active ball

[Jibler]

Hey guys i am new to ball pythons got my first last month she has had three small F/T rats she is very friendly. But when i handle her she is in a ball for the first minute or two then she is always making her way up my arm and to my neck to the point where i start to get a little nervous handling her i am just wondering if this is normal or a sign of stress

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[MaxT815]

Completley normal. Shes just exploring and checking you out. No need to be nervous. Ball pythons very rarely bite and if the do you cant feel it their teeth are super tiny. All good. Hope you enjoy your pet!

[Bogertophis]

I agree, this is normal. Some snakes (like BPs) try to "hide" in a ball when they're afraid...remember that they're "wild animals" even when captive-bred-
meaning they rely on their instincts. The only thing that normally picks them up in the wild is a predator trying to eat them...so we're pretty scary to them, whether
or not we mean to be. Once your snake "un-winds" she is then heading up your arm toward your shoulders as a place to hide, and it's also warm & cozy from her
perspective. They greatly prefer to be up against something rather than out in the open (as she is while in your hands) to better hide from predators. I find that
most snakes relax better when we relax too...sit down & mellow out when you handle them, especially when they're just getting to know you.

[Mommabear.Yoli]

I have read a ton and asked a million people questions when j first got our snakes.. read a lot. Then read some more.. but I have always read that they do not like red lights . A CHE is best. But my son's 4 month old is totally active when he's out hanging around. He shoots straight up my son's arm and on his head and down to his legs. Winds up and hangs around his feet the most. Hey do like to curl up to something warm and kinda tucked away .. I think your Ball is totally normal. Good luck !