Feeding response??

[kc261]

Today I was cleaning out some of the BP tubs. One of them wrapped very tightly around my finger and hand when I picked her up, and I do mean tightly... it was significantly tighter than any BP or snake I've ever held. She did not strike or bite or even open her mouth, and in fact although she coiled me with almost her entire body down to the tip of her tail, the one part that wasn't wrapped up was her head. I started to try to unwind her, and she responded by wrapping even tighter. She was wrapped so tightly that although I knew I could force her off, I was slightly concerned I might hurt her in the process. So I just decided to wait her out and sat still. Unfortunately she had no inclination to loosen her hold at all, and when I noticed the tip of my finger was turning purple, I decided enough was enough and ran some water over her head. That got her to loosen her hold immediately.

So was this a feeding response? Maybe she thought she was going to fall and was holding on for dear life? Any other ideas?

I'm not concerned; just curious what was going on in her head.

[boboso]

Today I was cleaning out some of the BP tubs. One of them wrapped very tightly around my finger and hand when I picked her up, and I do mean tightly... it was significantly tighter than any BP or snake I've ever held. She did not strike or bite or even open her mouth, and in fact although she coiled me with almost her entire body down to the tip of her tail, the one part that wasn't wrapped up was her head. I started to try to unwind her, and she responded by wrapping even tighter. She was wrapped so tightly that although I knew I could force her off, I was slightly concerned I might hurt her in the process. So I just decided to wait her out and sat still. Unfortunately she had no inclination to loosen her hold at all, and when I noticed the tip of my finger was turning purple, I decided enough was enough and ran some water over her head. That got her to loosen her hold immediately.

So was this a feeding response? Maybe she thought she was going to fall and was holding on for dear life? Any other ideas?

I'm not concerned; just curious what was going on in her head.

I'm thinking it was a "holding" response, perhaps not feeling comfortable for some reason and decided to hold. Our new BP has done this as well and typically has his tail wrapped tightly no matter the position. Micky is loosening up however as he acclimates to his new home with us...

[starmom]

I agree with boboso~ sounds like the snake was just holding on. I believe if it were a feeding response a bite would have preceded the wrap

They are strong little buggers, aren't they?!?!

[skaplan86]

I agree...

I put George around my neck usually when I'm changing the paper in his tub and if i do any fast turns or anything he generally tightens up. Luckly he isn't strong enough to harm me and with a gentle tug or putting a hand between his belly and my neck he usually loosens up...

never any bites and the squeeze always comes slowly and just increases. Usually you can feel him pulsating too. I think they like to do get a good squeeze in every now and then to just flex and stretch everything.

[erollinc]

hmm my adult ball python has never squeezed me hard and he doesnt hold onto me very good either ... lol sometimes im worried he'll fall off my shoulders when hes around my neck...

but then again hes about a year old so i guess hes just confident

[Hapa_Haole]

hmm my adult ball python has never squeezed me hard and he doesnt hold onto me very good either ... lol sometimes im worried he'll fall off my shoulders when hes around my neck...

BPs aren't arboreal snakes so they are pretty lousy climbers. Mine would fall off me 24/7 if I didn't keep an eye on her!