Quote Originally Posted by angllady2 View Post
The above suggestions are all good points.

First off, give the snake a week or two with very minimal handling, only for cleaning. After the first quiet week, offer food. Most BP's are timid in a new place and hesitate to eat. Since we don't want your new snake to stop eating on top of the other stress, it is importent that it's eating well first, being handled second.

Once your snake has taken two or three regular meals for you, you can being regular gentle handling. Odds are by this time, it won't be rushing to hide from you, but if it is that's ok. Since a hiding ball is a happy ball, you will need to pick it up from the hide sooner or later.

My method is simple, I open the enclosure gently, if the ball is in it's hide I ever so lightly tap the top or side of the hide and then roll the hide slowly off from one side rather than lifting straight off. For my snakes at least, this seems to let them know it's me rather than a sudden, frightening lack of security. Once the hide is off, most of my snakes are watching me, so I gently stroke along the back or tail furthest from their head. Again, this is to let them know it's me and that I desire to pick them up. After that gentle stroke, I can pick them up with no fuss at all. They have become accustom to that routine, and it even works when they are deep in shed and cannot see.

Remember balls are terrestrial snakes and poor climbers, so make sure you offer plenty of support when you hold yours to avoid a fall or sudden constriction because the snake fears a fall. Start off slowly, with a 10 minute session each day except on the two days after a feed. I also don't recommend holding right before feeding. For example, I feed my snakes a 9pm each Sunday. So I don't go in and start holding at 7:30. However, I have no problems if I want to spend time with one at lunchtime on Sunday. It is recommended to avoid handling for 48 hours after feeding to avoid the danger of regurgitation of the snake's meal which is very unpleasant and can harm the snake.

Once you have built up a measure of trust and acclimation, you can increase the length of your handling to 15 minutes, then 20. I try not to handle anyone longer than about 30 minutes at a time, unless they are relaxed. Usually by the 30 minute mark, they get really antsy and then I know they want to go back to their enclosure. However, I have one or more who regularly just want to veg with me watching t.v. or on the computer, and as long as they are relaxed and calm, they can stay out for an hour or so. Most of mine drape themselves across my shoulders or down one arm and just chill.

So in a nutshell, take it slow. Establish a good feeding pattern first, then gradually build the trust with gentle handling, you'll be an old hand in no time.

Gale
This is great advice!!! I wish someone would have told me this years ago, i had to learn it all on my own or with random help here and there.

Give him/her some time and once they are eating well, then you can start handling. Just imagine your in there shoes, it's a pretty scary thing being changed from one place to another, the car ride, different scents, etc.