my python is too shy

[drmoz2]

Hi, my ball python is scared of me big time. He does not bite though. He's a juvenile (born in 2007). Everything else is working ok with him. My fiancee and I have already managed to hold him on several occasions (we've had him for 2 months) and I am fully aware that ball pythons are very shy creatures but I think Bob is the most shy of them all. Can you please tell me how to get him used to us? Thanks.

[Sparky1]

Well it may not be that he is scared of you it could also be stress. Stress can come from there enviroment, make sure your temps and humidity are good. All of mine were a lil shy in the beginning, one that i have had for almost six months still acts shy when i first go to take him out but once he is out he does pretty good. And two months is not that long especially to only hold him a couple times, i try to hold mine at least once or twice a week for 5 to 15 minutes or longer if they are alright with it, sometimes it less if they dont feel like it. So try a lil more handling and see what he does.

[bearhart]

It takes some time. I think you'll find he develops a more relaxed, confident demeanor as he gets older. Patience and consistency are good things to practice (and can be hard when you first get one!).

As long as he's eating and doesn't seem too stressed out, I would recommend holding him for short sessions (5 to 20mins) 3 to 5 times a week.

My experience is that very slow and steady hand motions help alot. Also, getting him out of the cage gently helps get a handling session off to a good start. A good handling session would be one where the snake is happy to sit fairly still.

[Noek]

for the first five minutes of handling, my bp is always in a ball....then slowly he becomes more and more active to the point where I wish he'd go back in the ball

[leoares27]

Our first ball was like that too...very normal...
just make sure when you take her/him out, not to make any sudden movements...especially near her head...take her out like every other day...and just be patient...she will open up!

[Repti-Rob]

When I first got my pastel she had gotten stuck in an airport over night due to weather. After releasing her into her cage I did not see her for over a week except to get water. I left her alone for about a week and a half and built up her handling time in small amounts. So three months later she greets me at the cage door and slithers on to my hand for a "ride" I handle her for about 10-20 mins every other day and she eats like a champ and isn't even really jumpy during shed. It just takes time and a lot of patience!

[drmoz2]

Wow, thanks you all for all your replies. I did not expect so many in such a short time. Thanks, you gave me some very good pieces of advice. I feel more confident about Bob's shyness now.

nicolas