Just a few random questions that I would like to know !?!?!

[willgti]

Hey everyone I just have a few questions that I though about when I was holding my snake tonight and would like some input on them.

So basically I have had my male spider ball for about 3 months now at first he was a little bugger and not very nice ....but he has made a complete 360 since then I can handle him all day long and doesn't seem to mind ...No more tensing up when I go into the tank or no more strike mode which is awesome .....But my first question is that I really want too let him explore outside of his tank while I am watching of course just too see him slither and his movements and what not ... Should I let this happen? If so what is the best way for me too do that ?

Second question is probably one that had been asked a million times but I want too know is there a way that I can make my snake not head shy ? Or will he grow out of it ? Or is there a way too make him not head shy ?

Just would like too know what you guys think and maybe get some answers .

Thanks,

[fredanthony]

As for letting them out no problem with that BUT they are masters of escape. They can disappear in a moment, so you must be aware at all times. On to the head shy, many will simply outgrow this as they get more comfortable with you and being handled etc. I do however have a killer bee male who is over 650 grams and even so he is super head shy. He'll even stay in whatever position you place him as long as his head is hidden. I guess my answer is it just depends on the snake. Hope that helps

[spitzu]

I always "unintentionally" brush up against all of my guys' heads while they're out; even if it is just for a minute while I clean the tub. It's a real pain checking for RIs if the snake is shy.

And personally I don't let my BPs roam the house, even if I'm paying attention. I had a 100 gram girl slither off of my arm and get down into my couch in the split second between eye blinks. It took *forever* to catch her. Murphy loves BPs, I think, so make use of the bathtub if you want to let your snakes explore.

[fredanthony]

Just clarify when I say let them out I don't not mean place them on the floor in a room and let them be. I meant holding them or having them on your lap, body etc. Even then you'd be surprised at how they can slither off of you without you noticing. And yes, if they get into the couch our between furniture it can be a headache getting them out. Just some clarification.

[blushingball419]

I don't think there's anything wrong with letting your bp explore a little bit as long as you supervise him. You just always have to be aware of his surroundings and where he's headed. It's especially important to keep an eye on him around furniture (couches and armchairs seem to be popular escape hideouts), but if you see him anywhere near anything that he could get wrapped around or tangled in, that would also be bad. So as long as you watch him closely and are ready to grab him or re-direct his course, then it shouldn't be a problem

As far as him being head shy, it really depends on the snake (as was already mentioned). Ball pythons are simply shy snakes by nature, so when he pulls back it's not that you're doing anything wrong or that he dislikes you or anything, it's just a reflex. Some of them do grow out of it on their own, but others will always be a little skittish. I agree with spitzu though, if you can slowly and gently brush up against or touch his head every once and awhile, that might help him get more used to it. No guarantees though

[sorakitty]

For letting him out, I would say go for it. I've had my snake for about a year now and I'll let her roam around in the house. But only in my living room or bedroom because they are so big and open. Make sure you keep and eye on him though. I personally am always within arms reach of her so if she's getting to close to something I don't want her near I'll pick her up and move her back. But just be carful because if you spook him they can MOVE. I had accidentally spooked my little one and she bolted half way across the room in no time. Never seen them move that fast. lol.

As for the head shy thing, I don't know if it's something he'll grow out of or not. On my own personal experience my little one isn't very head shy to begin with, but she does have her days where if I pet her head she'll pull back a little as if to let me know she doesn't want me to touch her head, but other days she's doesn't care if I pet her head. So it just might be something he could possible get use to.