Question

[nikevijo]

I have a 6 month old that I have had for about 3 weeks now and he has struck at people when he is in his tub. He has also struck at me while my son was holding him (I was staring at him at the time). He has never bitten and he comes out of his defensive position while holding him after a few minutes then explores. Now the question.. Is this just him being nervous being in a new environment and with time he will chill out or is there a good chance he will be stay like this? He came from a big breeder and was not likely handled alot

[Kaorte]

There are some ball pythons that are a bit more nippy than others. Usually they calm down with age though.

My first questions when reading a thread about a bitey ball python are:

what are your temps like? strangely enough, these can have a big impact on your snakes behavior.

How are you measuring your temps? The device you use is also important because some devices are innacurate

What kind of hides does the snake have? If they aren't snug and tight fitting, this could be why he is so scared when you take him out if he doesn't feel safe in his own home.

What are you feeding him? How often? If a snake isn't being fed enough, they may also strike at you or the glass as you walk by. If he is closed mouth striking though, this is unlikely.

[nikevijo]

Everything is good in the rack, temp/humidity. He has a hide. He eats like a champ, twice a week. I hope he grows out of it

[Kaorte]

You could try giving him another hide. Aside from that, I would take him out every time you see him striking. If he strikes while you are handling him, keep him out. Putting him back will just make him realize that all he has to do is strike to get put back in the tub.

Short handling sessions a few times a week should calm him down. Remember, you are a big scary monster to the little guy!

[nikevijo]

Thanks

[WaRocker]

Well I have a lil 6 month old and she does the same. But I know she is just trying to defend herself from this huge heat source and moving object.
Yup she tries to bite as I pull her out and as people walk by as well. Its a baby thing.
With regular holding even if it does bit you dont just put it back.. That would let it know if it bites and you put away then you'll know every time they want down.. lol
So again the reg. holding and as it gets older it will chill out on the whole strike thing due to it knows your not its enemy.
Just remember when you do get tagged it hurts more in your head than the actual bite. So try not to yank back and freak out.. lol As easy as that sounds it takes control..
Good luck on working with your BP.

[mr. s]

Right after I picked up a young bp from a local show I made the mistake of trying to handle it too soon. I thought that the more I handled it, the better it would be for the snake. I was informed that one should leave the snake to get used to the enclosure for a week or more with no handling, (and in some cases not offering food). This will help the snake become more comfortable with its surroundings. This was the case with mine, and once it had some alone time he never had another problem from then on.
Now it sounds like everyone else is suggesting you do something different.
This is just my experience. I am not sure if it will work for you.
Cheers.

[mpkeelee]

when i first got mine as a hatchling she did that and i just held her and covered her head with my hands for a lil bit so she could smell me and learn that i am not a threat. just be careful with it and let her get used to u and learn u are not a threat

[justinsane82]

When it snaps at you...snap back. Show it who's boss....I joke I joke I kid I kid