I recently got a rescued Ball Python, and well. He's not the nicest snake i've ever dealt with. I have done allot of work with wild snakes, docile (oak, garter,king ect) and aggressive (Rattle, indigo, copper head,ect). But I have never had a snake meant to be kept in the house. And I also know very little about Ball Python personalities. And yes, I have worked with enough snakes that I know they they all have their own personality. So I want a bit of an educated opinion on how best to take care of, and get along with my new friend. Also I named the most ornery snake possible "Mittens".

First off, he is a rescued snake. And I strongly believed that his previous owners underfed him and constantly teased and harassed him to make him as defensive as he is. I hate saying that he is mean, because I know he was mistreated. But he is very hostile.

First thing I did when I got him was research, found this post. http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...us)-Caresheet& . And followed it as closely as I could.

I had him checked out for any infections or diseases, And I get him fattened up a bit. He has no problem eating at all. I feed him thawed mice and his strike is so hard I think the mouse is half swallowed before he hits the ground. I have the tank very strictly regulated temp and humidity, proper hides. And also I noticed that he is very active at night and likes to climb. So I added a few small white oak branches cut cleanly, the cut ends rounded off to prevent any snagging or scratching. And I actually think adding something for him to climb on calmed him down a bit.

The problem is whenever I try to change his water or move him to clean his tank. I can't get anywhere near him without him striking. It's not really a problem to me because I am used to handling aggressive snakes. But I know that a ball is normally calm and pretty docile. Mittens won't curl into a ball. His first reaction is to strike. And I know it's from his previous owners, I just want him to feel a bit safer and calm down a bit.

P.S. Sorry for terrible typing, My left wrist is broke. Can't really use my fingers. I edited as best I could.