxes?

[cletus]

I wouldn't worry about it. If he doesn't want to handle the snake I wouldn't push him. This isn't something he HAS to enjoy.

[SiXandSeven8ths]

I was the same way, for the most part. I agreed to the snake as I was fascinated but also apprehensive. I wasn't so much as scared, but nervous that I was going to not handle correctly or do something wrong, as well as the creepy-crawly feeling. After a couple handlings, I started to get more comfortable. Don't push him, let him get there at his own pace. Guide him and encourage him.

[Gruba]

I wouldn't worry about it. If he doesn't want to handle the snake I wouldn't push him. This isn't something he HAS to enjoy.

He wants to. Right from the beginning he's been interested. He was actually more involved in the cleaning, changing water, general tank upkeep routine than I was at first. Now that Millow has settled in and gotten used to us and enjoys coming out, he's gotten less involved. Maybe we'll try with a long sleeve shirt to avoid the slithering feeling. I think he gets nervous around Millow's head. I do my best to keep his head away but, he's a pretty cuddly snake and seems to like having his head resting on us.


Thanks for the tips and advice everyone!

[Coluber42]

Honestly, it's probably similar advice as for a snake that's nervous about being handled. Keep handling sessions short and low-stress, and minimize negative or startling experiences. It takes time for animals to overcome deep-seated fears, even human animals. 😃

[Gruba]

Tall about timing. My husband came home from work today and asked to hold Millow! Held him for about 5 minutes and was almost comfortable. He was a little tense but more relaxed than usual!

[redshepherd]

Maybe he found this thread. HAHA

But good for him!! That's interesting that he wants to be super involved with the snake but has a phobia.